1998 JAGUAR XKR 'PARAMOUNT PERFORMANCE'

This 1998 Jaguar XKR Convertible is a cherished, low-mileage example of a high-performance drop-top grand tourer, enhanced by tuning specialist Paramount Performance. Powered by a 4.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, this example shows just 53,500 miles from new.

First registered on 4 February 1998, this car is understood to have been a demonstrator for the modifications offered by Paramount Performance, commissioned directly by TWR Jaguar in Coventry – at a cost of around £26,000 over the base XKR. The vendor purchased it directly from the TWR showroom in August 2000, and has kept the car in very good order over nearly 21 years. It has always been a ‘second car’, well-cared for and driven sparingly.

The car has benefitted from being garaged throughout the vendor’s ownership, with the metallic Blue Sapphire paintwork presenting in very good condition for its age. There are a number of small touched-in scuffs around the vehicle which are shown in the gallery below.

The Paramount Performance upgrade included the fitment of an aerodynamic ‘Burnham’ bodykit, which remains in great shape, as well as a Paramount sports exhaust system. The upgraded 19-inch split-rim Paramount Performance wheels - a £2,000 per corner option in period - have some minor kerbing grazes.

Inside, the Paramount Performance upgrades were more restrained. The dashboard gained a unique steel dash trim kit, along with an in-car telephone and selectable steering mode. The interior presents well overall, with minor marks to the leather, some loose stitching on the driver’s seat base, and some wear to the driver’s seat bolsters. Its factory specification includes heated front seats, the Harmon/Kardon sound system, climate control, and cruise control; as well as Armourfend stone chip guard and ceramic paint protection.

The vendor reports that the car has been well-maintained throughout their near-21-year ownership, though it has seen relatively sparing use over the last decade, and has spent the last three years in storage. It received a full ‘recommissioning’ at around 48,000 miles due to a lack of use, which included replacement belts, chains, and tensioners, as well as various new hoses; all at a total cost of some £4,000. The last full routine service took place approximately 50 miles ago at LJK Motors, though the paperwork is not present. In addition to the usual consumables, the gearbox oil was replaced.

The last MOT test was carried out on 13 August 2020, and resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. In fact, the car has always passed at the first attempt over the last 18 years – a very good indicator of the care and attention from the long-term owner.

This Jaguar XKR Convertible by Paramount Performance is an appealing bespoke version of the high-performance roadster, and with so few cars built, you would be hard-pressed to find another. Combined with its low mileage and cherished ownership of nearly 21 years, this would make a great addition to any Jaguar collection, and is ready to deliver open-top thrills throughout the warmer spring and summer months.

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