When Was Peak Jaguar? British Luxury Car History!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

What's YOUR favourite Jaguar? When from?

[@jamiesutton8569]

Such a hard question to answer, I had a series 3 V12 which was lovely, but the X308 is for me peak XJ. X100 XK8 is beautiful. Difficult to answer when we love them all !

[@peterwerner2174]

XJ-S was brave. Replacing the E Type was always going to be tough, so they made something very different. There has been nothing else like it since. Admission: Have owned an XJ-S for 31 years.

[@MrRea112]

That Geoff Lawson styled XK8/R was an underrated beauty

[@mikevickers1391]

I have owned many Jags but my 2005 4.2 XJ8 Executive is the best car I have ever owned. There have been no major mechanical issues and she is closing in on 200,000 k's now. Due to the lightweight alloy body I get better fuel economy than I did from my previous XJ6. I am a little bemused regarding the superlatives the presenters heaped upon the XJS. I had two low mileage examples and both were a mechanical nightmare I was pleased to see the back of. I actually have never heard a Jag mechanic say they are happy to work on the XJS 12 cylinder engine, two Jag workshops in my city refuse to work on them.

[@nigelbond4056]

I class myself as a slightly obsessed Jag man, I’ve loved them all my life. For me, the Series 1 XJ6 is the ultimate Jaguar.

[@SteveBarratt1]

I currently own both, and previously ownd both! Although I think Peak XKR/8 is the 2003 model year. The 4.2 V8 is bombproof. Jewel effect rear lights, but without the skirts and bulbous bumpers of later model years. Also prefer it with the rubbing strips.

[@uhn100]

My peak Jaguar is my 1995 XJS convertible it's the 4.0 Litre straight six comfortable well equipped and fast enough for me with the ZF four speed automatic many years ago I owned a Mk 10 that was a dream of a Jaguar thanks for your video Andy Allen.

[@roygardiner2229]

That was a fabulous video! Thank you. It was truly informative. I don't even own a car but I have always adored Jaguars. I have NEVER seen an ugly one. I shall watch the video again now. Frankly, I struggle to remember all the different models. As an ex-pat living in the USA every time I see a Jaguar I take a photograph. Most recently it was, if I recall correctly, an XJ that was branded Vanden Plas. I was asked by the owner why I was taking the photo and I explained to her my infatuation with Jaguars, as English icons. To my shame I did not know what she told me, that it was an aluminium body, so I had to do some research later on Wikipedia. I wish Jaguar could produce a modern car for the "everyman", that was not only pretty but affordable. SUV styling does not appeal to me at all.

[@SimonLovesHemis]

For me, it's got to be the V12-engined S3 saloon. Just... *chef's kiss*

[@jamiesutton8569]

Great review, nice to hear from Sam. I’ve owned many Jaguars over the years, I think X308/X100 are peak Jag, and owning both I can say they are a joy!

[@joannedickie7863]

Interesting video as we have 4 Jaguars; a Mk V 3.5, a Mk2 3.8 MOD with tarmac rally upgrades, a X300 4.0 Sport & a 4.0 XKR coupe with the R-Performance upgrade. We love the old world charm of the Mk V. The Mk2 can embarrass modern car with its 140mph top speed & improved 4 wheel discs. The X300 is so comfortable on long trips with superbly contoured seats & is so frugal on fuel given its size & performance. The XKR was bought as a substitute when a deal on an E-Type fell through & in hindsight we believe we ended up with a better car at a fraction of the price. One thing we did find annoying was the put down of the S2 XJ6. For 30 years we ran a very early SWB S2 that was a delight to drive & proved extremely reliable. It never left us stranded on long interstate trips pulling our race trailer & was an extremely attractive car with the same proportions as a XJC. We only sold it as we wanted air-conditioning as we got older & our S2 was a base model with leather trim but no air-con or power windows. My husband's favourite Jaguar by a country mile is our Mk2. Its a mobile sauna bath on a hot summers day but cruising along a country road in O/D is heavenly plus it is the most beautiful sedan to roll out of a factory.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

There's a reason the Mk2 is an icon!

[@Loveallthingsporschejaguar]

I had a X300 but didn't fall in love with it the way I did with the XJ40 even though with the X300 i didn't have to worry about chrome door handles breaking or water leaks (but ford buttons were annoying). I think the XJ40 Daimler is beautiful and the X308 super v8 in black is stunning and looked amazing in a Bond film. I do miss my XJS the ride in that car was unbelievable and comfortable on long journeys with a great 3.6 and 4.0 litre engine.

[@ChristerByklum]

For me, 90’s, and not far from you two. I like the facelifted XJ40’s and XJ-S, when they got modernised in their last few years. The X300 is gorgeous and I own two, and with the XK8 and even more, the XKR and the XJR, Jaguar found their way back to the racing history as well. Love the X308 as well, and it was always my favourite before, but now, I find the X300 just ages better, especially the interior. But my dream Jaguar garage would be X300 XJR and Daimler Six LWB, and I have both, plus XKR X100, X308 XJR and a late Daimler 4,0 XJ40, a facelift XJ-S 4,0 Convertible, and a series II Coupe. Another six with the 4,2 litre. Why Daimler? Just love the seat design. That is my 7 Jaguars ultimate garage.

[@ChristianACW]

Well, as the owner of a 2004 XK8 4,2 Coupé (and as an X100 enthusiast) I certainly agree with Phil's choice - for me though the best year is 2002, my all time favorites being X100 and X308! An X308 XJR along with my X100 - that would be my dream garage, that's peak Jaguar for me! 😍

[@iainleith4296]

I agree with the years you picked , 97 approx . I always thought the XJ that you guys picked was the ultimate and beautiful ! I gave an XK 150 convertible and she is def the best Jag ( or any car ) I’ve ever had !

[@amphilbey]

A few eras when would be very happy with a Jaguar 2 car garage - 60s MkII 3.8 and E-Type; 90s X308 XJR and XKR Silverstone; 2010s XJ Supersport and a F -Type R...🔥

[@lib556]

As the proud, lucky owner of an 03 XKR, I'd say that they (X 100s) were the peak.

[@rjdavies1982]

The large 'Adult Superstore' behind the XJ6 Series 3 segment made me chuckle!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Business is booming!...apparently.

[@rjdavies1982]

@@ClassicsWorldUK 😂

[@ofmanynicknames]

Is that the same adult superstore that appeared in the Top Gear classic rally episode?

[@rover-t]

For me peak Jag was E-Type Series 1 and Mk2. For the more modern models the X300/08 V8 is the peak saloon.

[@ofmanynicknames]

I quite like the conclusion of this video; that being said, as the owner of a manual X300 XJR and an X100 XKR coupe, I may be more than a little biased!

[@martinanderson4721]

My Classic Jags are S Type 3l R - split rims, sunroof. dark green. X reg. And an XK 8 convertible dark blue black hood, 4L. S reg.

[@V12motorsports]

As someone who currently has 4 Jags (XJ-S [88,89,91] all 5.3 V-12s and a 14 XK) To me, peak Jaguar was the 1988 XJ-S. Once regluations made them put an airbag in the steering wheel, it ruined the steering column because it only moves up and down. If anyone knows a way for it to move in and out please let me know

[@stevenr2463]

I grew up in a Mk 2 in the 1960s, then Leyland XJ6 in the 70s (dismissed and Mk2 kept till the late 80s!), then self an XKR convertible 2001 (after a Porsche period) till 2019. The friends of my father had E- Types, an XJC, my best friend´s father a 420G aso. Given that background: I must say I agree with you, well said!

[@stevenr2463]

Oh yes, forgot the Q - my favourite Jags are the Mk 2 , followed by my X100 XKR and of course the XJ - but series 3 (1979?).

[@rob5944]

Good appraisal on the S type.

[@petrjambor2977]

The peak Jag is for me XK120/140, E-Type, saloons like Mk2, MkX/420G, S-Type and XJ6/XJ12 Series 1. Jags from 90s/00s like XJ X300/X308, XK8/XKR X100 or modern S-Type are very fine, reliable and very enjoyable for daily driving but I adore classic Sir William Lyon's era..

[@dhdove]

It ought to be the E-Type but for me 93+ AJ16 XJS all day long.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Great choice, the AJ16 cars are fantastic things!

[@1972jjb]

As useable relatively affordable classics; you both chose the best Jaguars. (X300 XJR for me, in that deep turquoise with the disk style wheels; x308 is still a great car but not as good visually with the Max Power cheapo looking 5 spokes and too 'gloopily' formed wood interior)

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jamesbellis4949]

Mid 90’s. Totally agree

[@imwithname843]

that Maserati spyder is cool.

[@jagvette1]

Mine are the 3.8 MKII and the Series 2 XJ6 and the XK8

[@3ducs]

In the past year I've bought two Jaguars, a 2016 F-Type 3.0 S coupe 6mt, and a 2006 XJ8 VDP LWB 4.2. I had been looking at a 1987 XJ6 but the XJ8 won on practicality, the F-Type won on emotions. Were money no object a Series 1 XK-E would win over the F-Type but having done three rotisserie restorations of rusty E-Types I know how hard it is to find good ones, quality control was poor then.

[@asdreww]

XJS for me, 1980s era. V12. I think peak XJS production was in 1989 so I choose that specific year, on the basis that the more that were made the likely better the people in the factory were at making them.

[@CaptainRambunctious]

I’d steer clear of the Nikosil issues… for me, post 2000 X308 XJR…

[@WayneOnCars]

On a xkr i think for me its gota be a soft top and bbs wheels.I also agree the series one and 3 where dame nice and the x308.However i have had a few x350 with this model yr not getting that usual tin worm.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We do like an X350!

[@petervirnuls7879]

I think 89-92, pre catalyst converter. I had a series 3 v12 Sovereign. That was great. I then had an x308. That was Ford tat, already having had a new engine when I took the thing on. Then there’s the ZF gearbox, which disintegrate at 120k miles. The thing that killed mine off was the rear bearings and hub failure. It was beyond rubbish…

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

The XJ40 for me

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Ooh interesting choice!

[@jeffkauffman1651]

I say this an xj40 owner/restorer. You crazy!😅

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@@jeffkauffman1651 Had a few XJ40s never had a bad one

[@craigjaguar]

Peak Jaguar was 70s and 80s - XJS and XJ6/12. These models were far superior to anything the company had produced before and feel much more special than anything which came afterwards, and i am a big fan of the 90s era cars too but despite anything Jaguar tried, these feel much more "ordinary" than the Series XJ or XJS

[@Thanos.m]

Really difficult to peak one specific model or era I think late 90s were definitely special with the X308 S-Type and XK but for me if I had to peak an Era it would be 2008-2010 you had the still classically styled XJ X358, The XF gunning for the 5 series market and the absolutely stunning X150 XK. That is you discount the 60s which probably the absolute glory days of Jag

[@sevesellors2831]

My favourites obviously E type, series 2 and original XJ6. I went out in an XJS and was very impressed and the looks over the years finally grew on me. Modern Jaguars no they have lost their way look like Lexus rather bland.

[@omarks]

The era. when Lyons built and ran Jag has to be peak era, not when BL then Ford were in charge. Lyons era cars arguably peaked in maturity with the XJC, Lyons was proud of that styling but it is essentially based on the gorgeous series I XJ6. I think that car was the peak outaide of Sayer's Si E type. I do think the X300 and particularly X205 xj12 in 95/96 are terrific and elegant cars and were the best of the Ford era. The rumor now is Tata are going to flog the brand to the Chinese to make dodgy EV badge engineered bodies on their battery skateboards. Lyons would be horrified....

[@richsan4923]

Don't think you can argue past the E-Type. Arguably still the most beautiful car ever created. Series 1 of course.

[@JamesPrince-n5g]

I've always thought the brand has received largely undeserved praise with most models being deeply flawed, in one way or another. The only one I'm inexplicably fond of is the XJ40, as the optimism in that period was quite infectious.

[@sandhaug67]

I do own a 2000 XKR, but peak Jaguar with Ford ownership? That was a little heartbreaking to hear. No my other Jaguar is at the peak - a 2020 Jaguar I-Pace!

[@alexandrecouture2462]

There is a black X308 in my area and somehow, I find my beige Sovereign XJ40 prettier. Maybe it's bias because it's mine! 😊

[@Konformation07]

As a Series 3 XJ12 owner I'm not biased in any way.....but the Series 3 was peak Jaguar.

[@81adamlittle]

I think most car manufacturers peaked around the same time

[@sameyers2670]

E Type Series 1 4.2 or Mk2/S Type for me

[@berwhaletheavenger]

The original XJ12. Jaguar discontinued it before anybody made a car that was quantifiably better overall. It's all the more remarkable when you consider the small budget (compared to Mercedes etc) it was designed on. Regarding rust - the X300 and especially the X308 are even worse than the XJ40 and easily as bad as the Series II. The number of 2000/2001 cars I've seen that are literally falling to pieces. It's obvious that Ford cut costs somehow. I wouldn't touch one now - they're nearly all rotten. The X350 is probably a better bet. The very late 4.2 XK8's in nice condition are superb and worth having. The early ones are all teabags now. As for S and X Types........no. Just no.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Can't deny that!

[@alfagtvjan]

Lovely Fiat Coupe ❤ next to the X300

[@darrenhalsall2838]

Omg wars did u get that idatt

[@tommyjeffries8484]

The x305 xj

[@deanstanley5799]

X300 the best all rounder

[@2.fresh767]

XKR & XJR, early 2000’s.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We agree!

[@Jamiexjs83]

I think an early He Xjs in my opinion

[@peterriggall8409]

You will upset a few who will say ‘What about the MK II 3.8?????? Not really a Jag. man but I would probably have an XJ40 and buy quality car such as a Rover with the change. 🤣

[@jeffmunkynutz1568]

Peak jag was the moment before a spanner was ever turned on one 😂 Ohh, sorry..... thats a bit harsh. Some of the really old ones arent too bad.

[@grandtrousers]

X150 is vastly superior to X100 and X350 (X358 in particular) is so much better than the X300. But the 420G is still the best.

[@elelegidosf9707]

X-Type

[@jagvette1]

MKII

[@ralph007silver]

X308 XJR

[@duckman5642]

1950s

[@tris7]

These are all grot box jags. It’s a mk2 or a mk7. Simple, end of.

[@b.2221]

You are all day dreaming. When was the last proper Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar?. There hasn’t been one since the late sixties early seventies. It’s a dead car brand and driving around in whatever badged lump with Jaguar on it you drive around in is a mere memory of a once great car brand 😂.

[@henrikbragge]

Certainly not now with 3 f****n SUVs and nothing more … My vote goes to the Mk X. I wish that Jaguar will come up with something, but they could as well die 😢

[@Bod8998]

Lol he didn't agree with anything you said

[@peterelement820]

Two Editors of Jaguar World conclude 'peak Jaguar' was when FORD owned it ???? Have we entered a new dimension ? One where motoring journos have lost their marbles ??????