The £30k V8 F-Type: Spotted
Six years from launch and the 500hp F-Type can be had for a price beginning with a two - tempted?
What's the best-looking car designed by Ian Callum? A discussion that could take a while, given he was responsible for some incredible Aston Martins - DB7, Vanquish and DB9 - the Ford Puma and the Volvo C70. When it comes to his achievements as Jaguar Director of Design, however, there's surely only one contender - the F-Type.
The task was huge: not simply taking the successful reinvention of the saloons into sports cars (and replacing the XK in the process) but using that name. Finally, a replacement for the E-Type, nearly 40 years after it went off sale. A follow up to a car renowned and revered the world over for its styling, a car that defines Jaguar's sports car heritage and which had followed two stunning predecessors as well. The F-Type had to look superb because the E-Type did, as the C- and D-Type had before it, albeit with different remits.
Fortunately, thanks to Callum's work, the F-Type was a great piece of design. Hardly dainty and petite like an E-Type, sure, but suggestively proportioned, stylish, modern and with enough clues to hint at the heritage. Arguably, in fact, the Coupe was the best-looking F-Type, though the Convertible is the focus for today.
Why? Well, yep, it is a little Ian Callum celebration, but also it's here because this is a V8 F-Type for £30k. £29,879 to be precise. The odd one or two have snuck through at this price before, so this isn't a unique case, but it's a move in the market that's well worth shouting about. As the effects of age and mileage take hold, so the F-Type will fall into the grasp of more sports car buyers - and that's quite exciting.
The F-Type range had expanded enormously since launch, but the V8 S is a model that's been off sale for a while now; the 495hp version only lasted for a year from 2013 to 2014, replaced by the 550hp F-Type R in 2014 with the arrival of the Coupe. Once the all-wheel drive option was introduced for the R, demand for the rear-drive waned and was eventually discontinued - this solitary 550hp, rear-drive roadster is there for the discerning few...
But that isn't £30k - this one is. Though quite subtly specced for an F-Type in grey with black and with 70,000 miles showing, there's a lot to be encouraged by - four new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres in March, a warranty until April 2021 and nearly 10 months MOT for a start. Moreover, for those who aim to use the car sparingly, the mileage won't be a concern - 3,000 miles a year will be a very small percentage to add on.
And while an F-Type will continue to depreciate - to where, nobody yet knows - it does look great value for those wishing to take a punt on it. Spend £30k on a Boxster and you'll get this 2012 S, only a little less used than the Jag at 61,000 miles and with 180 fewer horsepower. There's no chance of a 991-era 911 at this money. The closest alternative may well be the Mercedes SLK55 AMG, with cars like this one available with just 10,000 miles at £33k. But the F-Type is a far nicer car to drive.
Add into that the fact this powertrain is still used in SVRs at four times the price and you have what looks like something of a bargain. And a lot of fun. Wonder where it might be in another 70,000 miles?
SPECIFICATION - JAGUAR F-TYPE V8 S
Engine: 5,000cc, supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 495@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 460@3,500rpm
MPG: 25.5 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 259g/km
First registered: 2013
Recorded mileage: 70,000
Price new: £79,950 (before options)
Yours for: £29,879
These have aged really well, and thats a hell of a lot of engine for 30k. Much more modern than a V8 vantage, Maserati GT for similar money, and more special than the german stuff (porsche, merc etc). Me likey.
500bhp convertible which handles pretty well and looks good. Great time to be a car enthusiast.
Has apparently lapped the ring in 7.40 too. Show me something comparable on price from BMW/Audi/merc that you can say that about.
If you don’t want a convertible then it’s tough to make the case for this ahead of the R35 GTR imho.
500bhp convertible which handles pretty well and looks good. Great time to be a car enthusiast.
Has apparently lapped the ring in 7.40 too. Show me something comparable on price from BMW/Audi/merc that you can say that about.
If you don’t want a convertible then it’s tough to make the case for this ahead of the R35 GTR imho.
I had the 550bhp AWD car on hire for 24 hours last year. Not the most dynamic of cars, but it felt really special, had so much character and the performance was unreal. Oh and those looks!
The sound is something else. How a car can legally leave the factory with this volume of noise I'll never know. I've always modified my weekend cars (exhaust\intakes) but never had anything which comes close to this even after tweaks. The other bonus is the pops, crackles and farts weren't overkill like the V6S.
Still to drive the V6S which may be the better proposition for ownership.
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