www.jec.org.uk

Just popped to my local Guy Salmon dealership and noticed they had a couple of F-Types in the showroom - a black 3.0S and a red 5.0 litre. Even better in the metal than the pics. As the mafia boss said in The Italian Job - "Preeetty Car"!!

The thing that surprised me was how positively everyone at the dealership rates the car. Whilst this might not be too surprising, they were all eulogising about how good the car is to drive, the steering and the roadholding generating huge praise from the sales advisor, service manager, mechanic and even the parts guy!

It feels that the F-Type is so much more a sports car compared to the GT-style that has been the recent forte of the XJS, XK8 and current XK. With that focus (& price tag!) one can understand why people are seeing it as a 911-competitor.

What was a little surprising is that there seems to be a general view amongst the staff that the 5.0 litre is not the car to go for unless you have the skill level of an F1 driver. It feels that it's a car whereby the engine choice should be determined by your driving style and capability, not the size of your wallet. The consensus seems to be that the 3.0S is the one to go for.

I then watched the mechanic very, very gingerly changing the standard engine cover on the 5.0 for a carbon fibre one. The nervousness with which he pushed down on the retaining clips to put it into place was a joy to watch!! I'm guessing this cosmetic plastic replacement is a £500 option, perhaps much more?

Will it be a success? I'm sure it will. The challenge seems to be to get prospective customers to drive it. There is a strong belief at the dealership that once you drive it, you'll be absolutely hooked!

So I drove home in the XJS thinking "Ok, maybe I'll get one in 2028, when they're moving into cheap sportscar territory!"

I was lucky enough to drive a 3.0S this week. There's no doubt it drives beautifully. There's also no doubt it's derived from the XK chassis. The two cars feel like they share the same DNA. That said, if you have to dilute your motoring with just a hint of practicality (and most of us do), you'll need to save for an XK rather than an F-type. Mike.

So where do you put your Manbag? It is going to be an expensive fun toy with virtually no boot. Did someone mention the rock hard ride honed to perfection at the Nurburgring ( JC)?
Of course I am just jealous and an old git but comfort and practicality seem to have disappeared from cars these days including my wife's Fiesta ( ride) . So many estates er sorry "sports tourers" with small luggage areas, my XJ boot is not big enough !!!
Ah well ,back to luxury and quiet.