Starting the year in motoring heaven!

Today I celebrate my 77th year, plus three months and eight days. It's important that I tell you that because you see, a good friend asked me to do a critical favor at the last minute and I said yes, so as a reward, where no reward was necessary, they insisted that I have the unfettered use of their $75,000 Jaguar F-Type sports convertible for the weekend. They also seemed to have thrown in absolutely perfect weather for maximum enjoyment from the car.

Most people my age would not dare sit in such a car because of the danger they could never get out. At least that could be their excuse. I was sure that I would have to pay for my experience with pain in my back, but no, once seated, and provided I kept each journey reasonably short my back is just fine.

I'm addicted! If I had the ready money I would buy a car exactly the same in a heartbeat. I have completely fallen in love with it. Keep in mind that I drive a Jaguar myself, but this model is just playing with my heart.

The exact model car is a V6, 3000cc, 8-speed automatic convertible, in white with black soft top. The sound it makes, especially on acceleration is that of a Formula 1 car which is the most tempting thing. You always want to go fast but no, when driving on regular roads, as opposed to closed tracks one must observe the speed limits and other motorists. Normally, at my age I have long ago rid myself of the need for speed, or so I thought. Normally I content myself with driving along at 100 kph which is an optimum speed both for my car and its driver.

This rocket on wheels keeps egging me on. Go on, go for it! So, to reach a compromise I really like the feel when joining a major road, and if the way is clear of going from a slower speed to 120 kph in as short a time as possible. The kick in the back is just fabulous, plus the roar of that amazing engine and the G-force, and I'm awake!! The fact that it is a 3.0 litre, V6 340 Supercharged beast is just so over the top for me that there is no way I can ignore this car.

My Jag is a long wheel base XJ6 Sovereign that conveyed Her Majesty The Queen in the day when she was not using The Rolls. When I brought this one home the neighbours simply assumed that I had bought it, and now I am known as "Two Jags Gene" in my town. Oh Dear! One day I must get around to setting everyone straight.

This is an act of generosity in the Jeremy Clarkson mould, so I get to know how he feels when all those people say to him, "drive my car, please?" I, unlike Mr Clarkson, cannot think of anything I would want to criticise about the F-type . That may be because I am so in love with this glorious collection of materials, but give me some time when the newness rubs off and I'm bound to think of at least one tiny thing. Until then I am very happy to have had this wonderful experience.

If I had the funds I would definitely buy it and take it home and caress it, and care for it by washing it everyday and covering it in something nice and fluffy so that it can stay warm.

I wonder how my wife might react if I did the same thing for her?

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael