1955-59 JAGUAR MkI

WHY LARKIN LOVES IT – ‘It’s loveable down to the wheel spats and all, and the MkI really is still one of the most underrated Jaguars’

Though a Jaguar Mk2 would be the obvious choice for motorway speed action, we’ve opted for the arguably even more joyful MkI. Imagine Mk2 styling with a bit of Austin Devon styling thrown in, and you’re practically there.

The car was available in 2.4- and 3.4-litre form, the latter being capable of 115mph or more, with 0-60mph in just over nine seconds, so it definitely kept up with other traffic. Interiors were every bit as sumptuous as the car’s successor, with lots of cosseting leather and walnut as you settled down to enjoy the car’s performance and joyful gear whine. Much more rare than the Mk2, we’d say the MkI has the edge, and didn’t provide great motorway transport for quite so many villains.