A CLASSY convertible that was once described as “an impossibly pretty car” by Jeremy Clarkson can be picked up for less than £11,000.
The second-hand motor, which was discontinued some 10 years ago, is an absolute bargain in 2024 and it still looks the business – both inside and out.
The set of wheels in question is the Jaguar XK, produced by the British firm from 2006 and 2014 – at a time when they were known for sports cars and luxury saloons.
Loved by petrolheads for its excellent handling and refined interior, the XK was comparable to motors made by another high-end British brand – Aston Martin.
Clarkson drove the XK for a 2006 episode of Top Gear and simply loved the stylish motor, saying: “Some people have criticised it for looking too like an Aston Martin – are they mad?
“That’s like criticising a bloke for looking too like Brad Pitt.
“The fact of the matter is this; from just about every angle this is an impossibly pretty car.
“You see it, you want it.”
Aside from its look, the XK is a brilliant motor to drive – thanks largely to its lightweight aluminium construction which makes it feel like a sports car instead of the heavy grand tourer that was the original XK8.
It’s quick too; with the standard iteration capable of 158 mph, while the high-performance version boasts a limited top speed of 174 mph.
Clarkson added: “Just from looking at the dashboard, you know that this isn’t going to feel like an old-fashioned Jaguar.
“All of that dark, heavy, 1930s sideboard wood has gone – in its place is this modern, crisp sort of espresso look.
“And that’s what the XK feels like to drive.”
According to car experts at Parkers, the XK would’ve set you back between £53,885 and £76,350 when it was new in 2006.
When adjusting for inflation from 2006 to 2024, the most expensive XK would cost the equivalent of nearly £130,000 today.
Thankfully, they can be picked up for a much lower price on the used car market, with one example that we found on the CarGurus website fetching just £10,995.
This XK, from 2006, features a 4.2-litre V8 engine and an automatic gearbox.
Finished in a classy dark blue, the motor has 97,000 miles on the clock and is ULEZ compliant.
Tech extras include keyless entry, a heated front windscreen, heated leather steering wheel, and Jaguar’s premium surround sound.
Inside, it boasts burr walnut wood with a leather trim.
The XK isn’t the first Jag that Clarkson’s waxed lyrical about – as he once said one of their saloon models “feels like a £100,000 car”.
And elsewhere, a classic Jag was recently found in a barn alongside a Rolls-Royce – having been kept locked away from 40 years.
