It was about ten years ago that I first saw the XK and I thought what a beautiful looking car it was, the lines, the curves, the interior, I was hooked, but the price tag was out of my reach.
In fifteen years working in the motor trade we had only ever sold five of these vehicles all second hand, I was always first to offer to test drive and would try and stay out longer than I had to just to enjoy the drive. Although having owned a variety of cars over the years (approx 200 or so), I had never owned a Jaguar. So in March 2005 we visited our local dealership, Stratstone of Plympton. I bought an X Type 2.0 D SE in Jaguar Racing Green with ivory leather, nice car but not many extras, then another in Ultraviolet Blue which came ‘fully loaded’ and suited my needs.
Then, Jaguar decided to launch the 2.2 x type diesel. After a test drive, I ordered a Sports Premium with all extras even a TV in gorgeous Radiance Red, but whenever I was in the showroom the XK always caught my attention, never daring to think I would ever own one.
I took delivery of the X Type in Dec 2005 and enjoyed driving it until the spring. I then made the big choice to buy an XK, not knowing much about these cars I asked the dealer to find an XKR coupe with as many extras as possible and in mint condition.
A week passed with lots of phone calls of offers but none fitted the bill, three weeks later I was offered an XKR 4.2 Coupe 2002 in Jaguar Racing Green, 20” Detroit’s, Brembo brakes, handling pack, Recaro sports interior in ivory, sat nav and everything I wanted (one owner, some football chappie) the deal was done. The car was fantastic in every detail and when my right foot pressed down on the gas the smile just got bigger and bigger, this was a car that you just couldn’t wait to get in and drive, more to the point, once in the driving seat you didn’t want to get out. People were constantly looking at the car and asking questions, young and old.
In April 2006, I joined the XKEC. I have learnt a great deal about these cars and have enjoyed reading the many informative posts (money well spent on membership). It was interesting to see what modifications members had made to their cars. This got me thinking!! I rang Racing Green Cars and spoke to Cheque book Chas…
I booked the car in for a stainless steel grille, half super sport system exhaust and number plate lowered, all done in 4 hours, what great service. The car now looked and sounded exactly as I wanted. The trip back to Devon was glorious, no radio, no CD, just a lovely growl from the exhaust, I could have driven all night….. Well until the new XK came out that is.
Stratstone then invited me to the launch of the new car, a great launch party, but I came away thinking ‘do I really like it enough to want to own one?” Not in standard form though, or do I wait for the XKR to arrive……
Sometime later I had a look at an XKR, very nice it was to, but all launch cars came fully loaded and with a silly price tag, the dealership would not order me a new car with my spec until they had sold all the launch cars….. Hum hum…
At a club visit to the JDC Southern Weekend event in Detling, Kent I noticed RGC had on their stand a new shape XK! A phone call to Chas confirmed that it was still for sale with a nice spec which suited me nd fine. A deal was done over the phone. I picked the car up on the 2December, the day before our Christmas lunch (thank you Joan). The car looked awesome in Jaguar Racing Green with ivory leather, lowered by 25¬30mm by RGC, 20” Traffic Star RTM wheels made by Riverside Co Ltd Japan (a good looking wheel but not so good to clean), quad exhaust pipes that sounded and looked the part but could be made to sound better so a new exhaust system was made and fitted by the McLaren people this is more the sound I wanted.
As I write this article the car is now under development with Rica Engineering to remap the software. Most of this has been done with good improvements. New top and lower stainless steel grille supplied by Jaguar fitted by S&P Jaguar Specialists in Kingsteignton, Devon. Only took a few hours to fit, great people, first class work.
So far I have driven 5000 miles with no problems, only admiring and quizzical glances. Small boy’s, old men and ladies wondering what just went roaring past.
To make a comparison, yes we loved the shape of the old XKR, not too sure about the front of the new. I like the ¾ view but then it’s down to personal taste. I think the front seats are more comfortable with more shoulder room. Rear seats less room and lower headroom, boot room is smaller in size to the old but I do like the hatchback, dash layout is good once mastered. Most things operate from the centre touch screen. Sat Nav is easy to operate with post code entry. Fuel consumption, well XKR best was 30 mpg around town about 21mpg, new XK on a run best 31 mpg around town 25mpg.
Overall, there will be good and bad points with any new vehicle and in my opinion, once you have driven the new XK you may not want to go back. However, for pure driving enjoyment the new XK does it for me.
Whichever XK you choose, old or new for the smile it puts on your face and the way others look at your car ...Will say it all..ENJOY. (Since writing this article Steve’s car has won “Best of Show” at GIV –Ed).
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