Live and let rest: Jaguar F-Type

"To be desired is perhaps the closest anybody in this life can reach to feeling immortal," the British writer, painter, art critic and Booker Prize winner John Berger once philosophised.

Admittedly, it is doubtful that a car really has feelings - and even feelings as great as those described by John Berger. But one thing is certain: We love the Jaguar F-Type and its shape. The British sports car passes for a work of art anyway. And we will miss it: Its production will end in the middle of the year and with it a long tradition. For the first time in the brand's history, the big cat manufacturer will no longer have a dedicated sports car in its range. This is called a turning point - because the future is electric. So let's take a look at the past first.

In terms of Jaguar's self-image and naming, the F-Type is in the tradition of the E-Type. Its shape is clearly characterised. From its direct ancestor, but also the classic qualities of a Jaguar: long bonnet, short rear, lots of sports car. First presented as the C-X16 concept car at the IAA in 2011, it found its way onto the roads - and into the hearts of connoisseurs - as early as 2013. 2019 saw the redesign with a suitably evil predator look, but with familiar advantages, which still include the drive. Which brings us back to the present. And with the ultimate evolutionary stage: the F-Type R 75 Coupé.

Muscular. Elegant. Powerful. And painted in "Carpathian Grey", a colour like a tailored pinstripe suit. In combination with the red tail lights, a perfect contrast, but not too conspicuous. Just like the entire design of the F-Type: timelessly tasteful. And characterised by the power that awaits underneath. We continue to creep round the Jaguar. All emblems and details are blacked out. British understatement, but peppered with subtle references to the potential performance. The R badge in the radiator grille and at the rear? Reveals the calibre of the F-Type to the connoisseur. As does the contrast of light, dark and red around the wheels. The calipers of the high-performance brake system behind the five double spokes are not only visually impressive.

We are getting closer: The retractable door handles, for example: sure, other manufacturers also have these on offer, but here they guarantee real class. As soon as you touch the paint and brushed aluminium, it's clear who and what you're dealing with: a Jaguar made with a great deal of craftsmanship. This continues in the interior: quilted leather meets aluminium applications. Well, the start button for the five-litre supercharged V8 is not made of light metal, but the chassis in which it sits is. We slide into the seats and start the engine.