My girlfriend and I were at a Christmas Eve party when one of my Father's friends mentioned that he needed to drive his new Jaguar XK8 Convertable from MA to FL, and that he wasn't looking forward to the trip.<p>I jocking said, We'll be happy to do it. He said, "Really? I'll pay your expenses and fly you back." So we did it. <p>Of course, to make the fantasy complete, I would have preferred a Ferrari, but let me say that after my 1,400 mile test drive, I have a new found respect for the big Jag. True, without a stick, is not what I would consider a true sports car, but it is a sweet ride.<p>The best thing about the car is it's body work. The lines and bulges are beutiful, and pay homage to the classic Jaguar E-Type. Overall, I would venture to say that it may be one of the best long distance touring cars on the market. With 290 hp, it is not the fastest car on the road by any means, but the V8 has a nice kick to it. To quote Ferris Bueller "and I must admit, driving it is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."<p>Happy new year,<br>Jim<br>30v qms<p>

My dad had two jags...a 1961 Mk3 Sedan 3.8, and this 1959 XK150 convertible (dual exhausts)....from 1961 to 1993. I took it out a couple of times when I was 16-17 yrs old.<br>Jags kinda give you this undescribable feeling. :-)<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM

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