1998 Jaguar XKR NED Seat Cover Replacement

A Conversation with Tom

Tom owns a 1998 Jaguar XKR, a timeless grand tourer celebrated for its British craftsmanship and elegant design. After years on the road, the leather on the driver’s seat had begun to show deep creases, surface cracks, and dull fading. Wanting to preserve the car’s original charm – and surprise his wife for her 60th birthday – Tom turned to United Seat Factory’s OEM-style NED (Non-Embossed Design) Jaguar seat covers to restore their beloved XKR to its former glory.

Restoring British Elegance

In this Q&A, Tom shares how he brought the Jaguar’s classic interior back to life, just in time for a meaningful celebration.

Why He Started Looking for Replacements

Q: Tom, what made you start looking for replacement seat covers?

A: The driver’s seat leather had cracked along the bolsters and lost its softness. The rest of the interior still had that old-world Jaguar feel, but the seat really let it down. I wanted it looking perfect again for my wife’s 60th birthday; it’s her favorite car, so the timing felt right. I checked with a few upholstery shops, but the prices were way too high for a car this age, so I started looking for OEM-style replacements that would match exactly without the huge markup.

Finding the Right Fit

Q: How did you find United Seat Factory?

A: A friend from a Jaguar forum mentioned them. When I checked the site, I found the exact part I needed, a Jaguar XK 1997–2000 driver bottom seat cover (NED) in Ivory leather. The photos looked spot-on, right down to the stitching layout and panel shape. I also noticed they sell a ton of Jaguar covers, which gave me confidence they really know these interiors.
The problem with this model is that the beige and cream covers come in so many shades, it’s easy to get the wrong one. I spoke with their customer service team, and they knew exactly what I was talking about. They offered all the different shade options, helped me match my interior perfectly, and made the whole process super easy.

Q: What was your first impression when it arrived?

A: I was impressed immediately. The leather felt thick and supple, not flimsy like most aftermarket options. The grain and color tone were identical to the original, and you could tell it was made with care.

From Worn to Like-New

Q: Did you install it yourself?

A: I had a local upholsterer handle the installation. He commented right away that the fit was excellent; every seam lined up perfectly with the factory foam and trim.

Q: How does it look now?

A: Fantastic. The seat looks brand new. The soft Ivory leather completely brightened up the cabin and brought back that refined Jaguar atmosphere. My wife was thrilled; it felt like getting the car she fell in love with all over again.

Back to Factory-Fresh

Q: Would you recommend United Seat Factory?

A: Without question. The quality, fit, and finish are top-tier. If you own an older Jaguar and want it to look original again, this is the best option out there.

Product Highlights

• OEM-style replacement seat covers for Jaguar XKR/XK8 1997-2000
• Exact-match in fit, stitching and color
• Available in: Driver & Passenger Tops / Bottoms
• Factory-match colors: Cashmere, Ivory, Warm Charcoal
• US-Made using top-grade auto-upholstery materials

Engineered for an exact OEM fit and lasting durability.