I got my start in exotic cars with a Jaguar. A 1992 Vanden Plas, to be specific. I loved them for the formative years of my driving experience.

But, for many years, I thought they lost their way. I couldn’t see much worth owning beyond a late 1990s performance-oriented XJ – which I bought with a 1995 XJ12 in early 1997. There were frankly better alternatives, starting with the Aston Martin DB7 (which was born from the still-born original F-type) from the 1990s). And nothing post 1995-XJ12/XJR from the British saloon market until Bentley found its way with the Arnage Red Label.

But, this is a marque that shares the same birthday as I; I have a soft spot. The XF started to find the spirit of the Mark II. It is a very good car.

The new F-type coupe – in my opinion – has brought them back to the supercar status they once owned (but now are regaining credibility). The combination of the F-type coupe and the XF Supercharged / XFR / XFR-S  have brought me back – from having not wanted anything since the 1995/1996 XJ12s.

I look forward to the future – and continue hope it regains the specialness of the Mark II’s and E-Type’s of old. They seem to be well on their way. May they be Britain’s automotive headlines once again in 2014…