Jaguar. It’s one of those brands that everybody in the classic car world seems to love. And there have been scores of historic models too, ranging from the bank robber’s favourite Mk2 to the XJ line, the raffish XK120 to the gamechanging E-Type and the grand touring XJ-S. And over time, Jaguar has repeatedly changed its remit – from sporting saloons to luxury lines, a wide range to a narrow one, mid market to top of the line. Many of its most iconic models have been cars which heralded changes in direction for the company.
And each and every one makes for an excellent classic buy today. Whether you want a modern classic for daily duties or something special for Saturday sauntering, you’ll find a car for you with the leaping cat atop its grille. We’ve picked out our favourite models from a brand which has always had our hearts.
JAGUAR XK120
While the SS Jaguars of the pre war days might have been the first to bear the name, the brand really kick started with this car – the XK120 of 1948. It was a testbed for Jaguar’s new 3.4 litre six cylinder engine –a car in which it could be trialled before it was fitted to the company’s bread and butter models. And with 160bhp at launch, it was quick – enough to propel the car to 120mph, and even faster in tuned and aerodynamically tweaked specification on the Jabbeke Highway. 132mph was impressive in an era when your average family saloon was lucky to hit 60, and ensured that the Jaguar had a litany of fans from day one.
Its reign
