Past and Future: Top Posts on Jaguar Forums in 2020

By John Coyle - December 21, 2020

Yup, 2020 was a terrible year. But it was still technically a year, so that means one thing — best-of lists.

There’s no way two ways about it — 2020 has been a rotten dumpster fire of a year. Now, it’s not like the calendar ticking over into 2021 is going to magically make everything better, and there are still some storm clouds — namely Brexit — looming on the horizon. But for the first time in ages, it seems likes we’re seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

So you know, still upper lip and all that.

That said, while 2020 might have been a terrible year, it has still been a year. And for those of you consume any kind of media, that means one thing — best-of lists. Because like death and taxes, this venerable end-of-year tradition simply can’t be denied. So without further ado, here are the most popular stories we ran on Jaguar Forums this year, in ascending order. Enjoy, and keep your fingers crossed the next 12 months are a little less apocalyptic…

Number 10: Marketplace Item: 2015 F-Type R RWD Coupe

There’s a certain feeling you only get when driving with a twisty road with the top down. But since I live in a place where it rains all the time, it’s hard to beat the appeal of a sexy coupe. And honestly? I think the F-Type coupe is prettier than its drop-top sibling by a country mile. So it’s no surprise that this gorgeous feline attracted so much attention.

Number 9: How a Jaguar Made Me Fall in Love with Cars

When I looked over the report of what was popular this year, I was happy to see that this piece had made the list. For reasons that are probably obvious from the title, Jaguar has always been more than a carmaker to me, and I really do consider it a privilege to write for you folks. Thanks to everyone who read this, and if you didn’t catch it the first time, here’s another chance.

Number 8: Vintage Defender is Ready to Wage War

Right out of the box the Land Rover Defender looks pretty tough. So making it look even tougher is no easy feat. That said? One sure way to make that happen is by adding an exterior roll cage and a 50-caliber machine gun. While it might not work for your project, it worked here.

Number 7: The Future We Need: Lunaz Design Electric Jaguar XK120

As someone whose day job is reviewing new cars, it might sound a little self-defeating to say that I think there are already enough cars. The future I want to see is filled with sexy old iron like this XK120 that’s been fitted with an electric motor. Check it out and see if you don’t agree.

Number 6: Jaguar Debuts 2020 Land Rover Defender at Frankfurt Motor Show

The new Defender was easily one of the most eagerly anticipated vehicles of 2020, so you didn’t have to be Nostradamus to predict the debut would prove popular here on Jaguar Forums. Whether the styling has derivated too far from the classic model is a question for another post. But Jaguar Land Rover will undoubtedly sell every one of these babies it can make.

Number 5: Poor Jaguar S-Type Begging for the Crusher’s Sweet Embrace

When it comes to vehicle modification, I generally say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But that doesn’t mean I’m going always be quiet when I see something that steps outside what I believe are the bounds of good taste. This sad S-Type is a perfect example. Godspeed, S-Type. You didn’t deserve this.

Number 4: Five Jaguar Concepts We Wish Had Made it to Production

Over the years, Coventry has crafted some of the most beautiful machines to ever grace the roadways of the world. But unfortunately, some of the designers most compelling work never got rendered into production. Looking at these pics makes me wonder just how stunning these creations looked on a plinth.

Number 3: Emerald Green Jaguar XKR a Cut Above the Rest

Since the moment it was released, the XKR was destined to be a classic. And while British Racing Green might be a natural choice for a powerful cat, this example looks spectacular in Emerald Green. Obviously, the photos are great, but the camera can only do so much…

Number 2: Hood Ornaments on Modern Jaguars: Look Before You Leap(er)?

Is Chicago deep dish pizza actually pizza? Does ketchup belong on a hot dog? Did Skittles betray the confectionary world when it replaced lime with green apple? These are some of the most pressing questions of our era, and this question about hood ornaments is among them. Talk about it amongst yourselves.

Number 1: Jaguar V12 Racing Engine Recreated for Modern Use

While the lovely straight-six might be the longest serving Jaguar engine of all time, there’s no denying the potent power and aural appeal of a 12-pot mill. This story about a 12-cylinder racing engine being reborn in the modern day was the most popular story on the forum this year, and unsurprisingly, it’s a good one. Check it out and see if you don’t agree.

Photos: As credited in post