Jaguar XJ-S: once an old man's charger, now the XJ-S is now surprisingly cool
It took 30 years, but at last the XJ-S looks right, and especially as a convertible. For decades this car, with its baffling mix of art-deco detailing and gothic architecture, was the socially inept computer programmer in the kitchen at a party. But now it's reclining on the sofa and smouldering irresistably.
As we know, all Jags improve with age, often after a period in style limbo during which they are no longer fashionable but not yet old enough to be true classics. But the XJ-S is exceptional because it was so unloved when it was new. Everyone denounced it as an unworthy successor to the E-type, and for some time it looked like becoming the only black mark in Jaguar's history.
But no. Look at it. It's gorgeous. If you're in any doubt, consider this: I've just bought one, and as I cruise along I leave a wake of swooned women behind me, even in my cardigan. I often return to it and have to spend several minutes swatting bikini-clad lovelies from its bonnet.
James May