I also have a soft spot for the 360 Modena and 575 Maranello, especially when fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, which feels better matched to them than the optional F1 sequential gearbox. In addition, I share Vri’s preference for shades of deep metallic blue, such as Blu Tour De France.
Now for something older - and most definitely British:
I will also admit to liking the Jaguar XJS. Controversial looks and questionable reliability meant that it had a worse reputation at launch than it should have; however, when Tom Walkinshaw got his hands on it, Jaguar management quickly realized that it could be a successful touring car. It went on to win the European Touring Car Championship in 1984, and in the hands of John Goss and Armin Hahne, became the only V12-powered car ever to win the Bathurst 1000 the following year (as well as being the first Group A car to do so). But this was only the start of Walkinshaw’s ambitions: he later persuaded Jaguar to re-enter the World Sportscar Championship (eventually winning the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans), before going on to found the Holden Racing Team (now Walkinshaw Andretti United) - and the rest is history.
Eventually Jaguar capitalized on its successful competition record with the XJR-S, which went on sale in 1988 and was offered with a 5.3-litre V12 developing well over 300 horsepower, later enlarged to 6.0 litres.
And here’s the story behind the #33 TWR XJS which made history in 1985:
With such competition provenance, it’s no wonder the XJS remained in production for an incredible 20 years, until it was finally replaced by the XK8 in 1996. And with E-Type prices already well into the stratosphere, the XJS is finally receiving a deserved reappraisal from the collector car market.
I’ve got a new one, I greatly enjoyed experiencing the locally famous embodiment of autoshite, @Microwave 's Peugeot 205 despite spending most time in contact with it doing wiring. Oh and the brake lights failed but that’s a minor.
Despite it’s challenged appearance it’s a solid car, engine doesn’t even leak oil.
Inb4 I’m doing it wrong: I really want to buy an FK8 Type R.
Why? a) I can b) I’m a bit tired of fake vtak with zero throttle response c) it’s pretty much me in C-seg hatch form
Why guilty? It’s a lotta money (for a lotta car), it’s irrefutable evidence that I am really a 13yo douche on the inside, it’s also proof that I’ve turned into a JDM rice racer.
I want a GLS450 bad. I will never be able to afford one for probably 30 more years, but a huge Mercedes SUV and a twin turbo V6 with the right amount of power and a great noise just speaks to me. Plus they’re stupid practical, just as good on gas as my Town & Country and built very well.
