The roof is down, wind is ruffling through my hair and the sun is twinkling on the waters off Scotland’s west coast.
I increase pressure on the throttle and the Jaguar leaps forward, a throaty yowl bellowing out of its four exhaust pipes.
It seems strange that more than four years has passed since Jaguar launched the modern-day successor to the E-Type.
Its beautiful lines are the work of Jaguar’s director of design Ian Callum. Ian was just a child growing up in the borders when he wrote to Jaguar’s then head of design Malcolm Sayer, asking how to get his job.
Sayer, who designed the E-Type, took time out to respond to the precocious schoolboy. Fast forward 40 years and Ian Callum created the F-Type and has become one of the world’s best regarded car designers.
The company has now revised its flagship sports car. It’s available with four, six and eight cylinder engines.
Prices start at just under £60,000 for entry level convertible models (coupe versions are cheaper) stretching to not far off £120,000 for the range topping SVR model I’m driving, which has a 5.0 litre V8 engine and four-wheel drive.
You would have to be a student of Jaguar design to spot the changes between the original F-Type and the updated version. New LED headlights and a revised bumper are the most obvious external signs, while inside the car are new seats that weigh 8kg less.
There’s also a new infotainment system with better smartphone integration – and an app with the ability to link up with a GoPro camera to show off to your friends.
To my mind the F-Type didn’t need tinkered with too much. I was just happy to have another shot in one of my favourite sports cars.
Although I haven’t confirmed this with Jaguar, the new seats must be a mite thinner. I’m a tall chap and remember being just a tiny bit cramped in the original F-Type. This time I had a smidgeon more leg room, making for a more comfortable journey.
The F-Type blazes forward if you hit the throttle – 0-62mph takes just 3.5 seconds – and rear-biased four-wheel drive keeps you glued to the road.
It’s not a stripped out race car in the manner of some of its rivals, though. There’s enough comfort here to cross countries, even continents should you wish to, and the boot can easily accommodate a couple’s holiday gear.
I was delighted to spend an hour with the F-Type. It’s a car that can’t help but put a smile on your face.
