10 Best Jaguar Models For Classic Car Collectors

May 16, 2023

The Jaguar brand is known for performance, style, and luxury. Here are a few must have classics for serious collectors.

Jaguar is a British luxury vehicle manufacturer. Their models exhibit a unique character and luxurious presence. Constantly bringing a unique flair to the international car scene, Jaguar keeps its rivals on their toes. Between designs, innovations, and speed factors, Jaguar has always been at the forefront of motor vehicle development and production.

From the D-Type racing and winning the legendary 24 Hour of Le-Mans in 1955 to the impressive top speed record set by the 1992 XJ220, Jaguar’s history is rich. Fast-forward to the 21st Century and the flame still burns ever so bright with the success of the impeccable F-Type Jaguar that is deemed by many as the best Jaguar of all time. Enthusiasts crown the E-Type as the best-looking Jaguar, while some will say the XKSS is the most sought-after. Here are 10 of the best models that are a must-have for the ultimate classic car collectors.

The Jaguar XK120 was manufactured between 1948 and 1954. This was the first car made after the world war, succeeding the SS 100, which ended production in 1940. The Jaguar XK120 was launched initially as a roadster and show car for the new Jaguar XK engine at the 1948 London Motor Show. It created waves, which encouraged William Lyons to put it into production.

The "120" in its name referred to its 120 mph top speed. The XK120 was notably faster with the windshield removed. It was available in two convertible versions, one open two-seater and also a drophead coupé. The drophead model was more luxurious, boasting a wood dashboard, and wooden features on the interior. Towards the end of its production in 1951 a closed or fixed-head coupe was made available. The 120 was the world's fastest standard production car at the time of its launch.

Related: This Is How Much A Jaguar XK120 Is Worth Today

The Jaguar D-Type is a classic factory-built race car that transitioned into a historical sports car. The D-Type originally raced and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, before receiving modifications to transform it into the XKSS road car. The engine was basically the same straight-6 found in the XK. The displacement was initially 3.4-liter, but was soon increased to 3.8-liter.

The D-Type’s most ground-breaking innovation was the introduction of a monocoque chassis. This major development was responsible for the implementation of aircraft-style engineering to competition car design and also increased understanding of aerodynamic efficiency.

Related: This Is Why Attending 24 Hours Of Le Mans Needs To Be On Every Gearhead’s Bucket List

The Jaguar Mark II first emerged at the end of 1959, with sales actually starting in 1960. From their introduction, these 2.4-liter and 3.4-liter Jaguar sedans scored big instantly and created such a great worldwide demand that the company had to double its production output. Special attention was directed to interior heating and adequate ventilation. Intricate details were implemented such as the number, size, and location of ashtrays. Later improved models received a facelift and a 3.8-liter engine with 220hp which did 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds and could reach an impressive top speed of 125 mph.

The Jaguar Mark II is most famous however for its use in bank robberies across the United Kingdom. The 3.8-liter Mark II was the fastest four-door in Britain, fully capable of outrunning any police car while transporting 4–5 men with bags loaded with cash. It was also one of the fastest sedans in the world.

The XJ6 sedan was developed over four years under the code name Project XJ4. The XJ stands for “experimental Jaguar”. Project XJ4 utilized a blend of many existing Jaguar elements. In September 1968, the XJ6 was born. A combination of the XK straight-6 engine with two choices of a 2.8-liter or 4.2-liter sizing, subframe-mounted front suspension, and modular independent rear suspension produced the XJ6 sedan. This combination was perfect as production continued with only a few subtle changes over into the next century.

The Jaguar XJ6’s styling as an interpretation of the Bertone/Giugiaro’s Alfa Romeo 105/115 and 106 coupes was rightfully praised. A distinguishing element from the outside was the twin fuel fillers, which gave access to the twin tanks. The XJ6 was a typical Jaguar with respect to value for money. It has definitely aged gracefully and is a perfect addition to any classic Jaguar collection.

The Jaguar XJ220 is a mid-engine supercar produced between 1992 and 1994. With its top speed of 217mph, it held the record for the highest top speed of a production car until it was broken by the McLaren F1 in 1994. Despite having the same moniker, the XJ220 is unrelated to other XJ models.

The spectacular performance is credited to the production version of the 6R4 engine. This V6 engine had an output of 542hp with 475 lb-ft of torque, running 0-60 mph in an impressive 3.6 seconds. The top speed of 212 mph was attained easily with the help of unrestricted catalytic converters. The XJ220 will forever remain one of the sexiest and most sporty supercars in history.

Related: Why Jaguar Should Restomod The XJ220 Supercar Today

This limited production model only saw 53 coming off the line. There aren't many road-legal cars with an engine like XJR-15. Powered by a 6.0-liter, 450hp naturally aspirated V12 Jaguar engine, this machine hit 0-60mph in a whopping 3.9 seconds.

Like a true race car, the body was made of a combination of composites and carbon fiber. The skeleton was a carbon fiber monocoque chassis made with tubular frames. The aim of the utilization of carbon fiber was simply to make the vehicle lighter. This worked like a charm as the XJR-15 weighed only 2,314 lbs. The engine and transmission were strategically placed and used as the load bearing for the rear suspensions. The XJR-15 utilized suspensions similar to that of race cars; double-wishbone with pushrods operating horizontal springs and dampers.

The 2007 Jaguar XJ is definitely one of the best luxury sedans ever produced. These modes were definitely obvious upgrades to the 1980s and 1990s model. These prestigious sedans had a presence of authority and had the aura of a transport vehicle fit for a dignitary or a classy villain. The ride quality is sturdy and well-controlled. The gorgeous interior aced with wood and chrome accents compliments the posh exterior ever so well.

The special edition XJR Portfolio is the model of focus for a collector, however. Don’t be fooled by the hefty appearance or exotic Ivory, Champagne or Charcoal leather interior. With only 100 units made for the UK market, the XJR Portfolio is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 engine, which gallops from 0-60mph in 5 seconds.

Stepping further into the 21st Century, the 2009 XF was a fusion of the well-known Jaguar style and performance. This high-performance luxury saloon was never short of sophistication. This marked the beginning of a new era for Jaguar. The Jaguar XF is a profound expression of new and improved design, with a driving experience that surpasses all expectations.

Although it was introduced in 2009, the 2010 model received significant changes. The base model XF received a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine, and the highest trim model XFR received a burly supercharged V8 engine that delivers 510hp. The sporty interior with all its bells and whistles; high-quality leather, and wooden and aluminum accents, matches the sporty exterior.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About The 2023 Jaguar XF

The new Jaguar F-Type is a symbolic return to the English manufacturer's roots. A bespoke two-seat, convertible sports car heavily focused on performance, handling, and driver dynamics. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type has a weight starting at 3,521 pounds for the base model. All three engine versions boast high power output from factory, the ratings increased accordingly from 340hp, 380hp to 495hp. The F-Type is designed with superb aerodynamics, elegance, and luxury.

The Jaguar F-Type is equipped with a modern, lightweight soft top that provides weight savings and improves packaging. The soft top when retracted even contributes to the car’s low center of gravity for improved handling and agility. The top can be fully raised or lowered in just 12 seconds at driving speeds of up to 30 mph.

Jaguar announced in May 2014 that it would recreate six new E-Type Lightweights, each built by Jaguar Heritage, a part of Jaguar Land Rover's new Special Operations division. Each of the six cars was built to a specification similar to that of the last Lightweight E-type produced in 1964 and was hand-crafted at the original home of the E-type, Jaguar's Browns Lane plant in Coventry, England. These six cars were sold as period competition vehicles and were all suitable for FIA homologation for historic motorsport purposes.

The Lightweight E-type was powered by a highly developed version of Jaguar's straight-six XK engine, which was in its prime, already ahead of the curve. Horsepower was well over 300, and with torque at 280lb-ft at 4500 rpm, the Lightweight E-Type is blessed with rapid acceleration from rather low engine revs. This is a traditionally standard element of Jaguar racing engines.

Temar is a medical professional and an ardent freelance writer who has a genuine love for the automotive industry and years of experience. He’s a Jamaican YouTuber who enjoys creating content in order to share his knowledge while spearheading his car accessory business.