Jaguar XJ epitomizes some highlights of British motoring

20/11/2008 02:30. Coventry, England - The Jaguar XJ, which celebrates its 40th birthday this year, in a sense epitomizes the very best and worst of British motoring.

Driving an XJ is an emotional experience that clearly differs from the cool precision of taking the wheel in a Mercedes.

For a start, there is the distinct smell of the opulent leather interior coupled with neatly arranged dials on the wooden dashboard, giving it an aura of luxurious opulence.

Nevertheless, the Jaguar engineers were masters in the art of giving a large sedan both a sporty and elegant appearance. Its front grille - coupled with four round headlights and a wildcat on the bonnet - is instantly recognizable the world over.

The first XJ was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1968. Jaguar soon began naming its cars based upon... // Monsters and Critics.com