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The very first car I ever rode in was a Jaguar. In fact, I arrived home from the hospital closeted in the sumptuous leather seating of a proudly British-built Mk I. Of course, I can't recall with any particular clarity that epic occasion. However, I can remember being chauffeured to my very first day of school in a Cornish Grey Mk II. Yes, while other offspring whimpered at the very thought of relinquishing the security of their mother's bosom, I was already well on my way to becoming what Jeremy Clarkson might describe as a “Jaaaag man.”
Of course, those were the days when a stylish automobile said something about its owner and those who rode in the rear seat. A Rolls-Royce portrayed money and upper-class sophistication. A Rover/Mercedes-Benz announced your career as a Bank Manager or a Chartered Accountant and the Jaguar informed the general public that you were either a successful businessman on the move, or that you'd just held up the local bank in the high street!
Yes, back in those days a Jaguar was just about the fastest thing on four wheels, which is why the criminal fraternity loved to steal them for use as getaway cars. “Grace, Space & Pace” was the company's slogan, and there probably hasn't been a better suited description of an automobile manufacturer since.
Back then, no one would dream of uttering the name of a German car manufacturer in the same breath as Jaguar; the company was in a class of its own. So, what went wrong?
Well, although I've owned numerous Jaguars over the years and, as a Land Rover/Jaguar technician, worked on thousands, for me to answer that question would involve several hundred pages and a considerable amount of patience on your part, so that's not going to happen today!
However, if you read my review of the 2012 Jaguar XJL Portfolio, you'll discover why I'm now saying: look out BMW, watch your back Mercedes, start looking over your shoulder Bentley, because the cat is back and it's coming at you, claws out!
Of course, those were the days when a stylish automobile said something about its owner and those who rode in the rear seat. A Rolls-Royce portrayed money and upper-class sophistication. A Rover/Mercedes-Benz announced your career as a Bank Manager or a Chartered Accountant and the Jaguar informed the general public that you were either a successful businessman on the move, or that you'd just held up the local bank in the high street!
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| Photo: Kevin Corrigan |
Yes, back in those days a Jaguar was just about the fastest thing on four wheels, which is why the criminal fraternity loved to steal them for use as getaway cars. “Grace, Space & Pace” was the company's slogan, and there probably hasn't been a better suited description of an automobile manufacturer since.
Back then, no one would dream of uttering the name of a German car manufacturer in the same breath as Jaguar; the company was in a class of its own. So, what went wrong?
Well, although I've owned numerous Jaguars over the years and, as a Land Rover/Jaguar technician, worked on thousands, for me to answer that question would involve several hundred pages and a considerable amount of patience on your part, so that's not going to happen today!
However, if you read my review of the 2012 Jaguar XJL Portfolio, you'll discover why I'm now saying: look out BMW, watch your back Mercedes, start looking over your shoulder Bentley, because the cat is back and it's coming at you, claws out!