Description
I bought this XKR in March 2022 after looking for the best example I could find for about 12 months. Personally I think the 2003 year is the best year for this marque. All the early issues they had have been well resolved and it’s pre-facelift so looks absolutely beautiful. The reason for choosing this particular XKR was the low mileage and excellent condition. Registered in early 2003, the high spec XKR was sent to it’s only owner for the first 15 years of its life in Japan, where it was pampered rather than really driven. To own such a high end British car is seen somewhat as a status symbol, and therefore, these types of cars get well maintained and looked after, not to mention the lack of salt on the roads keeps the underside extremely clean. Since coming to the UK the car has been garaged and not really used in bad weather conditions, so is still incredibly clean on the underside.
Finished in Midnight Black, the 2003 XKR looks fantastic. As we all know with a black car, swirl marks are easily picked up and very noticeable. Although there are some to be seen, in general the paint is in excellent condition, with no signs of any paintwork being carried out. In fact I had the Jaguar ceramic coated by Aligned Detailing around 12 months ago so it really does look spectacular and will do for many years to come.
Sitting in the driver's seat is a nice place to be, with the wood/ leather rim steering wheel showing no wear. The burr walnut facia of the dashboard is in good condition with no fading or cracking to the wood. The instruments are showing no warning lights and the odometer has a reading of around 40/ 41, 000 kilometers (25, 000miles). It’s worth pointing out here that the speedo display is now in MPH for easier reading day to day, but the odometer is in kilometers. As the car came from Japan, the satellite navigation system has been changed for UK road usage and works well, though rather basic as it’s 21 years old. The radio has been modified to accept UK radio stations. All the switches are working as they should, with no wear to the buttons. There is a small split to the walnut trim around the gear lever surround and this needs work/ replacing but is rather a small matter.
As mentioned, cars from Japan don't really see any salt, therefore don't have the corrosion issues we get here in Britain. You'll be pleased to know the underside is exceptional for the year of the vehicle. The engine bay is well presented, with no areas of concern to point out.
The 4. 2 Supercharged V8 fires up first time and purrs along nice and smooth with just the distinct deep note of a V8 nearby. A light blip of the throttle confirms that there is in fact a V8 sitting in there, which sounds fantastic as it breathes through the two tailpipes.
The XJR drives and handles just as it should, it pulls through the gears nicely and changes smoothly with no noises creeping in that shouldn't be there. The brakes are also excellent in the way of stopping you straight and also to look at. The calipers are nice and clean with no obvious corrosion and still finished with the Jaguar logo.
The car was serviced last year and has just passed an MOT Test in the last 2 weeks so has a full 12 months.
It has not been serviced this year due to me just having no time to take her out. This summer was not great and the days I was free it was pouring with rain. The car is well looked after at South Coast Classic Car Storage and is on a trickle charge when not in use. It is also started every month and run up to temperature.
It will come with a verified Jevic certificate and a full Japanese service history. Since the car came to the UK it’s had exactly what it needed to keep up the pristine history, from new tyres, steering rack gaiters, and anti-roll bar drop links.
I encourage viewing but I will need a couple of days notice as it sits in a warehouse with many other classic cars and is not always at the front, especially after Goodwood.
Any questions whatsoever please call.
