The Jaguar XJ8 was Too Little, Too Late

Across Jaguar's potted history, the XJ is their longest running line, but with money not growing on trees and a new philosophy from overlords Ford, its 1986-vintage platform was heavily revised with new styling, interiors, and engines to create 1997's X308 - the first Jaguar saloon with a V8 engine.
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00:00 Introduction and Advertisement
01:01 From Plughole to Oval, and a New Philosophy
06:24 A Character Dictated by Eight
11:24 A Platform to Perform?
13:15 Styling into a Rut?
17:34 Too Little, Too Late

[@masteryoda498]

Whether you love or hate Jaguars, you can’t fault both the interior and exterior style of the Jaguar XJ, what a classic,timeless shape.

[@andrewstones2921]

It’s an absolute work of art. The way it so clearly follows the classic xJ6 identify with subtle modernisation without ending up looking bad is miraculous, no other car does this so well except perhaps that way the BMW e21 became to the e30

[@alexmoore432]

A masterclass from someone whi has never owned a jaguar

[@colino72]

I admired these and previous XJ models as a 25 year old in the UK. I bought a 4.0 1998 Sport spec 3 months ago in Australia as a 51 year old. Not as cheap as the UK over here, but I love cruising around in it on my weekends! Once you get into the driving feel of it you love it!

[@markmcnicholas9475]

You do. Best car I’ve ever had.

[@jaspergray803]

Got one of those, same model year, as my first car. Probably the most car I could've gotten for the money. It's like driving a factory-made restomod, it looks old and classy but has all the modern technology I'd actually want as well.

[@stephenking756]

I have the 3.2 v8 in aus luv it the looks and that special black,timber interior nice place to be

[@mrmarcuscars2072]

I own a XJ6 3.2 Executive X300 -96, Wesminster blue with black interior. Had it for 10 years now. best enthusiast car I ever own. 🥰

[@be5952]

Where are you located in the World? I ask because it seems that, virtually overnight (though it's been years, actually) *parts availability is drying up here in Canada.* I used to naively think old cars could be maintained and driven virtually forever. But I'm now reading about various marques that have fewer and fewer parts available. The eventual consequences of this are obvious---no old cars. But then how will collectors who pay, say $1,000,000. for a car keep _them_ in shape, at least if they're ever driven? So, a huge percentage of the cars over the age of twenty will slowly be junked because one can't get a certain mechanical or (for later ones) a certain computer module anymore? I'd really like to know what's to become of the entire 'hobby' of old cars? How can they survive?

[@mychaelpierce8049]

You nailed this video big time. I owned a 90 XJ6 for for many years and currently have had a 98 XJ8 since 2001 with only 57k on it. It's in excellent condition. The X308 was a beautiful blend of the early days of the XJ6 with a modern twist. It's truly one of the most gorgeous saloons ever built. The XJ6 Series III was probably my very favorite styling wise. Thanks for sharing

[@veritasvincit2745]

I had a 3.2 X308 in sea frost green and with celtic wheels. So pretty and it drove so well. Every trip was a special occasion but mine cost a lot to run even for an XJ8 and became too unreliable. No regrets though.

[@colrhodes377]

I'm a Jaguar owner ( X351) and i would never swap it for a BMW, Mercedes, Audi or Lexus. My big cat thrills me every time i get onto the open road. Yes, one or two caveats, headroom is shockingly bad ( I'm 5'11" and my head almost touches the roof ) and rear leg room is limited ( i should have bought the XJL ) but as far as grace and poise are concerned, it is the best thing i have ever driven. I used to own a BMW 5 series and i thought it was so uncomfortable, like sitting on bricks. My friend has the 308 and he loves it. That supercharged engine has a real bite to it.

[@TwinCam]

I'd have an X351 over an equivalent S-Class or 7er every single day of the week. Gorgeous cars! It amazes me that Jaguar decided not to build upon it and let it die. A travesty.

[@ivanfernyhough3851]

​@@TwinCamx351 looks pants compared to the x350 and all xj saloons before.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

To me, the X308 is a superb design. The aluminium X350 / 358 looks off to me, as its aluminium body required different body proportions, but it was still forced to wear the XJ accessories. As for Jaguars changing their look, they did, and they failed. Their cars look like a copy of an Audi, and people prefer to by the original. Those are not my words, but the words of the German division boss in AMS a couple of years ago.

[@TwinCam]

I don't really think that's the case. Had Jaguar continued progressing rather than falling into the rut of the '80s, '90s, and '00s, they would have wound up building cars like they do today. They're still recognisably Jaguars, just not harking back to 1968.

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

It wasn't the material, but rather the fact that the X350 was based on the S-Type platform that dictated its rather frumpy proportions.

[@Apple-International]

taste is subjective. I always wanted to have XJ and after thinking I went for X350 as a most modern last real XJ. Older XJs has very boxy shape which I don't like comapred to shapes of X350, plus it has more function since its more modernized, has comfier ride due to air suspension.

[@malcolmwolfgram7414]

Yeah. The later Jags look like nothing. Huge shame. A Jag used to always look distinctive, different, now they look like a committee designed them.

[@jaromor8808]

all XJs, including x350/358, had smaller inner headlights - x308 has all 4 of the same diameter x308 also bastardized the rear lights - compare them to all other XJs... the rear lights of x308 look like something borrowed from an Opel i.e. x308 departs from the classic XJs in more ways than x350/358 do

[@plym1969]

If this video was shown on the BBC at 8pm everyone would think that they've discovered the next great car reviewer. Outstanding presentation of a car that warrants it just for its fabulous interior. Quality all round!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@paddyhague683]

As always, a very well argued piece. Just a small correction, the normally aspirated X308 had a ZF gearbox, whereas the XJR had a Merc box; both similar and typical of that era of autoboxes - not slushboxes but not as direct or responsive as todays. I owned a NA car identical to the review, then an XJR. The ‘R’, as well as being super-muscular, had a much more tied down suspension the steering felt far more direct. Ride a bit firmer but with far less lurching. Overall the R was far more enjoyable.

[@roberttaylor6295]

Ed, your huge perspicacity, ultimate professionalism, suavity and deep research, all enhanced by infectious honesty, enthusiasm, smiling fun and professorially erudite and infectious delivery, make your reviews automotive delights that never fail to inform and entertain. Thank you, and long may your reign as the top car reviewer maintain its unassailable position as world beater! Thank you for the great effort, scripting and editing that you lavish on us all! Rob

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always Rob :)

[@newtonwhatevs]

This man is so likeable!

[@MyHumanWreckage]

He’s ultra smooth with a perfect delivery. One of the best presenters.

[@EdAb]

Lovey video! I really hope you do an X-350 follow up, that would a real bow on the whole story. Thank you!

[@TheLRider]

Hello Ed. Love all your videos and have shared your passion for quite a few British cars over the years from 850 Minis to a superb soft-top XKR with other Jags before then. I was fortunate enough to work at the Jag during a fair chunk of the time that you cover in this video.. The change from the pre and post Ford acquisition was breathtaking. A man called Bill Hayden came to Jaguar and stood it on its head and shoock it. The clearest indicator of that change was in the way the XJ climbed the JD Power rankings in the USA, home of Ford ofcourse, and Jag's biggest market. At one point there was no one but Lexus above it in its CLASS and even as an overall brand with the new XK. I kid you not that all the German makes were nowhere to be seen at that level.. Then ofcourse all the pundits, especially prize idiot Jeremy Clarkson, berated the classic Jaguar style which as you say has aged way better than any of its contemporaries. We now ofcourse have all cars that look the same and pretty much drive the same with stiffened suspension and hard seats, and all to satisfy the boy racers who think that the cars "handle better'. Imo above anything else a car needs to be comfortable and in these days with adaptive suspension, as was fitted to my beutiful XKR, you should expect both modes of driving at least. Most car pundits are just clones and unfortunately do not share your perceverence and research into the car they're reviewing. Clarkson never designed, made or fitted a feckin washer let alone designing something as complex as an XJ. A brand that has since been allowed to lose it's way imo and I know why, but that's another story. Those levels of quality across all of JLR would still be there if a certain man was still in charge. If you want to understand why Jag was put on such a tight budget, check out what Ford payed for Jag and then they realised what they'd bought.

[@plym1969]

This is a quality post.

[@TheLRider]

@@plym1969 Thank you 😊

[@TwinCam]

Absolutely. Too right! It's often forgotten that even the last XJ was regularly, the world over, found to be the most reliable car of its class. But the public are stupid and let perception get in the way of established fact.

[@warrenny]

Nice comment. The hard seats: I had heard or read that soft seats were considered a fire hazard. Naturally, I would take the fire hazard to get the soft seats back.... But I always wondered if that was actually true.

[@TheLRider]

@@warrenny may have been a while ago but no more than soft furnishings etc treated with some flame retardant product I would imagine. Citroën seem to manage to do it. I've had a C5 for two years and it's really comfortable. 👍👍

[@fhwolthuis]

Another top notch video, Ed! You know how to write captivating texts and how to bring them in an entertaining way. Keep on going like this 👌🏼👏🏼😀😀

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always mate :)

[@warrenny]

Totally agree. Great narration and text.

[@Cloud75770]

I drive a 1995 Jaguar X 300 daily driver to work. I drive a 1995 Jaguar Vanden Plas for weekends. The best cars I ever owned.

[@e28forever30]

Always liked the XJ, since I was a kid. This is a great car, stylistically it is so pleasing to the eye.

[@Jwdude123]

Monarchs of luxury and style. All steel walnut and leather. These cars are beautiful.

[@markmcnicholas9475]

I love Jaguars so much, I’ve bought four, and will buy another four. I love them all. Thank you for you’re enthusiasm. My daily driver is my twenty seven year old XJ6, a beautiful, comfortable, and reliable, with the last of the Jaguar straight six’s running her effortlessly across the country, or in town. Well done with this film.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Mark :)

[@peterwinter3515]

I loved driving the xj8 I had, the engine is lovely and it drove very nicely

[@warrenny]

Well done video. Very nice talk on the history of Jaguar with regard to the XJ8. I would say more but so many other comments give correct praise. Ed is becoming one of the best "automotive communicators" on KZbin.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always mate :)

[@vincentrolfe7591]

A great review but. Like a lot of jag drivers they don't no how or use the J gate. If you used the shift on the J gate you would get the performance and gear change experience.

[@TwinCam]

Just like the vast majority of automatic gearboxes, including the BMWs that used this same gearbox. It’s lazy, no matter whether you tell it to change.

[@TheLRider]

Yup you get the choice of either manual or auto all for the price of one. 😊😊

[@TheLRider]

Buy an XKR and I defy you to call anything slow or lazy about it. 🤣

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Fantastic video Really enjoy the history on these car Look forward to the next episode:) Thank you

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Jonathon :)

[@rev.waynet.oleary7387]

Another excellent, detailed, and absorbing production. Learnt alot. Thank you!

[@autoknight747]

Outstanding video. My Dad owned these in the 90’s. I can still remember the sound.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :)

[@superchargedxjr]

Have had 5 Jags. V12s (2), XJR6, XJR8, X308 4L. The X308 4L undoubtedly revs the best of all. Whips up to nearly 7,000 revs easily. By contrast the XJRs sound like a washing machine on fast spin. Frankly the X308 4L feels as quick as the XJR6. However, the XJR8 had more grunt notably when accelerating from high speeds. Leave your X308 4L autobox in sport mode and use manual shifts on J gate when appropriate, which keeps the vehicle in-check on more challenging roads. If you want your Jag to perform as it should then constant maintenance is essential. In particular, keep the air filter (use K & N panel filter), inlet tract, MAF, and throttle body, meticulously clean. Owned my X308 4L Sovereign LWB for 11 years, which is longer than all of the others, and now have 215k miles on clock. Runs probably better now than it did when purchased (105k miles) and better than my 1998 XJR8 did when I sold it! As for the V12s. Turbine smooth but acceleration strangled by the GM 3 speed gearbox. In fact so smooth that I never always realised when mechanic pointed-out that not firing on all cylinders. Performance wise slower than the X308 4L. Finally, use Shell 99 octane or Tesco 99 octane Momentum.

[@Nick10407]

I concur with you view. A mate of mine has one. That V8 has a lovely growl.

[@27degrees]

This car is right up my street. I love it. I don't care about the floaty front end or the vague steering or the slow to respond gearbox. As a weekend car it would suit me just fine.

[@rickmartin5288]

I have a 2002 XJ Sport with the 3.2 V8, and it's so nice to see the appreciation for Jaguars currently across all my favourite KZbin channels. Another incredible video as always 👏👏

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Rick :)

[@philiptownsend4026]

A gorgeous car. I'd love to have one of those.

[@user-ck4vo3jh4z]

I brought an x308 13 years ago what a car it gives me pressure just looking at it .I will never sale it.

[@russellhammond4373]

Thanks for the video. I thoughts your comments were all 'spot on' as I remember this car being released Down Under. Great work as usual. PS I'd buy one tomorrow.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always Russell :)

[@helenlloyd6564]

In my last comment i wanted to mention the great man Sir John Egan. On KZbin there is a title "The man who saved Jaguar". It brought a tear to my eye for his dedication and enthusiasm for the brand it's heritage it's history. He was a brilliant man. If one has not seen it, it is a must see video.

[@andrewfitzmaurice7843]

Another cracking review with your customary knowledge.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Andrew :)

[@stoater1551]

Thanks for this video. You have done a great job describing the history of these lovely Jags.

[@warrenny]

Same here. I was thinking, wow, this young man is taking some good notes and learning a lot about the history of these cars. It's also very impressive that he knows so much about the mechanics and the chassis of these cars.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate, very kind of you to say :)

[@Isaac_Gbornor2k]

XJ 8 is a beautiful Car ,I saw one recently and fell in love with the car since then

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Another excellent Video, really enjoyable video on a rather nice Jag XJ8.

[@mrpalm54]

Very enjoyable and informative thankyou!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :)

[@mervwhitney7229]

Thanks for the video Ed. One of these turned up in Police livery, as a demonstrator, in Essex about 1996. It was debadged and I did not know its spec but it was a beautiful looking car. I was able to drive it briefly and it oozed quality but felt a bit large to drive around town; more suited to main roads and motorway work. It may have been an X300 or 308. The car was on a P Reg. Essex Police did not buy any.

[@aquariumaddickuk]

I had an x308 with the 4 litre & it was a grunty old thing but i always missed the x300's 6 cylinder & reverted to one. You lose a little pace but it feels smoother & more jaaaag

[@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland]

Excellent analyses! Well done...

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate.

[@shahsheikh541]

Thank you for the history lesson…..jaguar always arouses the deepest passions.

[@martinclapton2724]

I think the rounded lower boot line of the X308 was better than the higher line of the X300 before, but I prefer the straight 6 engines of the predecessor possible due to Jaguar having problems with the 1st lot of V8s up til 2001. Still lovely cars whichever way you look at them

[@ericrawson2909]

I owned one for 21 years. Great car.

[@tricialyn4645]

You know so much...I didnt know there was so much to know!! Very enjoyable and thank you for sharing. I also learned a new word....burbliness!! I think this is the best motor car channel to watch. 🚗

[@TwinCam]

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say:)

[@misterhoeflak]

I don't think I've ever seen you grin this much in a video Ed! 😊

[@TwinCam]

Go back and watch the Mini videos ;)

[@Paul-lg4gg]

I own XJ350 2007.. XJs are iconic.

[@neilmustow368]

Great video Ed very true words about this X308 generation XJ8

[@TwinCam]

Thanks as always Neil :)

[@robarchpdx]

Thank you for covering a Jaguar! ♥

[@billsantelik4280]

Just acquired a 1999 and came across your video. You got on many of my key findings as well. The timeless beauty, combined with some aged clunkiness. That said I'm enjoying restoring it and tweaking a few of the aged pieces to a have a bit more pleasing look

[@10wanderer]

I had one years ago , 30 mpg on a run!

[@BillofRights1951]

I own two Vanden Plas Jags...2001 and 2002. Bought both of them 10 years ago having wanted the body style for years, but couldn't justify buying new when we were in the midst of raising three kids, but by 2013, no one wanted them, and I was able to buy both of them within a month of each other for $7,500 each...and both were in mint condition. Both now have about 140K on the clock. They've been reliable overall, the real problem is declining availability of parts, including key items like the driveshaft support bearing, and other components that contribute to their driving experience and smoothness. Ford did a great job on the electronics of the cars...I've had almost zero issues over the ten years I've owned them. I keep them showroom perfect, and, not surprisingly, at least every other time I stop to refuel them, other motorists will compliment the car and ask questions about it....not just because the design is beautiful, but because today's newer cars in comparison are homogenously BLAND. The Jag wins by default. Always happy when I'm driving them.

[@alwardryan]

Terrific!

[@lesklower7281]

I realy like this XJ8 and its exterior is spot on as for the interior with its wood is very nice l do like wood a wood dashboard how classy and the styling timeless when you mentioned this beautiful Jaguar XJ8 was 27 years old it doesn't show its age

[@lennynecc]

Superb presentation, articulate and learned. It was my favourite Jag but as you say, a wee bit too late.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :)

[@ollienilson1644]

It is the nicest car to drive. Soft and wonderful. I love the XJ 308

[@ianturner6954]

Great vid Ed good to relive the Metro story once more. At the time of their launch they became the benchmark small hatchback to beat!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Ian :)

[@nielscopier761]

Great video this car is so much more then a BMW and a Mercedes or Audi. It is the style the grace that only the Uk and Italy can do.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :)

[@ryanpatterson9526]

You should get your hands on an X308 XJR. What a beast!

[@benuri249]

I have one , love it

[@whitefields5595]

Ed, you are developing into a first rate reviewer. I like the way you put the cars in context and their place in the manufacturer’s journey and challenges. The actual driving is almost secondary. Were Nikasil liners giving premature bore wear on the V8 in this saloon?

[@dalian1993]

Hi Ed,I have just stumbled across your channel. And delighted I am. Its brilliant. So,I'm going to ask you to sprinkle your gold dust skills of presenting on to another British classic car. One that wasn't English either ! Ever since I was a child,this car,to me,was one of the best looking cars in British motoring history. The Gilbern Invader. Built in South Wales. A feature length vid on this stiking car and its history,from you,wold sing me to my rest. And give this rare beauty some of the attention and love that it so deserves.......over to you Ed,

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂 Gilberns are fabulously interesting little cars - one featured in one of my NEC videos from November last year. I’d love to do a video on one, if ever I get offered one!

[@simonuden8450]

BMW has never produced a car that matched the looks of a Jaguar, and especially not the X308. I had one of these - the very basic and flawed 3.2 Sport. Sadly, due to working abroad, it sat on my drive for 2 years unused and the battery went flat and moss started to grow around the windows. I sold it to a 'we buy anything, no matter its condition' type of parts stripping dealer for £2k. I later found out the owner of the business refurbished it and kept it for himself - they are that popular for their looks, even now. It was easily the most sleek sports saloon every built, in my opinion. Unfortunately, when Jaguar updated it to the X350, they destroyed that basic long, low, sleek look, making it look taller, shorter and laterally squashed, although technically it was far superior.

[@TwinCam]

I do like the X350 - very much in fact. But I agree that it looks somewhat more bloated than these. The X300 and X308 are more delicate.

[@simonuden8450]

@@TwinCam I like the X350 from a technical perspective, and could probably get over the looks for a good XJR version, but I still keep wondering to myself how on earth they got that V8 under the very low bonnet of the X308, or the upright straight six and 6-litre V12 into the X300/X305 come to that.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

@@simonuden8450The straight 6 was canted over to one side like a BMW / Saab / TR7 / Dolomite !

[@TassieLorenzo]

"BMW has never produced a car that matched the looks of a Jaguar" Maybe. I quite like the M1, E31 and even Z8 myself...

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

I had the last of the straight 6 1997. Wonderful.

[@davidsauls9542]

Where is the little terrier ? I always look for the little buddy. Another excellent video and having put 367K miles on the next generation (2005 XJ8L), you nailed it! Ford paused and learned the brand, rather than barging in and changing for the sake of changing. They showed great respect for those who had gone before them. Thanks Ed ! !

[@TwinCam]

Thanks David :) He's there, check the shot where I open the bonnet.

[@davidsauls9542]

@@TwinCam I spotted the cute little friend! Just a brief bit, looks like he may be inspecting something.

[@rossilett4284]

Good, I'm glad I just bought one.

[@andrewkingdon2000]

You nailed it again. Interestingly I wanted a Jag xj6 about 20 years ago but the old school xJ6 was already a classic and too expensive, so I settled on a 1994 xj40 6 cylinder. It was a lovely car to drive, very regal I'd describe it as. Driving it made you feel you were driving a "proper motorcar" all grown up and mature. It was in no way exciting or showy just understated elegance. I sold it when I changed jobs and moved on as you do. I still hankered after a large grown up saloon with reliability and space and solidity baked in. So (sit down before you faint) I bought a brand new Skoda superb. Now I see why jaguar has lost its plot. My superb is as it suggests, superb. Large, comfortable, fast (yes it's fast) and agile. Loads of rear leg room and massive boot. My point you ask? Well in a similar way to what I think you may have been eluding to, jaguar are selling (or were) cars that are heritage models. As you quite correctly stated, people buy innovative designs and cars that deliver. Jaguar forgot that. Now they are suffering as a result. Sad really.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Andrew. That's modern cars for you in general, not comparable to a 29-year-old Jaguar.

[@andrewkingdon2000]

@@TwinCam agree 100% but my point was not about comparing the cars per se, more to do with the strategy of the companies and how jaguar went down hill when the took on the practice of relying too much on their heritage and making new cars that looked old before they even hit the showrooms.

[@colinlamb7572]

My first Jag was a Mark 10, 13 mpg if my mem serves me right. Had xj8 xjsport and 2 xj6s one of which I which l still have, hate it when some Numpty runs them down. Thank you for a great video. Keep Safe 🙌

[@benday1218]

excellent review, I like how you don't put the driving segment at the end, which has become the KZbin default.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Ben :)

[@cruiser6260]

Fantastic summation there. The V8 sounds superb, and every part is elegant while imposing. But as he said, at the time it was new, it just seemed old hat.

[@stephengodber9225]

What a great review and great reviewer ! I’ve subscribed!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Stephen, that’s very kind of you 🙂

[@stephengodber9225]

Genuinely impressed by your content and delivery Ed! I’m considering an XJ6 Series 3 … I had an XJ-S 5.3 V 12 in 1988 and loved it. I’ve just sold a 1988 911 as we need two rear doors / proper rear seats now and must say I prefer the interior on the S3 but finding a good one might prove difficult! Don’t suppose you’ve reviewed one? Thanks!

[@TwinCam]

@stephengodber9225 Thank you very much 🙂 Afraid to say I have not - the only XJ I have videoed is this one. However, I do have an offer for a Daimler Sovereign Series 3, which looks to be a gorgeous car as well. It’ll be recorded next year! In the meantime, however, I have a few Jaguar videos about an XJ-S V12, a Mk2 3.8, and a Mk10 4.2 (well a 420G, but same thing!) You can find them all grouped together in the Jaguar playlist on my channel page.

[@royfearn4345]

17:37 T997*** is just timeless. I'd love one but I'm still in the middle of my affair with my 2005 3.0 S Type! It feels like a Jag but it is also small enough and low enough and stiff enough to provide the perfect compromise ride characteristics.

[@R08Tam]

My best friend has one in ice blue. It's just gorgeous

[@andrewstones2921]

I always learn so much from your videos. I owned a few Jags in the 80s and 90s, but by the time this model came along I assumed it was a Ford with a Jaguar badge, an assumption based on nothing and obviously based on ignorance. I’ve loved every Jag I owned, but the issues with them always made my sigh with relief when I sold them..only to start lusting after another soon after.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Andrew :)

[@TheLRider]

You can blame that misconception about what the 308 was, purely on idiots like Jeremy Clarkson.. Did so much damage to the brand all in the name of his version of good television and cheep laughs.

[@andrewstones2921]

@@TheLRider Top Gear, at least from when Clarkson joined, was an entertainment show that included cars.. it was highly entertaining but was terrible when it came to actual reviews or motoring facts. But sadly, before I knew better, I was somewhat influenced by those reviewers.

[@be5952]

@@andrewstones2921 Thank you for saying what I had never been quite able to figure out before. I never liked Mr. Clarkson, eventually growing to despise him for various reasons, but I could never quite make out why I disliked their 'car' shows so strongly. But you've put it in a nutshell--- *it was an 'entertainment' show. I'd add it was pretty much a sensationalistic 'entertainment' show, and one which actually kind of exploited the cars they were supposedly reviewing.*

[@TheDarkPhoenix23]

Good video Ed! Regarding the styling, l would invite you to delve into the history of the XJ40. The "purists" treated the XJ40 like a step child, since it lacked the sculpted lines (in particular, in the hood towards the headlights) of the original and therefore wasn't a "true" Jaguar. When X300 came onto the scene, it was both addressing that complaint, while being more in tune with American tastes of the era. The mid 90's was the beginning of the "futuristically retro" design language that would be found in most cars, only hitting its peak in the mid 2000's, with examples such as the Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Plymouth Prowler, and even Ford stablemates Mustang and Thunderbird. I would even suggest that the X300 was one of, if not THEE car that lead this march. To put it into even more of a perspective, even when the X351 (the last XJ) was introduced, the design was yet again frowned upon by "purists", with statements such as "bloated" and "ugly". As a Jaguar enthusiast, I can find a love for any Jaguar car (yes even the much maligned X-Type) so I feel it's truly a shame when alleged "enthusiasts" can't understand the need for change, growth, and advancement. But hey, I still drive happily drive my 1994 XJ40 Vanden Plas and my 1976 XJ12c with many looks, smiles, and thumbs up from the people that see them, proving that a Jaguar is still a sight to behold in any skin.

[@TwinCam]

I'd love to do a video on the XJ40. Someday, if ever I'm offered one!

[@JamesBond00797]

Brilliant video as always! Love the way you describe the history of the car so as to give context to the viewer before getting into the real meat and potatoes of the review. Keep it up, mate!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@artemluchko3805]

Thanks for nice review, ... and beautiful English UK

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate :)

[@garethwilliams976]

Great! I had a 308 3.2 sport for five years and loved it as a wonderful motorway cruiser. Top speed and acceleration were not relevant although adequate. The cabin was wonderful - after all where do you spend time - sitting in it or looking at the outside? Quality inside was not that of a Bentley or a Rolls but it was much better designed than either. Owned 5 BM's and they could not match it. Their steering was on rails but this was a joy. The sight lines from the cabin were better than any car I owned (40+) and you could place it precisely on even the narrowest road. Lastly was the reliability - Ford is often criticised but they rescued Jag from a slough of unreliability. I do not care about the switchgear being from their parts bin. They were there because Ford spent money developing them so they could be made by the million - they worked and were reliable. This is the best and most beautiful saloon Jag by miles - it just needs appreciating as such.

[@TwinCam]

Absolutely. The public are far too constrained by hearsay and perception rather than established fact, and the fact is that these and the later XJs through to the end were regularly the most dependable cars in the class.

[@VLG105]

Good lord this young man makes my heart sing, truly excellent video, need youngsters like this to carry the torch for us ageing petrolheads

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Gareth, very kind of you to say :) That being said, there are stacks and stacks of younger people into cars!

[@RoxhamCottage]

I never really liked Jags much when I was younger. Grown up me would definitely have one or two. I don't think it's a very popular opinion, but I'd love an X-type estate with the manual. 😍

[@TwinCam]

I'd have an X-Type Estate too. 3-litre V6.

[@Simple_Jack82]

We all owe Ford a huge debt for modernizing Jaguar and helping them through a very rough patch. You may not approve of all of Fords methods (S and X-Types and so on) but they had sond reasoning for the decisions made and are the reason the brand is still here today.

[@TwinCam]

The S-Type I feel was a misstep, partly because it was ugly, but mainly because the pre-facelift interior was simply dreadful, and those combined really didn't help the image. However, it was a fine car once sorted, and I'm a big fan of the X-Type. In fact, I'd have an X-Type 3.0 Estate tomorrow.

[@andycook4164]

Great video again Ed I have owned a few Jags xj6 very nice car and l own a xf naw great car

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Andy :)

[@waynehwilson6671]

Nailed It! Would love to hear your thought on the '72 - '73 Volvo 1800es.

[@markcarter9476]

Great video. I have hankered after a XJ (particularly the X308) for many years (probably since I was a child). Your comments on styling compared to the Lexus and Mercedes of the era struck home as I currently have a Mercedes CL500 in my small fleet of modern classics. Unfortunately for the CL it is the most likely to be replaced and the Jaguar XJ has been in my sights for a long time. Unfortunately, Jaguars rust and are fragile compared to the Mercedes and the M113 power plant in particular is bomb proof. However, every Jaguar I have owned (XJS & XKR) has always delighted in the looks and driving arenas, providing lots of smiles per mile. I am conflicted.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Mark :) While the engine of the Mercedes might be bomb proof, I'd suggest that in this era, the rest of the Jaguar might have a better chance of lasting the course!

[@keithshayle7027]

My first Jaguar was bought new in 1995, and it was an X300 XJ6 in Carnival Red SVP with Oatmeal half leather interior - over the next twenty years I had six new Jaguars of various models. There was something special about the X300 which in places I felt was missing on the 308. Certain things were cheapened, for example the grille became plastic with chrome plating, and in the cabin you could see a lot more Ford derived switchgear. Ironically my next Jaguar in 1999 - a four litre V8 S-Type owedvirtually everything to Ford, but unlike the 308 was brought right upto date with high tech features such as proper Sat Nav, voice activation etc, all things that the 308 lacked. So as you say 'toolittle too late', and the Ford influences were becoming too obvious on a car that was beginning to age. Great review by the way, and today as you saythe car has aged very well! By the way last year, after seven excellent years with a Maserati Ghibli Diesel (which if specced up) captured a lot of the 'specialness' of my first XJ, I switched to a Genesis Electrified G80. This is an example of a car that Jaguar should have been making today. Supremely reliable and with class leading customer service, which in terms of After Sales, I think even exalted brands such as Rolls Royce would struggle to match! Whilst the car itself does a very accomplished job of matching the afore mentioned Rolls in terms of its ride and driving experience but at significantly less than half the price!

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Keith :)

[@willswheels283]

Thanks Ed, another interesting and well researched video, there’s something of a young Quentin Wilson upcoming in you except you don’t constantly spin puns. Yes I love Jags, I think the x300 is a lovely car, its a sports cruiser, I tend to think of Jags as a car you waft along in rather than burning tyres on straight A roads.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks mate. Hopefully I don't end up being done for fraud like he did!

[@willswheels283]

@@TwinCam Your Welcome, I was referring to your style and how you sound rather than his current reputation of course. Well done mate, I always enjoy your car reviews.

[@Jeffrey_M]

Just a small correction. The XJR actually had the Mercedes box and the XJ8 was a ZF unit.

[@TwinCam]

Yes of course. A slip while I was thinking about the XJR while driving!

[@phillyleotardo4343]

Howards british racing green one was nice, it fit him perfectly

[@TwinCam]

Howard Hamlin?

[@phillyleotardo4343]

@@TwinCam yeah :D from better call saul

[@catsaretasty]

Xjr was awesome, still fast 😂

[@MarcusTDM]

Great video. You’ve really become a genuinely great car journalist. I think there was an XJR8 as well with an aluminium body. That would be the performance derivative.

[@mlh4711]

The XJR was a different beast again. Stupendously fast with that Turbo charged engine but still deliciously Jaaag.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Marcus, very kind of you to say :) No X308 had an aluminium body. With the material's different properties, that would require a totally different monocoque. The next generation, the X350, was aluminium. The X308-generation had an XJR, with a supercharged engine.

[@TwinCam]

Supercharged, rather than turbocharged.

[@johanbjork1650]

Hi Twin Cam. Just started subscribing. Always loved British Cars especially up to the mid 70's. Question. What's the place a lot of your video are filmed? That old brick building is really fascinating.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Johan :) This place is an old farm, relatively local to my home, where one of my friends rents storage. For his cars and a few mutual friends, he allows me to film here.

[@arfurwitt6221]

I had 3 of these XJ8’s b 3:39 rand new over 9 years. Absolutely gorgeous versus the competition. Sleeker than their replacement which did not appeal .

[@BusThrash]

You bring a bit of shadow on the handling of these old XJs, it is worth mentioning that Jaguar essentially adapted the X308 into 3 variants. The Executive and Soverign were a compromise between handling and comfort, Daimler models being purely comfort focused, and them the Sport and the R models leaning toward driver focused handling with different springs, shocks, and a different steering rack. I've owned an XJ Sport and I'm on my 2nd XJR (lightly modified) but I can very much assure you, when fitted with good tyres on factory 18 inch wheels, the steering feel from these old jags will match or surpass most ford's of this era, which were renowned for their steering feel. And the float from the front you describe from this model you drove, i can honestly say in my Sport and R I've never experienced. At higher speeds they develop a boat like float and waft, but at more civil speeds they begin to feel a lot more like the sports cars Jaguar are famous for. I would be happy to let you test drive my XJR to compare to your experience to this XJ8. It really is an extremely different vehicle to the NA XJ8 and a total animal. It's Jaguar off the leash

[@markhancock7527]

Its the best looking Jaguar saloon in my opinion.

[@ralph007silver]

Great video, very thorough, spot on. However, you did make a mistake. You should have had the XJR ! 375bhp, standing start 60 in 5.4 and limited to 155mph. An absolutely different experience altogether.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Ralph, but I'm forever indebted to the wonderful folks that allow me to film their cars. I work with what I have, and I was offered this lovely XJ8, not an XJR.

[@crist67mustang]

Guy, I have a 2006 S Type and I see it under same loving spirit than you and your XJ8. When I drive it I feel like going in a Rolls Royce car, supwr British, leather seats smell same as a jacket, same as a 80s XJ6 _(I remember well when I had in mind to buy a 1987 XJ6 in 2003)._ I understand super perfect how happy you feel with your toy, XJ8 for me is more British than the mine one, due Ford was the owner and quality was reduced compared to previous versions, even all that I feel it comfortable and luxe details every where same your video, wooden top speed stick is very similar and shape of PRNDL. Sorry if my English is an ass hole. Greetings from 🇨🇱 Santiago Chile SouthAmerica

[@philtucker1224]

Great episode Ed, I was very impressed when Jaguar converted all of the dashboard illumination bulbs to fibre optic strands with just one LED bulb light source situated under the drivers seat. - brilliant.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Phil :)

[@edraket62]

Bedankt

[@TwinCam]

Thanks again Ed. You're far too kind :)

[@helenlloyd6564]

You are such a very knowledgeable young man. Your vid's can only be described as brill. As other contributers have mentioned infomative and professional. When are you going to have your own mainstream Tv programme. Being a massive Jaguar fan. One must own one. It is as many have said a true design of outstanding beauty. Maintained its silhouette as that of 1968/69. Though the XJ40 didn't float my boat. The first time i saw the xj40 i thought,what have they done. A big design flaw😮. I am the proud owner of an Xj308 a Lexus GS300 and a Bentley T1 1970 also a fast Ford fiesta st for doing my shopping 😂. Each car has it's own characteristic, driving style, performance,handeling,looks and refinement i am a fan 100% of british cars would love to have an Armstrong Siddley Star Sapphire 356 a Triumph Renown😂😮 and possibly a Lanchester or two.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Helen :)

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Yes, Jaguar took a long time to shake off that old man, slightly fuddy duddy image, if indeed they entirely have. The XF was undoubtedly a step in the right direction, especially in its later, face lifted guise, whose headlamps reverted to the cool look of the original concept car. Interestingly, the latest XJ seems to have been a flop on the basis of its new look styling, which isn’t entirely successful at the rear, despite some interesting touches, like the C pillar treatment. Great video Ed, you’re really knocking out of the park recently and definitely one of my favourite automotive channels. I’d like to know your thoughts on electric cars from a younger persons perspective, as I’m conscious of being an old fart these days and very much loving straight six goodness like you.

[@ericrawson2909]

I think the f Pace SVR is far from fuddy duddy. Ride quality not as smooth as my old X308, but the performance is outstanding and I love the V8 exhaust burble.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Andrew :) Jaguar's 'new age' styling, now 16 years old, and that latest XJ, now 13 years old and dead for 4 years, seemed to throw away a huge amount of Jaguar's traditional audience, all shouting about how it's too modern. But conversely, since the F-Type debuted, Jaguar have been perceived as a deeply cool manufacturer by people my age. The trouble is actually making sales. People don't consider Jaguar as JLR has never bothered to keep introducing new models, making the current XE and XF outdated compared to a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Similarly, while the Germans lure younger people in with smaller cars, Jaguar haven't done that. They've pushed themselves into a niche by choice, and I don't think they'll ever get out of that now. JLR are in crisis, complaining they don't sell any Jaguars. Well, you aren't going to with ten year old models, no low-level entry point, and a decreasing number of dealers. As I said, Jags are perceived to be very cool by people of my age, but I think Jaguar will die. I should add that the only decent step they've taken since the F-Type was the I-Pace, which was fantastic back in 2017, but they can't expect to sell any EVs that are 6 years old against the latest BMW i4.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@TwinCam "all shouting about how it's too modern." I find it amazing that looking back at forums from 2003, a lot of Jaguar fans *already* thought the XJ X350's styling was a step too far -- even though most people can hardly tell the difference from the XJ X308! "Without the classical styling I’d opt for something else like a 7-series" and "a Jaguar should be low and long" among other comments. "They've pushed themselves into a niche by choice, and I don't think they'll ever get out of that now." Is Jaguar a case study of what would have happened if BMW never brought out the X5 (and all the rest)? I know there are a couple of Jaguar SUVs but they are not big sellers. If Range Rover lives on selling fashionable SUVs while Jaguar goes by the wayside, does it really matter...? 😟 "Jaguar have been perceived as a deeply cool manufacturer by people my age. The trouble is actually making sales." As with Lincoln and Cadillac, is losing your traditional buyer base and targeting younger buyers (who can't necessarily afford to actually buy your cars) something which is done at your peril? I think the progression of the XK through to F-Type styling was spot on, but perhaps something about the progression of the sedan/estate models (and lack of SUV models) was not quite right. Maybe Jaguar needed to bring out an entry-level car (heaven forbid a hatchback?) based on the JLR transverse engine platforms to compete directly with the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class to chase younger buyers?

[@manofthehour6856]

Nice presentation. I love the XJ40 and thought it was the right car for the time, although it was released in the USA in 1988 (and offhand, I believe '86 in the UK), which was about three to four years later than when it might have hit the sweet spot on the market. The gestation period for the car was excrutiatingly long with design beginning in 1972. Sir John Egan did a materful job if leading Jaguar into independence, and into proper financial by orchestrating the sale to Ford. I was quite fascinated to learn in an interview with him that he wanted to sell the company to Toyota. What a visionary! I don't think the world would have been quite ready for Japanese ownership of a legacy UK carmaker at that time, but my perception is that Toyota would have been an amazing owner. The technology that the company and supply chains that Toyota could leverage in support of new Jaguars would have the potential for some astounding cars. But of course, Toyota has never been an acquisition company with a Frankenstein's monster of purchased divisions, but has always grown organically. Ford had too much input with Jaguar's cars, with all designers seeming to get a memo from Detroit regarding redesigns and new cars, "Make them ye olde English." from corporate execs whose perception of the UK seemed to be based on bingewatching of The Avengers. Or corporate leaders thought that is what the American carbuyers wanted. I first saw an X300 on the streets of Toronto in February 1995, and I did not like it. I wanted to, but could not. I hated the execution of the scalloping around the headlights to evoke the Series I through III XJ6, and the grille was too wide and absolutely hideous. I still do not like the design. The X308 wasn't much better, and of course, falling way behind the competition. The X350 looked good in 2004, but still was the wrong styling direction. It wasn't until the design direction changed for the better with the XF, new XJ, and XE that design was unique, modern, and appealing again.