GO ON – EXPLAIN YOURSELF, THEN…

TEAM VERDICT...

The S-type is essentially a factory improved Mk2, benefitting from improved boot space and rear head room not to mention that superb IRS setup developed for the E-type alongside a variety of other refinements. Elegant and enjoyable to drive, but cheaper than the equivalent Mk2, what’s not to love?

The original XJ6 is a superb looking car and scores highly in terms of cool factor. But give the same car a nip and tuck here and there to turn it into a two-door GT coupé, then borrow the E-type’s V12 and stick it up front? The resulting XJC is positively sub zero, with the style and presence you’d expect from a classic Jag.

There’s nothing quite like the svelte creaminess of a good XJS. I’d be boring and go for the ‘sensible’ option; a facelifted (1991-on) six-pot. The AJ6 and AJ16 are lovely machines – quick enough and not too thirsty. With numbers falling away, all XJSS are much more eye-catching now than just a few years ago.

As with the original XJ-S before it, the XK just keeps getting better with age. Elegant, comfy and spacious for a GT, the 400bhp XKR is also obscenely fast. The power delivery is magnificent. Shove your right foot into the carpet and you’ll get endless thrust as the scenery goes blurry. It is one of Jaguar’s greatest cars.

Jaguar’s X300 and X308 are where the real value lies. Robust Ford electrics, all the stuff you want from a Jag, the comfort, sporty driving position and, with the XJR, barnstorming engines. Add in truly fantastic handling from that rear axle and it is the traditional fast Jaguar saloon experience without the stress.