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Jaguar has been one of the largest
producers of thoroughbred cars in the World. The pre-war SS roadster was
an outstanding example of design but other pre-war models were lacking.
Jaguar swept the field in motor sport yet purists often considered that
these cars were not thoroughbred. There were problems with corrosion,
but there have been similar problems with many 'bespoke' cars too. The
popularity of Jaguar has meant that the car has been able to evolve at a
healthy rate and funding has been more readily available. The TOHC
straight six engine was a marvel. In my view as good as if not better
that that of the Aston Martin.
I owned two Mk 2s which were frankly
some of the best road cars I ever owned. These cars are still much
sought after and look every bit as good now as when they left the
factory. If I was to choose the finest, I would go for the XK150 S
type...beautiful in every respect. Later, Jaguar really lost the plot. This began
when the company was taken over by BMC.
The XJS was an awful car. I made the
huge mistake of buying a new one complete with a two year 'super cover'.
For the first two years, the car actually spent 9 months in garages
being repaired'. The only thing that never went wrong was
the
wonderful V12 engine. Buyers do not forget this kind of thing, and not
surprisingly it was the last Jag. I ever owned. To be fair, the new
range of Ford Jaguars has finally put the car firmly back on the map for
styling and quality.
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