Top 10 Best Jaguar Sports Cars of All Time
Jaguar has made some of the most remarkable, beautiful, and fastest sports cars in history, each of which offered a distinctly British charm!
From the original Jaguar SS 100 to the current F-Type, this British manufacturer’s sports cars have always had the substance to back up their legendary style. But what is the best of the best from the big cat manufacturer? Some choices are obvious, while others are hidden gems.
Scroll down to view AutoGuide.com‘s ranking of the Top 10 best Jaguar sports cars of all time. Our list consists of classic sports saloons and coupes to modern-day sports and supercars, so we think it will include something for everyone — no matter what kind of Jag fan you are.
10. Jaguar Mark 1 and Mark 2
Not exactly a pure sports car, the Jaguar Mark 1 and Mark 2 were compact saloons (British for sedans) that had an incredible amount of racing success. Powered by a choice of inline-six engines, it was the 3.4-liter Mark 1 and 3.8-liter Mark 2 cars that were the serious performers.
Names like Roy Salvadori, Bob Jane and, of course, Sir Stirling Moss himself all found success behind the wheel of the Jaguar Mark 1s and 2s.
9. Jaguar XK
Released in 1996, the XK succeeded the XJS as Jaguar’s grand touring coupe and convertible. With flowing lines, the XK had the performance to back up its sleek silhouette. Initially only available with a 290-hp 4.0-liter V8, a 370 supercharged version of that V8 would join the XK lineup a few years later.
By the time the second-generation XK was discontinued in 2014, this big Jaguar coupe was available with a 550-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine in the bonkers XK-RS.
8. SS Jaguar 100
As a successor to the SS Jaguar 90, the SS 100 is considered by many as the first real Jaguar sports car ever made. Delivering the performance that the SS 90 was missing, the SS Jaguar 100 initially came with a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine that would later be replaced by a 3.5-liter inline six-cylinder.
With 125 hp, these larger engine cars could break the 100 mph top speed referred to by the vehicle’s name.
7. Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type is the ultimate expression of Jag’s current model line. With an available 575 hp 5.0-liter supercharged V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels, the manic F-Type will hustle from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and top out at a dizzying 200 mph (322 km/h). The F-Type is also offered with a less powerful version of that supercharged V8.
For some people though, the performance doesn’t matter. For them, the F-Type also delivers. Just look at that body. Despite its age, the F-Type is still definitely one of the better looking cars on sale today.
6. Jaguar XJ-S
For two decades, the XJ-S (and later, XJS) would carry the Jaguar performance flame. Available initially as a coupe, the convertible and targa models would eventually join the lineup. Various six and 12-cylinder engines would be offered throughout the years, with a 6.0-liter V12 being the largest, most powerful option offered.
In 1988, a special XJR-S model was created offering more style and performance.
5. Jaguar XK120, XK140 and XK150
As Jaguar’s first sports car developed after the Second World War, the 1948 XK120 is still regarded to this day as one of the best-looking cars ever made. Powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine, the XK120 initially made 160 hp but would reach 210 hp by 1954.
In 1954, the XK120 was replaced by the XK140 that offered a series of upgrades including a more powerful base engine. By 1957, the XK150 would be released, the final of the original XK line. It differed greatly from the XK120 and XK140 and could be had with as much as 265 hp.
4. Jaguar XJR-15
Produced from 1990 until 1992, 53 of these Jaguar supercars were made. Basically a Le Mans prototype race car for the road, the XJR-15 came equipped with a mid-mounted 6.0-liter V12 engine making 450 hp.
Weighing just a bit more than 2,300 lbs, the XJR-15 could rocket to 60 mph in under four seconds and achieve just shy of 200 mph in top speed. As exotic and rare as the XJR-15 was, it would be its successor that would really captured the world’s attention.
3. Jaguar XKSS
In 1956, Jaguar decided to resign from sports car racing, but it had a bunch of leftover D-Type race car chassis lying around. What to do? The simple solution was to add a few basic modifications, like the addition of a passenger seat, and sell them as road-going cars called the XKSS.
Not many of these cars were ever produced and some never even left the factory due to an unfortunate fire. Survivors today are worth insane amounts of money.
2. Jaguar XJ220
Before the McLaren F1 or the Bugatti Veyron, there was the Jaguar XJ220. Quite possibly the world’s first hypercar, the XJ220 was like nothing else on the road. Powered by a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, the XJ220 produced 542 hp and could reach a top speed well above 200 mph.
But it wasn’t just incredible performance that makes the XJ220 such an icon. Its beautiful, and looks fast even when standing still. Today, more than 30 years later, the XJ220 would still look like it belongs at your local Jaguar new car showroom.
1. Jaguar E-Type
This is a pretty obvious choice for the best Jaguar of all time. Whereas many consider the XK120 to be one of the best-looking cars of all time, the E-Type is thought to be the best-looking car ever created, period.
Its good looks were backed up by its performance too. Initially available with a 3.8-liter six-cylinder, the E-Type’s engine would expand to 4.2-liters before getting replaced by a 5.3-liter V12 in the E-Type Series 3.
Although all E-Types are great cars, it’s the Series 1 that are the most coveted to this day.
Honorable Mention: Jaguar C-X75
The Jaguar C-X75 never reached production, so we can’t technically add it to our list, but this rather pretty supercar deserves an honorable mention. Jag envisioned the supercar having a small four-cylinder or V6 engine paired with an electric powertrain. Some prototypes were built around a tubular spaceframe, which featured a 1.6-liter engine and electric front axle, although these vehicles were mainly constructed for use in the James Bond film Spectre. Jag later sold three of the C-X75 prototypes at auction, which were built in collaboration with Williams F1 and actually run and drive.
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Recent Updates:
February 2nd, 2021 – Updated to content and images
November 5th, 2021 – Updated Jaguar F-Type image and text for accuracy.
December 18th, 2023 - Updated intro text, updated formatting, updated XK text, updated F-Type text, updated XJ220 text
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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The first picture in the article was supposed to show Mk 1 and 2, Your pi c showed an Stype in the lead! Even if it is still superior to the much vaunted Mk 2!!!
Drop top E-type. mmmmmm YEAH! Did like Dads xk140 convertible though and an XJ6 that I baked. MGTC though had steering on wrong side. (Provincial Californio snicker)