The
first time you see a car that really impresses you
you never forget it. This is not one of those cars.
Jaguar
introduced the XJ-S Coupe in 1976 with great anticipation.
I remember going to the news stand everyday waiting to get
a glimpse of it. And then...disappointment. A new XK-E
it was not. It looked heavy, almost chunky, and not at all
sleek. It seemed a dark day for most Jaguarphiles like me
(even though I couldn't dream of affording one at the time!)
Great designs, however,
often have a way of sneaking up on you. I kept seeing these
cars here and there. One time in particular, at the Golden Gate
Bridge toll booth, a dark blue XJ-S accelerated hard from
the lane next to me. There was an authority and brillance
in that moment I had never seen in that car before. I started
looking harder, and the more I looked, the more I liked.
When Jaguar came out
with the revised HE cars in 1982, with Jaguaresque walnut
and leather interiors, I started getting even more interested.
But why couldn't there be a convertible? That would look sharp
now, wouldn't it? Well, in 1988, Jaguar introduced their first
XJ-S in Convertible form. I was driving down Midlothian
Turnpike in Richmond, VA and saw one out in front of the Jaguar
dealership. I just had to stop (driving my little Honda Civic)
to look. Wow. I want this car.
Time and desire have
a funny way in life of getting you to where you want to be.
In 1989, my wife and I seperated and I was thrown into the
depths of financial run. But late in the year, I started
a high tech
UNIX (Operating System) training company and I was on my
way. After a lot of work, late nights, and road trips, I
saved my pennies and bought a pristine 1989 Jaguar XJ-S
Convertible. I specifically wanted this year because I like the
look of the grill, rear end, and original "barrell style" gauges.
And, it was a Ford era car. The quality improvements show.
While expensive to maintain and own, it has been very reliable.
Of all the cars in the
world, I can not think of one other car that can be driven
daily with such dignity, class, glamour, and excitement than
an XJ-S. I've been asked if I'd ever sell this car. The answer?
Never! This car is "Always and Forever". It helps me to be
happy every day. Isn't life great?
Favorite
British
Cars
