Jaguar’s F-Type Convertible rally car made one last
public appearance on the penultimate day of the 2019 Wales Rally GB, which
effectively means it is denied a professional career.
The vehicle did not compete in the event but was
driven by Junior Welsh Tarmac Rally Champion Jade Paveley in a demonstrative
run. The F-Type Convertible rally car pays homage to the Jaguar XK 120, in
particular to the legendary ‘NUB 120’ which completed three consecutive Alpine
Rallies without incurring a single penalty point and won the RAC and Tulip
rallies in the early 1950’s.
The 300 PS convertible rally car powered
around a course featuring tight hairpin turns and a challenging slalom section.
“It has proven to be a fitting tribute to the legendary Jaguar XK120 rally car
‘NUB 120’ and for it to be driven in public for the last time at Wales Rally GB
is the perfect way for the F-Type rally car to sign off,” said Tanmay Dube,
Vehicle Integration Manager, Jaguar F-Type.
Jaguar built two identical F-Type Convertible rally
cars featuring bespoke FIA-spec modifications, a rally-spec chassis, and design
cues from the F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition. Built to celebrate 70
years since the introduction of Jaguar’s first sports car, the XK 120 in 1948,
the F-Type Convertible rally cars were first put through their paces in
November 2018 in South Wales to demonstrate their performance credentials on
gravel.
Since then, they made appearances at Jaguar events,
with the special tarmac stage of Colwyn Bay chosen as the perfect place for a
final official public appearance. The rally cars now face an
uncertain future but we’re willing to bet one of them will be put in a museum.
It’s a shame Jaguar did not turn the F-Type into a rival for the Abarth 124
Rally and Alpine A110 Rally in the FIA R-GT class.
