2003 Jaguar XJR

And what could possibly be better than a gleaming example of an X350 supercharged V8-engined XJR? One uprated by Jag Tuning specialists Paramount Performance, that’s what. The 0-60mph time of 5.3 seconds is for standard cars – this one has an extra 50 horses under its shapely aluminium bonnet.

Thus enhanced, the XJR now squashes you back into its sumptuous leather seats thanks to a 450bhp upgrade, courtesy of reworked pulleys on the supercharger system, a performance exhaust and an engine ECU remap. 

Long established Warwickshire based Paramount Performance are the UK’s leading modern and modern classic Jaguar tuning specialists, and their upgrades are tried, tested and loved by Jaguar enthusiasts the world over.

All this, and it’s still fully ULEZ compliant, so you can drive in any UK city without attracting any charges or fines. It’s only covered 81,000 miles from new and has a full service history as well. It’s a beautiful example of a genuine Jaguar super saloon.

The XJR comes with the following generous specification:

• Electric tilt/slide sunroof. 
• 19 Performance alloy wheels. 
• New Nankang high performance tyres. 
• Headlamp jet wash. 
• Xenon headlamps. 
• Paramount exhaust system. 
• Brembo brakes. 
• Rear parking sensors. 
• New wheel centre caps. 
• Power fold mirrors.

Following a recent machine polish of the paintwork, and a ceramic sealing process, the XJR’s exterior looks stunning. There is the odd tiny mark on the car’s snout, where the inevitable stone chip or two has left a blemish, but you have to really look for them. 

The seller tells us that all the aluminium body panels are original and corrosion free, and the factory looking shut lines certainly back up this claim.

The original Jaguar 19 inch alloy wheels are also in fine fettle, having been recently refurbished, and that new set of matching performance tyres sets them off beautifully. The huge Jaguar branded Brembo brake calipers peer through the striking, unmarked alloys wheels, and tell you this is no ordinary Jaguar saloon.

The only criticism we can really make is that the exterior condition is so nice that the car really deserves a new rear number plate – this one’s a tad scruffy. That’s very easily sorted though, and in all likelihood for less than £10. Yes – we’re clutching at critical straws.

As with the outside, the interior of the XJR boasts an impressive specification:

• Full Dove Grey leather trim. 
• Touch screen. 
• Sat nav. 
• Jaguar telephone. 
• Cruise control. 
• Rear electric blind. 
• Rear entertainment console. 
• New headliner. 
• Alpine 12 speaker audio system. 
• Electric seats with memory. 
• Electric steering adjust.

The XJR’s cabin is a light and airy place to be, and it’s in great condition too. Jaguars of this period can suffer from the headlining material coming away from the former and sagging, but this car has a new one fitted so you have no worries on that score.

Other than some light signs of use on the driver’s seat bolsters there’s very little wear to speak of in the rest of the interior either. All the leather is clean and unworn, the woodwork looks unmarked and the door cards are undamaged.

The XJR steering wheel is in great shape and the seller tells us the car has no known faults, with everything working just as it should.

The boot area is very clean with no staining and of course, the X350 was the first Jag XJ that could easily accommodate a full set of golf clubs, thanks to its deeper bodywork.

The seller reports that the Jaguar is in very clean condition inside and out, with no aluminium corrosion anywhere, and we don’t disagree with him. He also says it runs and drives excellently.

The underbonnet area is just as clean as the rest of the car too, with only the tiniest bits of surface blemishing on the odd component to show the car’s age. And of course, with just 80k miles on the clock it’s unlikely that there will be any major mechanical problems.

One of the modifications Paramount Performance make, in order to free up another 50 horsepower from what is already a serious performance car in standard spec, is a free flow exhaust system. Just listen to the tunes it plays in our video. It’s not invasive, but it does open up the exhaust note. Music to our ears.

This superb supercharged V8 engine is mated to an equally impressive ZF 6HP26 six speed automatic transmission, which also has a locking torque converter for greater efficiency. Together they provide a seamless surge of power.

Under the boot floor panel is the original space saver spare tyre, which doesn’t look as though it’s seen any use at all.

This Jaguar XJR was supplied new by Hartwell Jaguar and has two previous owners before the current one, who has had the car for 15 years.

The Jag has covered just 81,000 miles and comes with a full service history.  It’s also recently had £4000 spent on it with Swallows Jaguar Racing. In addition, it of course has the Paramount Performance ECU remap, supercharger pulley and free flow exhaust upgrade.

The Jaguar will come with a new MoT certificate, with no advisories on it.

It’s hard to find an X350 XJR with this specification, especially one with the Paramount Performance upgrades that take a fast car and turn into an extremely rapid one. As super saloons go this one is rare and it stands out from the crowd of German models.

Its condition is excellent and lots of money has recently been spent on it, which the new owner will reap the benefits from. All in all, not one any serious modern classic Jaguar enthusiast should miss. We estimate that it will sell for £11,000-£15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Chertsey, Surrey. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.