Jaguar are my favourite car manufacturer, I recall running through their early 2000s showroom as a child. I rate their cars from this era to be some of their best designs as well, especially the XK8 (which makes me fall in love with mine every time I take a look at it).
I get where you're coming from. But I adore the XE Project 8, the f-type coupe and the Eagle Speedster (yeah, not Jag, but way more attractive than the E Type😁)
Interesting to start with the 'D' Type. Made me think. It led to the 'E' Type, which was irreplaceable. However, I would say the most significant was the original XJ. That produced a timeless design that was hard to replace.
@@TheHorsebox2 Ever considered an aston? I know they're typically a bit more, but since jags aren't sports cars they're gt cars, I've always found astons to look better, be better built (recently anyway) and just have some of the best cars over the years. Jags are of course brilliant though, I'm not disparaging them. Plus you get to say something no one who owns a different brand can get away with "come on honey, let's pop to the shops, we'll take the *wiggles lips about in British* Jyyyaaaaaaagggghhhh" : P
@@jacobl6714 Yes, a DB5, for example, is a stunning car. I had a chance to bid on one in an auction in 1984, well before they got into telephone numbers. That really was the one that got away.
Can't argue with the top 3 for iconic status, however the Series 1 XJ created a styling language that was carried through for the next 40odd years, hard to argue with that kind of influence. Also the Mk10 should get an honorable mention for all round sinister thuggishness, it's almost the perfect "cartoon villain's car"
I bought a crashed 10 year old XJC, 4.2 and restored it and drove it about 4 years. Everyone who drove it said it was fabulous. The less said about the build quality. The looks of it with the windows all down was gorgeous, but you had to have nothing lying loose inside the car as stuff could get sucked out if you put your foot down. :)
The 3 greatest Jaguar designs in my opinion were all overseen by Sir William Lyons - in order:- 1. XJ6 & 12 - series 1 - quite simply the most beautiful 4 door saloon ever designed - and it kept getting better the longer it remained in production 2. XJ-S - pre-facelift - a personal choice - this is possibly my favourite car of all time 3. MkII - nothing to be said about this - grace and pace. Still a remarkable looking compact sports saloon
Thanks for another great episode. I wish the original XJ (Series 1, 2, or 3) had been included, at least in the runner-up list. It's such a beautiful design.
Recently went round to a friend's farm and in a converted chicken shed which was now used for machinery storage there was a proper classic dusty jag sitting in a corner after seeing that it was in relatively perfect condition minus a couple of rust spots and being told that it had been sat there for the past 20 years I almost cried im now going to try and ask the owner who left it there if I could help fix it up.
@@FrankStephensondesign I think its a jaguar e type there was also a lotus body kit apparently on a Ford cortina chassis (just a shell anyway no engine or wheels) and a triumph stag.
XJ13, SS100 and XJ6C. What makes Jag's special for me is that the best looking British cars are often Italian designs, while all the best looking Jag's are in house.
That is the correct pronunciation, it's a Portuguese word, not an English word. I'm glad he didn''t butcher it like Jeremy Clarkson did by adding a third syllable.
I always thought the e-type was overated because frankly, the coupe has some funky proportions, but then I saw the e-type convertible, what a gorgeous car, in my opinion, it ranks higher than all the cars in frank's top 3
Frank Stephenson: teaching us apes class and design history. Interesting to note that if you look at the XK 120 reflection line at 4:55 but reverse it (e.g., front of the car now becomes the rear), you've basically drawn most of the lines of many of the newest super cars.
Agree with all that. Would love to see Frank's take on a modern Jag saloon. They just can't seem to find their styling language...since well, the XJ series?
I would be interested in why you prefer the XK120 over the 140? My father in law restored XK140s (I was lucky enough to help on 3 builds) in Germany they’re preferred as they’re slightly larger (as are many of the clientele). A designer from Ford bought one with bespoke details and took it to the fiesta launch out here where the journalists took more photos of the XK than the Fiesta- says a lot about its timeless appeal.
To me Jaguar is all about the “grace, space and pace” and nothing represents that slogan better than its sedans. My favorite Jaguar designs are: 1. The MkII, one of my favorite cars all of all time. Totally agree with Frank on the reasons to include it in the list. 2. The original XJs from series 1, 2 and 3 and the stylish XJC. 3. and lastly the XJ X300 with its long silhouette, understated elegance and a design that blended modernity and past. As honorable mentions, the XJ13 (stunning machine in every respect) and the last XJ, the X351, probably one of the last Jaguars that truly represented what Sir William Lyons expected from his brand.
My grampy had a Mk2 long before I was born but my dad remembers it fondly. We drove a Serie 3 E type for our wedding. I loved it although it's not the best looking of the E types - that's the series 1.
Great video. Great choices. Back in the 60's my brother, a trained engineer, bought and restored a SS1 Jaguar. It was one of the very early ones, made in 1932 I think. The company was based in Blackpool, Lancashire, and made Art-Deco style motorcycle sidecars. The SS stood for Swallow Sidecars. They later moved to Coventry, which was then the heart of the British car industry. Totally agree with your thoughts on the magnificent MK-2, but the E Type still holds the number one position for me! I still drool over them whenever I see one. Even Enzo Ferrari said it was "The most beautiful car ever made!"
As much as I love the older cars that Jaguar has made, the early XK8 is what made me fall in love with cars. When I saw it with its swooping body lines and that slender feline nose for the first time I immediately knew what my dream car would be.
I know you have a love for motorcycles. When will you start doing list like this for motorcycle brands? I personally would love to hear your thoughts as a motorcycle lover myself.
Awesome video!! I love the Mk2 and the E type as well as the xk140. You should have included the Jaguar XJS and the XK8 x100 model which is my dream car.
I have a '17 XE R-Sport and love it. Handles beautifully, funny things is I got the diesel engine to avoid getting lead foot, but for some reason the cops still give me tickets! lol (I have slowed down since)
Jaguar X100 XKR is one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Not to mention it runs with the most iconic automotive wall porn of all time the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Testa Rosa. The XKR is the most underrated car of all time.
I would put the original XJs (Series 1 through 3) in there somewhere, lovely designs that somehow manage to incorporate similar proportions to the sweep of the front fenders back to the haunches as an E Type (at least in the Series 3, maybe that 's just me though). And the XJ220 is just swoonworthy! The C-X75 was definitely a missed opportunity for Jaguar.
I'm so glad I stumbled across this video. As a Jaguar fan, I feel disgraced that i've never heard of the XJ13. It looks like a mid-engine & sleeker looking E-Type. Lovely video sir.
To be honest, Jaguar is one of the brands that have too many great looking classics that is hard to choose just top 3. I also I understand why you went with D-Type, it was that or E-Type but can be both because they are similar and you wouldn't waste two spots out of a top 3 like that. Either is a winner. I think once you define your criteria it becomes easier to choose. Great video as always.
Another wonderful review, Frank. There were two on your list that l liked the most; the Jaguar Mark 2, and CX75. However, my 3 favorite Jaguars are the XK8, SJ220, and the new F-Type.
I'm glad you mentioned the Art Deco touches. I see all your 3 choices looking back in design to the inter-war period and the way Art Deco manifested in aircraft, car and even locomotive design. If you look at the profile of an A4 Streamliner the key lines clearly resemble those on the XK120. But Jaguar fell prey to dying sales exactly because their styling continually looked to the past, until the great Callum shake-up from 2007 on. I believe the company must now look forward and the I-Pace is a great start, clean surfacing with athletic lines but still taking advantage of the freer packaging allowed by the electric drivetrain. I just hope the models that come next will continue to set a direction rather than rehashing the past.
Hi Frank, this is Phil Arnold from IG. Who can argue with the XK120? Or the 150? I ABSOLUTLEY defer to your expertise. But you only showed one salon. Perphaps it would be good and fair in future such videos to separate "sports cars" from "salon/sedans". I would say that in the salon category that the Series 3 XJ6 was a beatutiful salon. Noteworthy at least. And, according to John Egan in his book....its the car that saved Jaguar during his tenure. But great job. Thanks so much.
The C-type was the link tween the XK120 and the D-type and on to the E-type which is my favorite because that was what was on the road. Also the XJ sedan, with it's tucked in tail, was the opposite of the box shapes of American design.
I'm a big fan of the Mark 2 sedan, and would place it at number one. The combination of sporty styling with real performance, plus luxury and comfort in the passenger compartment make it an all-around winner for me.
Don't forget the XJ. Every XJ from the first to the second-to-last (no crappy X351) had a very Porsche approach to it. It never really changed look: long uninterrupted shoulder line, three box design and 4 round lights. To me the XJ (in particular the X358) is between the most beautiful sedans ever, within the BMW E38, E39 and Alfa Romeo Giulia
hey frank, long time since a new video, I'm looking forward to the next one! one suggestion also, could you make a video of the recent designs made by hyundai? The futuristic tuscon and ioniq 5 in particular, I just think they're really going somewhere, especially the ioniq. I think you will love it! great content keep it up!
I still have a soft spot for the original XJ, a design which lasted over 30 years, being relevant throughout and still relevant to this day, it's a definite head-turner. That design is just so charismatic, elegant and timeless!
@@Xayuap He did say that, but I think Enzo (with Leonardo Fiorovanti's help) topped the E-Type only 7 years later with his own long-hood short-deck coupe and roadster, the 365 GTB/4 "Daytona." Honestly, I think the M-B 300 SL coupe and roadster that preceded both has also aged more gracefully than the E-Type.
My top three are: 1. E-type series 1 - the most beautiful sports car ever. 2. XJ6 series 2 - the most beautiful 4 door saloon car ever. 3. XJS coupe - controversial when launched, but it's svelte, rakish design has aged fabulously well.
Frank, absolutely love your channel! You've opened my eyes to a whole new way of assessing what draws me to one shape vs. another. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE... Do an assessment of the original Maserati Ghibli. Would love to have a chance to see that design through your eyes! Superlative contributions... Keep'em coming!
My top two Jaguars of all time are the XJ220S (the TWR Racing version) and the XJR-15. Such beautiful cars from the past of Jaguar and unfortunately ones that don't get much attention. In 3rd place I think I'd put The F-Pace because even though it's not one of their most beautiful cars it's definitely the stand-out for me among modern SUV's. I don't think I liked any of the high-performance SUV's up until that one came out and so I think it deserves a place simply for changing my mind, plus it's really hard to style something like that well.
Im glad you didn't talk about the E type, its definitely overtalked about haha. Love the idea of your channel, car design is so important and I feel like modern manufacturers need to understand that the coolness of the car really comes down to the design. It seems like a lost art and the only cool cars nowadays cost so much.
Personally I think the XK120 looks just as good with the hard top, if not better. I've only seen one on the streets, down in Portsmouth a few years ago, and was a truly awesome looking car. Very potent looking yet elegant and refined. Other than that, I've always had a soft spot for the XJ220. I know it's far from a perfect car and had a troubled birth etc, but for a machine of such power, it still maintains those elegant and graceful lines of older Jags, in spite of it's Austin Montego tail lights...
Great list Frank. My dad had a ‘57 XKSS in Cuba in the ‘60’s. I dream of building one from scratch, using a ‘69 E-type as a donor. I also worked on the Gen 1 Mini engine for Chrysler back in ‘97-‘00. Cheers, Alejandro.
When you think in the 50s not many cars were on the road and the ones that were were more like little boxy Austin sevens or Model Ts.These Jaguars were state of the art machines with the racing pedigree to match.People would long to have one like they do nowadays with top range Mercs and BMWs
Hi Frank, great video as always, don't agree with all of your choices for Jaguar, I would have gone for the road-going version of the D type the XKSS I understand the aerodynamic function of the D-Type fin but the slight modification and purity of the XKSS makes it extraordinary; I think there was a very good shout for the C-type in there somewhere, I'd have to include the E-Type but very definitely the Mark 1 drophead as I always felt the 2+2 was rather cumbersome and imbalanced, and my third choice would be the C-X75 which got an honorable mention from you, it's a crime it never came to fruition, if somehow that was in admissible then it would have to be the XK 220 audacious and wonderfully understated at the same time. Thanks once again for another great video!
Frank, sometimes I was a bit critical but thise time you ABSOLUTELY nailed it :) Of this list, I think the Jaguar XK 150 screams Jaguar the most, an iconic design you have to (and only can) connect with Jaguar. The last mentioned modern prototype is not bad, but did not blew my socks away as a Jaguar design. Too generic with the headlights and does not really scream Jaguar to me. Greetings.
Beautiful shapes - each and every one of them. Sir William Lyons was known to sit in his back garden, sketching out the next great thing to come out of Brown's Lane. For me, the XK13 was the Jewel in the Jaguar heritage. The first true mid-engined supercar. XJ220 has some beautiful curves about it and a bodyline to die for and the XJ6+derivatives. That cigar shape profile indicating a new direction for the marque at the time. Wouldn't be disappointed with any of them but those are my favourites...
I'm keen of spotting Jaguars in movies. Play misty for me has Clint Eastwood driving an XK120 along Big Sur in California. Another is the movie A summer place where a hardtop XK 150 rolls into the driveway at a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. How fitting seeing those two together!
Yes! yes! It would have been criminal if you didn't mention the C-X75 which would have been in my top 3. To see the C-X75 in motion in the James Bond film Spectre was thrilling. It kills me Jaguar didn't produce it. As you say, it would have been in good company at the time with the P1, 918, and LaFerrari.
I cannot help but be smitten by the S1 XJ6/Sovereign. The low bumper looked immediately dated when the S2 came out, but over time the original has proved the purer, aesthetically. Early (and lower spec) S1 cars also lacked head rests, which somehow Len it a lighter, brighter interior. And manual window winders.... The purer of the two S1 cars is the SWB. And I hate to say this on a Jaguar channel, but the Daimler grille, jib caps and rear looked better. There are many, many gorgeous Jaguars. Beauty was everywhere (at least until it all went wrong around 20 years ago. But my favourite, the one that make my heart beat faster, is a Daimler..... A SWB S1 car, perhaps with a well sorted 2.8. All the power a car like that needed and a lovely manual 'box. Clean, elegant, madly comfortable and so.ehow perfect without ever appearing to try too hard. Good video. But I am right.
XJ-C, Series 3 XJ and XJR-15 might be my favourites to add. Oh, and the later convertible XJS's were very nice looking, and of course XJ220, but that's been said so many times anyway.
My favorites now that I am older and my preferences have matured, are the xk120/xk150, Mark 10, and an out growth of the mk2, the 3.8S type. My old E-type will always be my favorite period.
Absolutely another great video, I really enjoyed this one a lot and it must have been a hard list. My personal favorite is the XJ 6/12 coupe without a vinyl room. Absolutely, can't wait for the next one,
Great spotlights there, especially the poor CX75, always thought that looked sublime in a deep blue. Have you thought about the Jaguar XJC? They didn't make it for long yet it was a gorgeous understated 70s GT
Frank, I love watching your videos, but I'd like to see you react to more common car designs, maybe pointing out some bad and great trends or designs on more affordable or popular vehicles, because i guess they are much more compromised and tricky to design because of budget restrictions.
To me, wire-spoked wheels are an essential part of the Jaguar design, they complete that typical look. And ... I wish they had the same finesse in current production. Looking at all the flowing lines in history the front ends of current Jaguars are rather blunt.
The Jaguar F Pace is the only SUV that ever made me feel anything other than disguist or boredom. I fucking love the Jaguar F Pace. It is purely, 100% and SUV from a brand with no offroad heritage so it's not an "offroader gone urban" like the Range Rover or the G class Merc. Jeremy Clarkson has said that the classic Jag sedans are for tax dodgers and white collar criminals, the F pace is for the kind of people who send other people to sleep with fishes and wear suits that cost more than your car. Its intimidating AND agressive and I love it.
As always, let me know below which three Jag designs you think are the pinnacle of the marque. I can't wait to see what you think!
Frank.
Frank!
I love the Mc12 will you help me with a Cool Tattoo design with Mc12 inspiration
E type, obviously.
Xj 220, I had that on my wall instead of the countach.
I think the xjs is underrated elegance for its time.
Jaguar are my favourite car manufacturer, I recall running through their early 2000s showroom as a child. I rate their cars from this era to be some of their best designs as well, especially the XK8 (which makes me fall in love with mine every time I take a look at it).
*Absolutely* great video Frank! Can't wait for the next!
I get where you're coming from. But I adore the XE Project 8, the f-type coupe and the Eagle Speedster (yeah, not Jag, but way more attractive than the E Type😁)
What a shame the C-X75 never went into production, it's absolutely gorgeous, especially from the rear and side profiles.
For me the XJ series 3 sedan (79'-92') always had "something about it". Especially the rear end and the tail lights - very distinctive.
Interesting to start with the 'D' Type. Made me think. It led to the 'E' Type, which was irreplaceable. However, I would say the most significant was the original XJ. That produced a timeless design that was hard to replace.
Yes, totally agree. I have owned six. No other car comes remotely close. But that's just me!
@@TheHorsebox2 Ever considered an aston? I know they're typically a bit more, but since jags aren't sports cars they're gt cars, I've always found astons to look better, be better built (recently anyway) and just have some of the best cars over the years. Jags are of course brilliant though, I'm not disparaging them. Plus you get to say something no one who owns a different brand can get away with "come on honey, let's pop to the shops, we'll take the *wiggles lips about in British* Jyyyaaaaaaagggghhhh" : P
@@jacobl6714 Yes, a DB5, for example, is a stunning car. I had a chance to bid on one in an auction in 1984, well before they got into telephone numbers. That really was the one that got away.
The XJ coupe........the XJ had it and the coupe was the double cream on it.
@@robertwoodliff2536 Well said. 👌
Can't argue with the top 3 for iconic status, however the Series 1 XJ created a styling language that was carried through for the next 40odd years, hard to argue with that kind of influence. Also the Mk10 should get an honorable mention for all round sinister thuggishness, it's almost the perfect "cartoon villain's car"
My favorite is the XK SS. I've seen one in real life at the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles and I've fallen in love.
I would add XKR/XK8 X100 convertible (without navigation). It is a beautiful modern classic.
I'd definitely include the XJ Frank. It blew all other sedans away when it came out, even my favourite, the mkII.
So many beautiful Jaguars to choose from. I would find it very hard not to have a C-type in my top three.
I would've extended this list to 4 and included the XJC!
The XJ-C is a stunning car - check out Harry’s Garage for a stunning restoration of one of these beautiful cars
And the xj saloon series 1. Mind you, I think the e-type is overrated - sorry, Frank.
@@Stevieboy130664 well everyone has their own opinion
@@2007ghettonissanaltima I don't. I base my aesthetics on correct design principles. Kidding - but only just. Yes opinion matters.
I bought a crashed 10 year old XJC, 4.2 and restored it and drove it about 4 years. Everyone who drove it said it was fabulous. The less said about the build quality.
The looks of it with the windows all down was gorgeous, but you had to have nothing lying loose inside the car as stuff could get sucked out if you put your foot down. :)
Xkr is one of my favourite modern cars massively underrated though it's been getting the attention
The 3 greatest Jaguar designs in my opinion were all overseen by Sir William Lyons - in order:-
1. XJ6 & 12 - series 1 - quite simply the most beautiful 4 door saloon ever designed - and it kept getting better the longer it remained in production
2. XJ-S - pre-facelift - a personal choice - this is possibly my favourite car of all time
3. MkII - nothing to be said about this - grace and pace. Still a remarkable looking compact sports saloon
Aha! I have found a fellow XJS enjoyer
XJS is an abomination
@@johnholmes912 don’t spread such filth here
Great video as always Frank. I ABSOLUTELY loved it.
Thanks d!
I would love to see this same idea applied per decades or countries, i.e. 5 greates designs of the 90's
Thanks for another great episode. I wish the original XJ (Series 1, 2, or 3) had been included, at least in the runner-up list. It's such a beautiful design.
Recently went round to a friend's farm and in a converted chicken shed which was now used for machinery storage there was a proper classic dusty jag sitting in a corner after seeing that it was in relatively perfect condition minus a couple of rust spots and being told that it had been sat there for the past 20 years I almost cried im now going to try and ask the owner who left it there if I could help fix it up.
Wowzers Chuck! Which Jag???
@@FrankStephensondesign not quite sure it's parked in a tight spot is there any way I could send you a photo of it?
@@FrankStephensondesign I think its a jaguar e type there was also a lotus body kit apparently on a Ford cortina chassis (just a shell anyway no engine or wheels) and a triumph stag.
XJ13, SS100 and XJ6C. What makes Jag's special for me is that the best looking British cars are often Italian designs, while all the best looking Jag's are in house.
Frank ABSOLUTELY loves the ‘Jagwaaa’ 😘
Yep.
Last time I looked there was no 'w' in Jaguar! 🙄
@@jaisabai4155 that's how the british pronounces it.
That is the correct pronunciation, it's a Portuguese word, not an English word. I'm glad he didn''t butcher it like Jeremy Clarkson did by adding a third syllable.
@@gustavoflorio5383 we certainly do not
You mean the Jaaaaaaag~
Hi Frank, Nice video! Love the mk2 🥰
I would like to see a top three Lancia designs, there are a few very interesting, keep up the good work!
I always thought the e-type was overated because frankly, the coupe has some funky proportions, but then I saw the e-type convertible, what a gorgeous car, in my opinion, it ranks higher than all the cars in frank's top 3
Frank Stephenson: teaching us apes class and design history. Interesting to note that if you look at the XK 120 reflection line at 4:55 but reverse it (e.g., front of the car now becomes the rear), you've basically drawn most of the lines of many of the newest super cars.
As the owner of a '62 MK 2 I couldn't agree more. I think you just raised the BaT price!
Series 2 XJ absolutely perfect 4 door sedan. Will never be topped.
Agree with all that. Would love to see Frank's take on a modern Jag saloon. They just can't seem to find their styling language...since well, the XJ series?
I would be interested in why you prefer the XK120 over the 140? My father in law restored XK140s (I was lucky enough to help on 3 builds) in Germany they’re preferred as they’re slightly larger (as are many of the clientele). A designer from Ford bought one with bespoke details and took it to the fiesta launch out here where the journalists took more photos of the XK than the Fiesta- says a lot about its timeless appeal.
To me Jaguar is all about the “grace, space and pace” and nothing represents that slogan better than its sedans. My favorite Jaguar designs are:
1. The MkII, one of my favorite cars all of all time. Totally agree with Frank on the reasons to include it in the list.
2. The original XJs from series 1, 2 and 3 and the stylish XJC.
3. and lastly the XJ X300 with its long silhouette, understated elegance and a design that blended modernity and past.
As honorable mentions, the XJ13 (stunning machine in every respect) and the last XJ, the X351, probably one of the last Jaguars that truly represented what Sir William Lyons expected from his brand.
So...not the x-type then!? Tee,hee!? Cheers
My grampy had a Mk2 long before I was born but my dad remembers it fondly.
We drove a Serie 3 E type for our wedding. I loved it although it's not the best looking of the E types - that's the series 1.
My father had a gunmetal grey 3.4 l Mk 2 followed by a red 3.8 litre Mk 2. Both were just gorgeous cars.
Great video. Great choices. Back in the 60's my brother, a trained engineer, bought and restored a SS1 Jaguar. It was one of the very early ones, made in 1932 I think. The company was based in Blackpool, Lancashire, and made Art-Deco style motorcycle sidecars. The SS stood for Swallow Sidecars. They later moved to Coventry, which was then the heart of the British car industry. Totally agree with your thoughts on the magnificent MK-2, but the E Type still holds the number one position for me! I still drool over them whenever I see one. Even Enzo Ferrari said it was "The most beautiful car ever made!"
The 1960s S type please. Lovely blend of Mk 2 front, with a proper leaper, and a graceful tail (and better rear suspension).
As much as I love the older cars that Jaguar has made, the early XK8 is what made me fall in love with cars. When I saw it with its swooping body lines and that slender feline nose for the first time I immediately knew what my dream car would be.
Ian Callum era designed Jags are also really nice to look at, the XK, XJ, XF, F-type even the F pace a crossover SUV even managed to look pretty
I know you have a love for motorcycles. When will you start doing list like this for motorcycle brands? I personally would love to hear your thoughts as a motorcycle lover myself.
Just for you Reuben…👍…ua-cam.com/video/xOFs9-vtrVo/v-deo.html
I love the outtakes, nice touch!
Awesome video!! I love the Mk2 and the E type as well as the xk140. You should have included the Jaguar XJS and the XK8 x100 model which is my dream car.
I have a '17 XE R-Sport and love it. Handles beautifully, funny things is I got the diesel engine to avoid getting lead foot, but for some reason the cops still give me tickets! lol (I have slowed down since)
Am a jaguar man. Had many over the years . My Favourite is the SType for the feel and space and definitely power
9:22 the music is like a funkier version of Dogs by Pink Floyd! Great video Frank!
Thank you for making these videos Mr. Stephenson. It's advantageous to see a designer pick part the details and elements of car design.
Jaguar X100 XKR is one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Not to mention it runs with the most iconic automotive wall porn of all time the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Testa Rosa. The XKR is the most underrated car of all time.
I'd throw in the XJ-Coupe (Series 2 that is)
EDIT: I think the Mk X has aged better than the Mk II
The Mk. X/ 420G is a proper Jaaaag. 'nuff said. Love it!
You picked the exact three cars I would also have selected. And I wish I had all three in my collection. Thank you for showing the elegance of Jaguar.
I'm glad that you mentioned the XJ13. It still looks gorgeous. What a shame that the rules were changed for Le Mans, which killed it.
It was totalled too Chris.
@@FrankStephensondesign True, although it was a wheel that broke, but what a great modern shape for the time.
I would put the original XJs (Series 1 through 3) in there somewhere, lovely designs that somehow manage to incorporate similar proportions to the sweep of the front fenders back to the haunches as an E Type (at least in the Series 3, maybe that 's just me though). And the XJ220 is just swoonworthy! The C-X75 was definitely a missed opportunity for Jaguar.
I'm so glad I stumbled across this video. As a Jaguar fan, I feel disgraced that i've never heard of the XJ13. It looks like a mid-engine & sleeker looking E-Type. Lovely video sir.
Thank you J! 👍
To be honest, Jaguar is one of the brands that have too many great looking classics that is hard to choose just top 3. I also I understand why you went with D-Type, it was that or E-Type but can be both because they are similar and you wouldn't waste two spots out of a top 3 like that. Either is a winner. I think once you define your criteria it becomes easier to choose. Great video as always.
Thank you Yousef! 👍
Another wonderful review, Frank. There were two on your list that l liked the most; the Jaguar Mark 2, and CX75.
However, my 3 favorite Jaguars are the XK8, SJ220, and the new F-Type.
You missed the XJ6. Arguably the most important car for Jaguar down through the years and an absolute design classic.
With you about the XK-150. It occupies it’s own place of dignity as the maturation of the XK series.
I'm glad you mentioned the Art Deco touches. I see all your 3 choices looking back in design to the inter-war period and the way Art Deco manifested in aircraft, car and even locomotive design. If you look at the profile of an A4 Streamliner the key lines clearly resemble those on the XK120. But Jaguar fell prey to dying sales exactly because their styling continually looked to the past, until the great Callum shake-up from 2007 on. I believe the company must now look forward and the I-Pace is a great start, clean surfacing with athletic lines but still taking advantage of the freer packaging allowed by the electric drivetrain. I just hope the models that come next will continue to set a direction rather than rehashing the past.
Hi Frank, this is Phil Arnold from IG. Who can argue with the XK120? Or the 150? I ABSOLUTLEY defer to your expertise. But you only showed one salon. Perphaps it would be good and fair in future such videos to separate "sports cars" from "salon/sedans". I would say that in the salon category that the Series 3 XJ6 was a beatutiful salon. Noteworthy at least. And, according to John Egan in his book....its the car that saved Jaguar during his tenure. But great job. Thanks so much.
Hey Phil! Cheers, but me thinks that would lead to a top 6 or even top 9 instead of a top 3. I’ve got a whole lot of love for the Series 3 XJ6 too! 👍
The C-type was the link tween the XK120 and the D-type and on to the E-type which is my favorite because that was what was on the road. Also the XJ sedan, with it's tucked in tail, was the opposite of the box shapes of American design.
I'm a big fan of the Mark 2 sedan, and would place it at number one. The combination of sporty styling with real performance, plus luxury and comfort in the passenger compartment make it an all-around winner for me.
Don't forget the XJ. Every XJ from the first to the second-to-last (no crappy X351) had a very Porsche approach to it. It never really changed look: long uninterrupted shoulder line, three box design and 4 round lights. To me the XJ (in particular the X358) is between the most beautiful sedans ever, within the BMW E38, E39 and Alfa Romeo Giulia
Nice choices, but my list would've included the mkX and the original XJ6 and XJC.
Nice to see old footage of the mk1 in the mk2 segment.
Mr. Stephenson among your best Jaguar designs the Mk2 is my favourite,but still the E type is the most beautiful and surpasses the Mk2
I agree with all those choices. The XK-120 is one of the most gorges cars ever Great video it made my day.
I think more honorable mentions would be the '96-06 XK coupe, XJ220, and the F-type (pre facelift)
hey frank, long time since a new video, I'm looking forward to the next one! one suggestion also, could you make a video of the recent designs made by hyundai? The futuristic tuscon and ioniq 5 in particular, I just think they're really going somewhere, especially the ioniq. I think you will love it! great content keep it up!
I still have a soft spot for the original XJ, a design which lasted over 30 years, being relevant throughout and still relevant to this day, it's a definite head-turner. That design is just so charismatic, elegant and timeless!
Your right on the money. I would replace the MK 2 with an XJC but that's me.
D-Type > E-Type imo, I’ve always thought the E-Type is overrated.
Same
blame Enzo.
Ferrari said it was the prettiest car ever
@@Xayuap He did say that, but I think Enzo (with Leonardo Fiorovanti's help) topped the E-Type only 7 years later with his own long-hood short-deck coupe and roadster, the 365 GTB/4 "Daytona." Honestly, I think the M-B 300 SL coupe and roadster that preceded both has also aged more gracefully than the E-Type.
Controversial but I would have loved to see the XJS on the list. I think it has aged magnificently.
My top three are:
1. E-type series 1 - the most beautiful sports car ever.
2. XJ6 series 2 - the most beautiful 4 door saloon car ever.
3. XJS coupe - controversial when launched, but it's svelte, rakish design has aged fabulously well.
That was ABSOLUTELY…Kerching 💰💰💰💷💷🤭
Frank, absolutely love your channel! You've opened my eyes to a whole new way of assessing what draws me to one shape vs. another. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE... Do an assessment of the original Maserati Ghibli. Would love to have a chance to see that design through your eyes! Superlative contributions... Keep'em coming!
Thanks Rick! 👍
HERE AGAIN, MY FAVORITES: E TYPE AND 60 JAGUAR MARK II , BOTH HAVE THE MOST SINGULAR & PERFECT LINES. LOVE THEM
My top two Jaguars of all time are the XJ220S (the TWR Racing version) and the XJR-15. Such beautiful cars from the past of Jaguar and unfortunately ones that don't get much attention.
In 3rd place I think I'd put The F-Pace because even though it's not one of their most beautiful cars it's definitely the stand-out for me among modern SUV's. I don't think I liked any of the high-performance SUV's up until that one came out and so I think it deserves a place simply for changing my mind, plus it's really hard to style something like that well.
Why only cars from the 50's? One design that I really like is the XJ Coupe.
D-Type Long Nose without the shark fin,just the standard rounded headrest,would be imoho perfect.
Im glad you didn't talk about the E type, its definitely overtalked about haha. Love the idea of your channel, car design is so important and I feel like modern manufacturers need to understand that the coolness of the car really comes down to the design. It seems like a lost art and the only cool cars nowadays cost so much.
If you ever owned an E Type,y you might think differently
Personally I think the XK120 looks just as good with the hard top, if not better. I've only seen one on the streets, down in Portsmouth a few years ago, and was a truly awesome looking car. Very potent looking yet elegant and refined.
Other than that, I've always had a soft spot for the XJ220. I know it's far from a perfect car and had a troubled birth etc, but for a machine of such power, it still maintains those elegant and graceful lines of older Jags, in spite of it's Austin Montego tail lights...
Frank uses the words absolute/absolutely in the right way and the right times for the right cars...and better an 'absolute' than an 'awesome' any day!
Great list Frank. My dad had a ‘57 XKSS in Cuba in the ‘60’s. I dream of building one from scratch, using a ‘69 E-type as a donor. I also worked on the Gen 1 Mini engine for Chrysler back in ‘97-‘00. Cheers, Alejandro.
Un saludo Alejandro! 👍
When you think in the 50s not many cars were on the road and the ones that were were more like little boxy Austin sevens or Model Ts.These Jaguars were state of the art machines with the racing pedigree to match.People would long to have one like they do nowadays with top range Mercs and BMWs
no idea if you play videogames but id love to see some sim racing gameplay from you. maybe a wheel review or something would be so interesting
One of the most underrated jags of all time was the XJ13. It never got to see the race track but god if it wasn’t beautiful
Without doubt, THE most beautiful Jag made.
@@howardmckenna I know! I’m extremely mad it didn’t make it onto this list. First time I saw one I just thought, damn that’s a beautiful car
Hi Frank, great video as always, don't agree with all of your choices for Jaguar, I would have gone for the road-going version of the D type the XKSS I understand the aerodynamic function of the D-Type fin but the slight modification and purity of the XKSS makes it extraordinary; I think there was a very good shout for the C-type in there somewhere, I'd have to include the E-Type but very definitely the Mark 1 drophead as I always felt the 2+2 was rather cumbersome and imbalanced, and my third choice would be the C-X75 which got an honorable mention from you, it's a crime it never came to fruition, if somehow that was in admissible then it would have to be the XK 220 audacious and wonderfully understated at the same time. Thanks once again for another great video!
Frank, sometimes I was a bit critical but thise time you ABSOLUTELY nailed it :) Of this list, I think the Jaguar XK 150 screams Jaguar the most, an iconic design you have to (and only can) connect with Jaguar. The last mentioned modern prototype is not bad, but did not blew my socks away as a Jaguar design. Too generic with the headlights and does not really scream Jaguar to me. Greetings.
Beautiful shapes - each and every one of them. Sir William Lyons was known to sit in his back garden, sketching out the next great thing to come out of Brown's Lane. For me, the XK13 was the Jewel in the Jaguar heritage. The first true mid-engined supercar. XJ220 has some beautiful curves about it and a bodyline to die for and the XJ6+derivatives. That cigar shape profile indicating a new direction for the marque at the time. Wouldn't be disappointed with any of them but those are my favourites...
I'm keen of spotting Jaguars in movies. Play misty for me has Clint Eastwood driving an XK120 along Big Sur in California. Another is the movie A summer place where a hardtop XK 150 rolls into the driveway at a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. How fitting seeing those two together!
Must watch that movie, A Summer Place!
Yes! yes! It would have been criminal if you didn't mention the C-X75 which would have been in my top 3. To see the C-X75 in motion in the James Bond film Spectre was thrilling. It kills me Jaguar didn't produce it. As you say, it would have been in good company at the time with the P1, 918, and LaFerrari.
I cannot help but be smitten by the S1 XJ6/Sovereign.
The low bumper looked immediately dated when the S2 came out, but over time the original has proved the purer, aesthetically.
Early (and lower spec) S1 cars also lacked head rests, which somehow Len it a lighter, brighter interior. And manual window winders....
The purer of the two S1 cars is the SWB.
And I hate to say this on a Jaguar channel, but the Daimler grille, jib caps and rear looked better.
There are many, many gorgeous Jaguars. Beauty was everywhere (at least until it all went wrong around 20 years ago. But my favourite, the one that make my heart beat faster, is a Daimler..... A SWB S1 car, perhaps with a well sorted 2.8. All the power a car like that needed and a lovely manual 'box.
Clean, elegant, madly comfortable and so.ehow perfect without ever appearing to try too hard.
Good video.
But I am right.
Ah Yes jaguar, i love
XJ-C, Series 3 XJ and XJR-15 might be my favourites to add. Oh, and the later convertible XJS's were very nice looking, and of course XJ220, but that's been said so many times anyway.
It just can't get any better than old jags.
My favorites now that I am older and my preferences have matured, are the xk120/xk150, Mark 10, and an out growth of the mk2, the 3.8S type. My old E-type will always be my favorite period.
Absolutely another great video, I really enjoyed this one a lot and it must have been a hard list. My personal favorite is the XJ 6/12 coupe without a vinyl room. Absolutely, can't wait for the next one,
HAHA great behind the scenes cut
Great spotlights there, especially the poor CX75, always thought that looked sublime in a deep blue. Have you thought about the Jaguar XJC? They didn't make it for long yet it was a gorgeous understated 70s GT
Interesting list. My favorite Jaguar was not in there. I love the XJS V12 Coupe. - I like it even more than the E-Type.
Liking the top3 lists and im hoping to see more regular cars companies like volkswagen, ford or audi top 3 lists in the future. Great videos Frank
Thanks M! 👍
Frank, I love watching your videos, but I'd like to see you react to more common car designs, maybe pointing out some bad and great trends or designs on more affordable or popular vehicles, because i guess they are much more compromised and tricky to design because of budget restrictions.
I see that Glenturret 10 Year Old Peat Smoked. Great choice. I really like how you have a different bottle of scotch in every video.
Sláinte David!
Mr. Stephenson, the Mk2 is luxurious, but the E type is sportier and luxurious at the same time. Sari
To me, wire-spoked wheels are an essential part of the Jaguar design, they complete that typical look. And ... I wish they had the same finesse in current production. Looking at all the flowing lines in history the front ends of current Jaguars are rather blunt.
Just came over from Jodie’s channel, where you pulled the Bic out of your pocket 😅
Cheers That! I “don’t leave home without it”! 😂👍
The Jaguar F Pace is the only SUV that ever made me feel anything other than disguist or boredom. I fucking love the Jaguar F Pace. It is purely, 100% and SUV from a brand with no offroad heritage so it's not an "offroader gone urban" like the Range Rover or the G class Merc. Jeremy Clarkson has said that the classic Jag sedans are for tax dodgers and white collar criminals, the F pace is for the kind of people who send other people to sleep with fishes and wear suits that cost more than your car. Its intimidating AND agressive and I love it.
I love the xk120 and the d-type, but for me, the c-type is the single most beautiful car ever built
My favourite Jaguar is the 1999 - 2008 Jaguar S Type, especially as it is the car that got me my job at Jaguar..........