If we were living in the 1800’s life would be very different from how it is today. We would have no Deliveroo, coffee would not be soooooo good and arguably the most important thing in your life would be your horse.

A good, healthy, strong and fast horse was a gateway to a better life, whereas a small slow horse (or worse, no horse at all) would likely mean you weren’t going anywhere fast - literally.

Now, the importance of a car in 2024 is somewhat different. Some people see a fancy car as an unnecessary flex. Those among us with environmental concerns may steer away (see what I did there?) from options that prioritise MPH over MPG.

The way I see it is this...

You want a car that is both practical and fun. Beautiful and elegant.

You get as excited by a nice yield on your investment portfolio as you do with your latest purchase - so you don’t want to break the bank on your motor. You need to have balance - to be both financially responsible while still remembering that life is only there once and is very much for living.

Next you need to think about the balance of everyday life. The roads are not what they used to be - pot holes and speed bumps are plentiful. Car parking spaces at the local supermarket can be tight and you need space to fit the golf clubs that haven’t helped lower your handicap.

So, with all that in mind you might be wise to steer away (OK, I’ll stop now) from the super high end options that can’t comfortably handle a speed bump or two. Ferraris et al are off the table, even if you are lucky enough to have those options.

Now in this day and age there are plenty of electric SUV’s in the mix when it comes to cost effective, practical rides which sail over speed bumps no questions asked - many of which look pretty nice and will likely meet all your practical and financial requirements... but...

But the heroes of the 1800’s were not those with big carriages that met their practical needs... John Wayne wouldn’t drive an SUV.

Cowboys rode thoroughbreds, galloped across the land with the breeze brushing past their faces and through their hair to act as their natural speedometers. Their horses were also really good looking (for horses) - strong, athletic, but elegant at the same time.

So, back to the original point - what is the perfect car for the modern gentlemen? Well it needs to be cost effective and not at the expense of your all-important investment portfolio. It needs to be practical for a quick trip to the shops, getting over the terrible roads and fitting the golf clubs. It wants to give you a sense of adventure, of a life worth living. 

That brings me to the Jaguar F-Type. Designed as a modern day version of the iconic E-Type, the F-Type is really quite something.

Firstly it’s a beautiful car. Both Coupe and Convertible have a stunning balance of curves and edges. 

The rear of the car is sharp and aggressive but then melts into the curves of the roof which roll string into the sculpted front. The design is exquisite - a real head turner. 

Then there’s the drive. It’s aggressive when you need it to be, but can also be driven in a very sensible and conservative way. It’s part wild animal and part calm day-to-day car. Whatever engine you opt for you are guaranteed a noise that will warm the soul. Not really a V12 roar of yesteryear but an impressive sound nonetheless.

The F-Type is a car at home in the golf club car park, on the way to the gym or even at the supermarket. Unlike all supercars, you can fit your shopping in. You can fit it in a normal parking space and its not too big to drive round the smaller city streets. In short - it’s practical.

But where it really comes into it’s own and where I think it wins the race to the best all round car any modern gentleman would like is date night. This car is impressive - you look cool. But it’s also an amazing amount of fun. Get the soft top down and let the combination of engine noise, corner handling and wind in your hair put a smile on your face that will last longer than the night.

In conclusion... I dare you to find a better all round motor at any price point that this beauty.