Lot 019: 2003 JAGUAR XKR COUPE

Introduced at the March 1996 Geneva Motor Show, some forty-five years after the E-type had made its debut there, the Jaguar XK8 was styled in-house by the late Geoff Lawson (whose other accomplishments included the XJ8 saloon and XJ220 supercar). Visually indebted to its iconic forebear, the two-door sported an elongated bonnet, oval grille aperture and muscular haunches. Utilising the same floorpan as the Aston Martin DB7, it was equipped with fully independent suspension, speed sensitive power steering and ventilated ABS disc brakes. Available in coupe or convertibles guises, the model was powered by an all-alloy 3996cc 'quad cam' 32-valve V8 engine allied to five-speed automatic transmission. With some 290bhp and 290lbft of torque on tap, the XK8 was reputedly capable of 0-60mph and 155mph. A relaxed and refined grand tourer, it was felt by many to lack a sporting edge. The same, however, could not be said of its XKR stablemate which arrived during May 1998. Although, little changed on the surface apart from a mesh grille insert, louvered bonnet and subtle tail-lip spoiler, the newcomer was able to claim an additional 80bhp and 97lbft of torque thanks to the addition of an intercooled Eaton supercharger. Fitted with Jaguar's Dynamic Stability Control system as standard and limited to 155mph, the XKR served up Porsche 911 humbling figures (0-60mph in 5.2 seconds, 0-155mph in 34.0 seconds). Updated for the 2003 model year, the XKR gained an enlarged 4196cc powerplant (400bhp, 408lbft) and new six-speed automatic transmission. Arguably not as focused as some of its less luxurious rivals, the XKR traded ultimate dynamic prowess for a healthy dose of character. Finished in metallic silver with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Said to have had just one previous keeper, 'YC03 NWS' has apparently been "maintained and displayed in the premises of its current owner, The Yorkshire Motor Museum, since 2006". Riding on five-spoke alloy wheels, this stunning Jaguar is offered for sale with current MOT certificate and road fund licence. PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has recently been treated to a brake system overhaul by the Yorkshire Motor Museum.