because the legend was becoming somewhat brittle. Not counting the ill-starred

XJ220 supercar, Jaguar's last real sports car--the sublime XK-E roadster--went

out of production in 1974. The subsequent XJ-S packed the prestige of a

V12 engine, but it left a lot to be desired in terms of agility and balance,

as well comfort and convenience.

The XK8 isn't an XK-E. It lacks a manual transmission, for one thing.

No matter how efficient automatic transmissions become--and the XK8's five-speed

automatic is one of the best--shifting for yourself is a key element in

the sports car experience.

For another, the XK8 is thoroughly civilized and elegant, inside and

out. No one has ever called the XK-E anything less than beautiful, but

it was downright primitive compared to its sumptuous descendant.

This is not a bad thing at all. Where in the gospel of sports cars is

it written that you're supposed to suffer? That notion went away with the

last Triumph TR-3.

Let's talk specifics. The foundation of the XK8 was the XJ-S, but the

rear-drive chassis has been stiffened and tweaked almost beyond recognition.

Two models are offered, a coupe and convertible, with an all-new V8 engine--more

on this gem later--and, as noted, a five-speed automatic transmission.

Both versions are drop-dead gorgeous, but we were pleased to have the

open air option for some top-down touring in and around Santa Barbara,

California.