With every story about the new F-type expressing the same "talking point" of the F-type being the "spiritual" successor the the XKE, I humbly disagree. It is the latest successor but the XK series of 1996-2006 was the original. Yesterday, while parked at the supermarket in the afternoon, I came out to find a man probably about 8-10 years older than me (I'm 60) walking around my car, looking inside (my convertible top was down as it was a lovely, sunny day), giving it a rather intense inspection. As I walked up with my groceries, I asked him if he wanted to take a spin. He commented about how beautiful it was but also that he noticed it was called XKR and not XKE as he obviously mistook it for a "newer" XKE. We had a short, pleasant conversation about my car and his previously owned 1965 Austin Healy and then parted ways.

Clearly, the E-type's heritage affected the design of the XK8/XKR after skipping a generation with the XJ-S.

Don't get me wrong, I love the F-type, and will consider buying a coupe in the near future, but let there be no doubt, we carried on the lineage of the cherished E-type, first!

 

No argument here. i owned a '69 OTS in the early '80s and the the obvious heritage of the XK8/R's is what drew me to buying one.

One look from the front at that long rounded hood (bonnet) leaves no doubt where the inspiration for these cats came from.

 

I owned two XKEs a 1997 roadster and a 1994 coup that nearly broke me (teach me to buy a car from someone that couldn't spell maintenance). I have both a 2004 XKR and a new F-Type V8S the XKR is far closer to the XKE than the F is. The F is a beast more like a Sunbeam Tiger on steroids or a very well behaved Cobra it is an amazing car. In fact it is the best car I've ever owned but the XKR always has me thinking fondly of that great 1967 E Roadster which I so loved.

 

Rob,
In another post I looked at all of the photos of your Jaguar history, really enjoyed it. It is also obvious that even with your F-type, you continue to upgrade, customize, invest in your XKR, which is (I believe) a testament to its ongoing appeal. Good for you. Next time I'm up north at a track event, I'll let you know, maybe we can meet.
Ted

 

That's a deal, will look forward to it.

 

Well said; I also have always believed that our XK8/Rs are descendants of the XKE.


Mark

 

My XK8 is the XKE I didn't buy 30 years ago. When I saw my first one in 1997 I fell in love again. It is the most fun car I have ever owned. Porsche and Mercedes owners don't have a clue.

 

It seems that Jaguar XK owners have an emotional involvement with their cars (myself included), while Porsche and MB crowd's appeal to the technological aspects of their cars. When I was younger, I owned various exotics and semi-exotics, even though those cars weren't too comfortable or smooth to drive. Now in my mid forties, my taste gravitates to a more refined, classical shape of the XK. Do I like the F-type? It's a nice car, perhaps long overdue for a Jaguar to be able to compete with the Germans. Is it fun to drive? For sure. Would I like it more than my XKR - no way. My Jag simply makes me feel good when I'm behind the wheel and to me that's what it's all about.

 

I agree, and here is the proof..

 

Rob,

Was that you I saw last night being interviewed on PBS' Nightly Business Report?

 

As per a previous post, I went to my local dealer for info on some parts. I saw the new F type and the newer models, they looked great. However when I bought my XJS about 7 year's ago I really hankered after an E type, but after owning Thunderbird 2 for so long I am sure I made the right choice in my purchase. Now with my as yet unknown quantity XK8 I am waiting for good weather to start getting it the way I want. When I looked at the new F type I thought it looked nice but wondered what price it will be in 10 years time and will anyone be willing to pay the cost of the road fund licence, currently at 1068 quid a year. In other parts of the world are there similar restrictions to consider when making a purchase? I for one would love an F type in time but not at that price per year for a road tax especially when my other jaguars are a quarter the price to keep on the road, another fail by our government me thinks.

 

You have to love the E-Types, especially in my favorite primrose yellow color! (or is that white?)

I always forget how much smaller these car were until you put them up beside the XK8/R models. Even the F-Type is larger I think.

 

That's me, I do a lot of TV.

 

 

ah there's no doubt the XK8 is the successor to the E-Type ... i expect values to slowly rise within the next 5 years then start jumping for mint examples.

 

Actually they will jump in price once I sell mine. Historically that has been the case for all my former cars.

 

Well, hurry up then! What are you waiting for?

 

Ironically, the market's too high.

 

As written by T-berg
This was obvious with the XK-8 introduction, When Ford bought Jaguar they scrapped the XJ-41 project and in the early nineties told there designers to come up with a design that would continue the XK & XKE hertitage, that would bring back the sports car theme in a GT. When the XK-8 was introduced the press acclaimed the E- was reborn and we can see the E styling in our cars. It's no doubt that The XK-8 is the modern day XKE

 

The XK8 was always intended to be a modern E-Type. As a matter of fact, it WAS to be named the F-Type initially. However Ford forced Jaguar's hand.

Aston Martin was hurting, and as such the design was handed over to them, to be introduced as the DB7 in 1994. Running either the v12 or the 3.6 S/C V6 from the XJ6. As such in the Aston Martin world the DB7 is known as a "Jag in Drag".

The Xk8 came out, much more subdued than originally intended, in 1996 (in Europe). And there was NO XKR until 2001. Clearly Ford was attempting to separate the brands in a way where they would not directly compete with each other at the time. Jaguar was not allowed to steal Aston's thunder. They were to be good, but to a point just like the S-Type R made 400hp because they wanted it to. And remarkably the XFR / XKR make 500, again because corporate want them too now.

I have several books describing the development of the XK8 and the whole controversy regarding the DB7. Which if you have ever been around one is basically a fraternal twin to the XK8, especially under the hood.

Now when the Xk8 came out, the motoring press immediately recognized it for what it was. A Modern E-Type. Here's a Road and Track cover from the era.
Notice the headline:



After the sale of Jaguar to Tata Motors (of all people), I am remarkably surprised by the development of the brand. The introduction of the F-Type, the hot sauce versions of the XKR-S etc which are trying to elevate Jaguar to direct competition with the semi-exotics. These have all been wonderful developments for the brand's image. Especially coming from a corporation famous for making econoboxes that were basically motorized rickshaws.

So If the Xk8 Had been named the F-type, would the F-Type be named the G type now?

To me the F-type isn't a linear progression of the xk8. It's Jaguar's take on the Porsche 911 formula. A completely different car in feel, design, and driving dynamics.

Take care,

George