To celebrate the British International Motor Show this year we picked our 100 best British cars. Check out our selection to help you choose your favourite home-grown motor.
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35 Jaguar XJ-S (page 10 of 25)
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Under-rated at its launch in 1975, and criticised for not being as striking-looking as the E-Type it replaced, the XJ-S coupe was actually a superbly comfy, refined GT. It even proved its worth in motorsport, with TWR-tuned models nearly taking the 1983 European Touring Car Championship, and Tom Walkinshaw winning the drivers' title in '84. It also had success in the TransAm series and the Spa 24 Hours. The V12 engine was an appalling thirsty, complex device. The 1981-85 HE versions were better, managing 22mpg, and the 3.6 sixes ('83-'91) were welcomed, but it took a long time to overcome the quality problems from the Leyland years. The convertibles were always compromised, but did a lot for the XJ-S's image.
