2001 Jaguar XKR Supercharged

Description

Jaguar is perhaps most famous for their slinky 2-seat convertibles, and this supercharged 2001 XKR continues the tradition in grand style. With an original sticker price of over $80,000, it has obviously been carefully handled and includes all the recommended updates and service items, making this one among the most affordable luxury/performance convertibles you'll find anywhere.

Finished in basic black, this looks like the right car to have inherited the E-Type's legacy. Long, smooth, with a very pronounced hood, an oval air intake, and smooth headlamps, it's instantly recognizable as a Jaguar. But this isn't just the garden-variety XK8 convertible; it's the R model, which includes a bunch of upgrades that take it from pleasant touring car to snarling performance machine. The care this car has received is obvious, as it looks incredibly fresh despite its years on the road, and even the high-wear areas like the nose and rocker panels are in good shape with only modest evidence of use. With a decent shine that clearly demonstrates that $80,000 paint is better than $30,000 paint, it remains a tribute to the artisans in Coventry who assemble these cars. No, it's not perfect and has been driven, but showing up in this car is still going to attract attention and there's no need to tell anyone how affordable it really is. And it's a bit of a stealth-mobile as well, because it'll take a skilled eye to spot the vents on the hood that indicate a supercharged engine lurking underneath.

Jaguar is rightly famous for their sumptuous interiors, and just because the car has nearly 400 horsepower on tap doesn't mean it can't be comfortable as well. With a masterful blend of natural materials, including black leather on the seats, real burled walnut on the dash, and wool carpets underfoot, and there are few other automakers who can compete with Jaguar at this level. All of it is beautifully preserved, with only the front seats showing signs of wear that seems appropriate to its age and mileage. Jaguars only came one way: loaded, and everything is in perfect working order on this one, including the ice cold A/C and the power antenna, which is actuated by a hidden switch in the console. Overhead, a black canvas roof folds with the touch of a button, and creates one of the most handsome production convertibles in decades. The top is in good shape with only light scuffs from being stored in the down position most of its life, but that's good news because you know it comes from someplace sunny. And thanks to a lot of recent work, everything works like it should.

The XKR's real claim to fame, however, is under the hood where a supercharged version of Jaguar's 4.0 liter DOHC V8 cranks out a very impressive 370 horsepower. Of course, it's very civilized horsepower, but that doesn't mean the engine isn't monstrously powerful. Expertly maintained by guys who knew what they were doing, it has all the proper service receipts and upgrades you'd expect and runs like new. A gentle prod of the throttle generates thrust and torque that makes you smile, but mashing it creates a demonic blur outside the windows as the car lunges forward. A 5-speed automatic and ride-sensing suspension are standard, and it rides on XKR-exclusive 18-inch alloys wearing performance radials with a lot of life left in them.

Complete with receipts, you can now own a brutally fast A-list Jag for a fraction of the original sticker price. Call today!