Make Jag Great Again: The Five Greatest Jaguar Road Cars of All Time

The iconic leaping cat logo has been redesigned, alongside a bold new direction for the brand’s identity. For a company that has spent decades blending heritage with cutting-edge design, the announcement has stirred mixed emotions. While some applaud the audacity, others question the move, feeling it disconnects from the rich legacy that made Jaguar a household name. To celebrate Jaguar’s heritage—and to remind everyone why this marque has earned its place in automotive royalty—we’re revisiting five of the greatest Jaguar road cars ever made.

Jaguar XJ220

Originally envisioned as an all-wheel-drive supercar powered by a 6.2-litre V12 engine capable of hitting 220mph (hence the name), the Jaguar XJ220 faced compromises during development due to skyrocketing costs. It debuted in 1992 with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, rear-wheel drive, and a top speed of 212mph. While these changes disheartened some, the XJ220 still became the world’s fastest production car of its time, outperforming legends like the Porsche 959 and Ferrari F40. Only 271 units were built, making it an exceptionally rare gem. Today, it stands as an under-appreciated masterpiece that deserves recognition as one of Jaguar's finest.

Jaguar E-Type

Few cars achieve true legend status, but the Jaguar E-Type is undoubtedly one of them. Unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, this long, sleek, and achingly beautiful car instantly became an icon. Equipped with a 3.8-litre straight-six engine producing 270PS and capable of a claimed 150mph, it delivered jaw-dropping performance for its era. More than 72,000 were produced from 1961 to 1975, cementing its place in motoring history. Enzo Ferrari himself reportedly called it "the most beautiful car ever made," and few would argue.

Jaguar F-Type Project 7

The Jaguar F-Type reawakened the brand’s sports car credentials, but the Project 7 took it to an entirely different level. Built by Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations, this limited-edition model was inspired by the D-Type racing car. Featuring a lightweight aluminium body, carbon-ceramic brakes, and an ‘Aero Haunch’ behind the driver’s seat, it’s a perfect blend of heritage and modern performance. Powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 delivering 575PS, it was Jaguar’s fastest and most powerful F-Type. Only 250 units were produced, making it as exclusive as it is exhilarating.

Jaguar XK120

The oldest car on this list, the XK120 was groundbreaking when it debuted in 1948. Powered by a 3.4-litre straight-six engine, it could hit 120mph, earning it the title of the world’s fastest production car at the time. Built largely from aluminium, the XK120 set new standards in luxury and performance. Whether in drophead or fixed-head form, it remains a post-war classic and a true symbol of British automotive engineering.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8

At the extreme edge of modern Jaguar engineering lies the XE SV Project 8. Built by Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations, it’s a track-focused monster disguised as a four-door saloon. With a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 producing 600PS, adjustable dampers, carbon-fibre body panels, and all-wheel drive, it rockets to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200mph. Only 300 were built, each offering a driving experience so visceral that owners are likely still grinning.

These five cars epitomise what Jaguar has always done best: combine beauty, innovation, and performance. These are attributes which reflected the tagline the brand once used: grace, pace and space. As the brand moves forward with its controversial new identity, we hope its future road cars live up to the extraordinary legacy that these machines have built.