Let's face it - the Jaguar X-Type was never the coolest of Jags. Its Ford Mondeo underpinnings might have been perfectly competent in their own way, but the front- for four-wheel-drive Jag was always a bit too blue-collar.
And looks that were the automotive equivalent of chintz wallpaper in a Barratt Homes living room didn't help, either.
So you'd have thought that bringing in fashion designer Paul Smith would bring a spot of much-needed credibility to Jag's junior exec - after all, Mr Smith did a fine job with the special edition Mini he created in the 1990s.
Sadly, the result of Paul Smith's efforts on the X-Type created this. Now, we're not fashion experts here at PH, but we feel fairly confident in saying that the Paul Smith X-Type is almost nobody's idea of cool.
But if for some reason you do have a craving for an X-Type with stripes on it, then this one is for sale on eBay.
It is a low-mileage car, with only 39,000 miles, and the P5 JAG registration has got to be worth a bit, but even so the vendor's minimum bid of £12k seems rather steep to us.
It's "an interesting investment opportunity that would provide a colourful centrepiece for any classic collection" says the seller but, frankly, we're not so sure.
Having said that, the headlining is signed by 15 tennis stars including Andy Roddick, so that does add some additional interest, but as autograph books go it is rather cumbersome...
eBay advert is reproduced below.
2001 PAUL SMITH JAGUAR X-TYPE V6 SPORT AUTO
UNIQUE PAUL SMITH X-TYPE WITH FACTORY PAINTED STRIPES
You are bidding on my one-off X-Type created by Jaguar with fashion icon Sir Paul Smith to launch the X-Type model in 2001. Painted by Jaguar in Paul Smith signature stripes. This car was originally auctioned at a star-studded event by Ruby Wax in the presence of HRH the Prince of Wales.
The interior headlining is adorned with 15 original autographs of legendary tennis stars including Andy Roddick, Jo Durie, Wendy Turnbull, Todd Woodbridge, Kevin Curren, Peter Flemming, Ann Jones and Ken Rosewall.
Early serial number 2001 X-Type 2.5 V6 Auto Sport. 39,500 miles with full service history and sold with the perfect registration number P5 JAG.
Sale includes original press material (featured in Autumn 2001 JAGUAR Magazine) and supporting documentation.
An interesting investment opprtunity that would provide a colourful centrepiece for any classic collection.