2005 XK8 out, 2006 XKR Victory Ed. In
 

I purchased my first Jag, my 05 XK8, 3.5 years ago. As much as I've enjoyed the car, I finally found the perfect (to me) X100, and couldn't resist trading up.

The car I've found is a 2-owner 2006 XKR Victory Edition, black on black, Perseus BBS wheels, with just under 60k miles. I'm heading to North Carolina tomorrow morning to pick it up and am trading in my XK8 since I actually received a decent offer from him (small independent Jag-specialist dealer).

If anyone is curious, there's a link to a bunch of photos below. It also has a full dealer service history from new, which is something I didn't have with my XK8. The only cosmetic issue I'm aware of is the need to replace a couple of the stainless steel wheel trim rings, and he offered to include one with the sale to replace the worst one. In the coming year I will need to maybe track down another one or two, which may prove challenging.

Hoping all goes well, and I'll post some photos of the drive when I get back! :icon_clapclap:

Here is where some of our customers live

nice find!!!!! Enjoy!!

Beautiful!!
 

I have a 2006 black XK8 Victory Edition and love it.

Enjoy.

Jack

Please report the difference between XK8 and the XKR ... I always wanted the XKR too...the only thing missing from your car is the metal roof :-b

The main difference is the XKR is supercharged. The XK8 is not.

Jack

Nice, Congrats! I've watched a ton of Val's videos on You Tube, seems to know his stuff and does a good job showcasing his cars.

Of course I know that but....I meant in terms of feel, brakes, suspension and etc.

Congratulations, looks like a good car.

Looks great. I've added the photo before it disappears from the website.

http://terravali.com/06xkrVE59k/1000...013_182724.jpg

My last XK8 was the UK equivalent of the Victory Edition. Definitely the best one to go for.

Graham

Congrats! By the way, where in North Carolina?

Haha, and I would counter the only problem with yours is the lack of a drop-top!

And I will be happy to do so. Since I will have the distinct pleasure of driving them back-to-back for nearly 14hrs each, I should be able to provide a decent assessment of the differences. They also happen to have the same tires on (Michelin Pilot SuperSports), so that will eliminate any differences arising from that.

Apex, which I believe is not all that far from your neck of the woods- about 20min or so outside of Raleigh! I know from reading various threads on here (and from your signature lol) that you have a VE as well. Would be happy to meet up briefly on Thursday for a photo-op or coffee if you're available!

Thanks Graham. I lusted after a car like yours while looking for my first one. I believe yours also had the Recaro seats, and the Sepang wheels instead of the Perseus? As you can see from my sig, I gravitate towards black most of the time, but the color on yours was gorgeous. Was that a 4.2-S specific color?

Matthew,

I had the 2005 XK8 Final Series with standard soft leather seats and Frog had the 2005 XKR Final Series with Recaro seats. Both cars were Frost Blue with Sepang wheels.

The Victory Edition (US) and Final Series (Europe) had almost every option included as standard and were available in four existing or four unique colours:

EXISTING
Platinum
Midnight
Jaguar Racing Green
Quartz

UNIQUE
Satin Silver
Bay Blue
Frost Blue
Copper Black

I sold mine when the front Sepangs started to show serious corrosion on the inside of the rims. The rear wheels were perfect so I can only think it was a manufacturing fault. Frog (an Englishman who lives in France) sold his to a German who doesn't appear to have joined the forum.

I love black cars but not keeping them clean! My black X308 always needed washing twice as often as any other colour to keep it looking good.

Graham

Touche' !!! :icon_clapclap:

Yes please...I would love to hear the comparison between both cars.

Ahh that's right, I was thinking of Frog's car. And yes, black is very difficult to keep clean. My daily drivers are always silver or gray for that reason. The black is manageable for the cars I only drive in nice weather

Well the trip down was success in the XK8. The total drive was about 15 hours (860mi), with 1 hour of that being 4 15min fuel stops and brakes along the way.

I reset the trip computer before leaving, and I ended up with an average speed of 67 and average MPG of 27.0. Comsidering that includes crossing through the mountains in WV with 5% grades most of the way, I'm quite pleased.

I've done the same with the XKR, so I'll post the numbers for trip when I have it (I'm on my way back now)

Initial impressions are that the XKR is much tighter overall, handling and suspension, but it's by no means a harsh ride. It's also quieter inside than the XK8 oddly enough. Brakes are more responsive in the XKR. Some of the differences in the ride could have to do with the XKR simply having less miles on it.

I'll post my final thoughts once the trip is done!

XK8 was filthy as 12 of the 14 hours was through rain.. Not that fun, especially going through the mountains in the dark, in the rain.

I have some more photos I can post when I get home- not able to upload more than one on my phone for some reason. The rainbow was just before crossing into WV

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...5b800bc252.jpg

I bought my Super V8 from Val. I had him bring it to the local Jaguar Dealer and I paid for a full inspection so I knew all the issues with it when I agreed on price. I also had copies of all of the service records in advance.
With the help of the forum, I was able to hone in on the known issues.

The dealership knows Val and the service manager said he has a knack for finding good cars. That said, I'm glad I had the inspection done as it was my first experience buying from a "finder".

I have no relationship with Val since purchase and nothing to gain here but I'd buy from him again if I was in the market.

FYI, He shipped to me in an enclosed truck and didn't charge me additional for that. Enjoy your new ride.

Matt nice find, I'm jealous.

The photo issue from your phone is caused by the photo name. The phone uses the same name for all photos. At least that's the problem with my iPhone.

Well, trip back is complete and the XKR is all cleaned up and put away for the winter. Wish I didn't have to wait until spring to start enjoying it :(

The average mpg was 24.0, with an average speed of 63mph. Not much of a sacrifice for the extra performance I think.

I enjoyed the ride of the XKR more than the XK8 actually, it felt tighter overall and more controlled. It was stiffer, but not in a way that was detrimental to ride quality.

If anyone has any specific questions about differences I might have noticed, let me know and I'll do my best to answer what I can!