By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Jaguar Land Rover has become the latest ‘big name’ to reveal its ending saloon and sports car production in favour of producing SUVs only from 2024.
It signals the end of the road for the XE and XF saloons and the F-Type sports car.
When we rank future classics, the F-Type must surely be near the top of the list.
Launched in 2013 and face-lifted in 2019, this bold ‘Jag’ represented a discerning alternative to a Porsche. It was made with a choice of engines from a turbocharged 2.0 litre unit, to a V6 and a supercharged 5.0 litre V8 engine. The V8 steels the show producing up to 575 bhp.
The F-Type is being described as the ‘spiritual successor’ to the legendary 1960s E-Type and can trace its ‘bloodline’ to the XK120, made between 1948 and 1954.
Today, good examples of the F-Type in both coupe or convertible styles can be picked up for around £30,000 and upwards.
To mark the end of production this Summer, Jaguar is rolling out a 150 limited run ZP edition, designed by the company’s Bespoke division. It takes its inspiration from two ‘Project ZP’ E-Types that raced at Le Mans in the sixties.
It might not match the revered E-Type but Jaguar’s last combustion-powered sports car is a sure fire future classic. A car that will still be turning heads in 2034 and beyond!