With our oldest cars now well over 20 years old (including mine), when should we consider the X300 to be a Classic?

We are still listed under “modern” in the forum categories – that is stretching the definition somewhat. When should we join the illustrious company of the XJS, the E Type and the MkII ? What do you think is the criteria for a Classic?

Just an interesting topic to generate some debate over Christmas

 

I thought a car older than 17 years old is considered a classic.

 

perhaps 'modern classic' would be the accurate term....in which you would have to include the X308 as well I think.....but that's definitely a cut off before the X350

 

Two things spring to mind. If you opt for classic car insurance you'll probably pay a premium, I found the on line general insurance companies to be way better.

In the UK I think they would be retro as in retro rides who had the use of the Shelsley Walsh hill climb last year and your car had to be over 21 years or something to qualify for a 10 quid run up the hill. The point being (I think) the cars are not classics but in daily use and ageing. They certainly took a beating up that hill.

 

Massachusetts considers a vehicle antique at 26 if I read the law correctly and you can get antique plates, but I believe you can only drive during the day, so thats not going to happen. At 15 I can do what ever I want to alter the emissions system. I guess right now I'm in between. It's definitely not a classic in value, I've got way more into it than its worth;-)

 

This could be viewed subjectively, as in my mind, my car was a classic from the day it rolled off the production line. It is ageless, timeless, distinctive and unmistakeable, unlike so many generic, jelly moulds on wheels that grace our roads today.


On a slightly more "official" note, here in Ireland, a car is conferred "classic" status, upon reaching its' 30th. birthday. This is for road tax purposes, whereby a car qualifies for "Classic Tax" of €56 annually. This is something I look forward to eagerly, but still another ten years to go! This is a major milestone, as at present, annual road tax on my Jag is nudging €2,000.00.
That's right, Two Thousand Euro!


Many car/ owners clubs here also have a 20 year limit on entries to runs and outings etc. That is, your car must be at least 20 years old.


So, take your pick. A classic when brand new, 20 years old, 30 years old..........As opposed to Vintage or Veteran, Classic is, IMHO, a state of mind.

 

I agree some cars are just born to be classics and the X300 has that aura, it makes friends wherever it goes. I think in the UK it's zero tax at 25 years old and no MOT required although I expect the insurer will want one.

2,000 euro, that's quite a lot of money My tax is £240 as there are no emission figures that apply so it gets the default range. Insurance is pretty reasonable, fully comprehensive (I don't know the US term) is about £150 as I recall. I'd need to check, it may be less.

 

''car was a classic from the day it rolled off the production line''

''some cars are just born to be classics and the X300 has that aura''

''it makes friends wherever it goes''

All good superlative statements....Its definitely a classic!

 

i got my 1999 X308 XJR insured on a classic car premium 5000 miles limit for a tad over 200 quid fully comprehensive...I added my 1996 XJR6....they increased my premium by £30 :-) ....OK i'm not 26 but that's classic car cheap motoring

 

That's very good for the second car - business use as well? That was my tipping point. I'm self employed and I can get the first level of business use for the 150 with Churchill of all people. It was odd giving the estimated mileage as increasing the mileage lowered the premium until I reached about 6k then it flat lined for a while - so now I am obliged to use the Jag

 

We are in the fourth era of Jaguar - Lyons, Leyland, Ford and now Tata.

To me the "classic" Jaguars are the William Lyons era cars. They are why the marque gained its reputation which was so perfectly illustrated by his advertising line "grace, pace and space".

Later models have often used his styling cues, been technically more advanced and certainly more reliable but just because they are ageing doesn't necessarily put them in the same group as the originals.

Graham

 

But amongst its contemporaries the X300 does seem to have that sense of style that suggests it will be a classic in its own right. As I said it makes friends wherever it goes, people actually comment on it which I find a little spooky.

 

Hear hear.


I also have an XJC and a series III but I think the X300 will become a classic, already being a modern classic imho.

 

I recently got my x300, after driving my 85 Series 3 for many years. It is a modern upgrade for me, many compliments too.
It already is a desirable model, most Jag Mechanics have the x300; our local Jag shop uses one as a loaner -- over 300k miles on it.
Very close to being considered a classic, but since no one can remotely guess the age of the car, maybe a few more years needed.
Lou
San Diego
still alternating between Series 3 & x300

 

I have just looked at the web site that summarises how many cars of a particular model have been taxed in the UK year by year. Or I may have misunderstood the information https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicl...r_xj6_3.2_auto

Taking the XJ6 3.2 Auto it looks like 5500 registered in 1995 it looks like there may only be 250 left running fully taxed with about 350 existing but not taxed for road use.

Hmm, maybe I should lavish a little more love on mine as at some point they must become valuable due to scarcity and loveliness. I'm guessing most of the 350 on SORN (registered but not taxed for road use) are just rusting away neglected.