Jaguar F-TYPE's Final Bow: A Green Farewell as Brand Moves Toward Electrification
June 20 2024,
In a moment that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter, the final Jaguar F-TYPE sports car has rolled off the production line at the brand's Castle Bromwich facility. This iconic vehicle will take its rightful place in the Jaguar Heritage collection, joining its predecessor, the legendary E-type, in a symbolic passing of the torch.
The timing couldn't be more poignant, as this year marks the 50th anniversary since the last E-type was produced in 1974. Just as the E-type heralded the birth of the groundbreaking XJ-S, the final F-TYPE ushers in Jaguar's transition to an all-electric future, starting in 2025.
The Final Jaguar F-TYPE: A Fitting Tribute
The final F-TYPE, a stunning 5.0-litre V8 Convertible, is finished in a striking Giola Green with a black roof and a luxurious Tan Windsor leather interior. Its specifications are a deliberate nod to the final E-type Series III Convertible, a 5.3-litre V12 model registered as HDU 555N, which sported a similar colour scheme.
This exceptional F-TYPE will be entrusted to the custodians of Jaguar's rich heritage, the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT). It will join its E-type counterpart in the official Jaguar Heritage collection, participating in a series of special events and activities throughout the year to celebrate Jaguar's illustrious sports car legacy.
Bridging the Past and the Future
The parallels between the final E-type and the final F-TYPE are striking. Both models marked the end of their respective production runs on nearly the same day, signalling the dawn of a new era for the iconic British brand.
Just as the last E-type paved the way for the birth of the revolutionary XJ-S, the final F-TYPE serves as a prelude to Jaguar's bold transformation – spearheaded by a groundbreaking all-electric four-door GT set to be unveiled in 2025, promising to be a true original in the brand's storied history.
Rawdon Glover, Managing Director of Jaguar, reflects on this pivotal moment: "Sir William Lyons' singular vision was to always be future-facing, relevant, and original. This has been the foundation of Jaguar through almost a century of evolving contemporary British luxury. Today, as we celebrate the F-TYPE and our 75-year history of innovative Jaguar sports cars, we are also looking forward to the beginning of a new era. We will reimagine and elevate the Jaguar brand, focusing on growing client intimacy and engagement, underpinned by our purpose to inspire like no other."
The Legacy of the F-TYPE and E-type
The F-TYPE's launch in 2013 marked Jaguar's return to the two-seat sports car segment after nearly four decades. It received universal acclaim, earning the prestigious 2013 World Car Design of the Year award. The coupé variant followed in 2014, and since its inception, 87,731 F-TYPEs have been produced, solidifying its place in Jaguar's sports car lineage.
The E-type, on the other hand, was a true icon of its time, with 72,528 units produced, including a special run of 50 cars to mark the end of its production. All but one of these final E-types were painted black, with the second-to-last car being finished in British Racing Green for a private Jaguar collector.
As Jaguar prepares to bid farewell to the F-TYPE in early 2025, the brand remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its heritage while embracing the future. The all-electric four-door GT set to debut in 2025 will embody Sir William Lyons' vision of originality and forward-thinking innovation, ushering in a new era of contemporary British luxury for Jaguar.
