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If E-types aren’t your Jaguar joy and out of your price range consider one of these great GTs – that you can pick up for fraction of the cost – instead…

Jaguar XJ-S

New life starts for this cool cat

It’s finally time to stop the tired clichés and criticisms… Jaguar’s suspect successor, rather than replacement, for the E-type has become the classic it always deserved to be. A classical rather than stunning looker, at least it hasn’t gone in and out of fashion and the XJ6 platform is undoubtedly the superior. V12s are magnificent and early manuals are the stars, but later AJ6-engine ones are easier to own and economical. More a GT than sports car – but in its heyday was judged to be the best in the world… Enough said!

Bentley Continental

More than just a made over Mulsanne

You may reckon this is a mis-match yet the Bentley Continental is a worthy modern alternative to, say any Aston Martin or Jensen so why not an E-type V12 2+2 as well? The 1960’s-inspired Silver Shadow-based underpinnings has its work cut out to keep more than 400bhp in line but does help give the car a vintage-like feel yet handles brilliantly for its size at the same time. Plenty around, and almost considered cheap when compared to any E-type – and if you fancy something modern don’t rule out the VW-based (WAG-loved) Continental GT either if you want a bargain supercar at under £25,000 for a good one.

Aston Martin DB7

The modern DB4?

So what if the DB7 is little more than a Jag in drag – it has the lean and mean spirit of the DB4 about it. Granted, this Aston is broadly based upon the XJ-S (as is the XK8) but the (Jaguar) Le Mans winning Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) developed DB7 gives this Aston racing heritage. Because most steer towards the later V12, the original Jag-based supercharged six model (which ironically specialists rate as the most thoroughbred in feel) is better value. Classy convertibles are worth the most even though they don’t drive as crisply as the coupé and despite the Aston’s upmarket persona, the DB7 wasn’t built especially well made plus rust-proofing was minimal – yet prices are surpassing Jag S3 V12 levels.

Jensen Interceptor

Masterstroke from Midlands

Dubbed the ‘Birmingham Ferrari’, when new, finally the Jensen Interceptor has found its rightful place in the classic market. A cultured GT that’s more an Aston than Jag rival yet it’s also one of the simplest supercars to maintain thanks to the simple old school American V8 running gear used. That sports hatch makes for good practicality in a cabin boasting Rolls-Royce-like luxury. With great parts support, why we never all bought one years ago when they were dirt cheap we can’t understand either. Compared to the best E-types, they still are bargains but unless you really hanker for the all-wheel drive FF, best to steer clear.

Jaguar XK8

An affordablE E-Type!

The fact that the XK8 looks like a Jaguar should seal it for many. Then there’s the XK8’s amazing value with prices at auctions for under £4000. But spend the most you can on a good car – say £8-10 grand – and you’ll have a modern classic to enjoy rather than worry over even though they naturally lack the sense of occasion as an E-type – but what doesn’t? Besides, compared to the DB7, which uses the same DNA, the XK8 is a brilliant bargain at any price because while the Aston sells for double the price of the Jag, it’s not double the car, certainly not when compared to the superb supercharged XKRs that would murder a racing D-type!

Aston DBS

Now needs very little persuasion

With the iconic DBs treble the price of the best Jaguar E-types, a fairer comparison is the later replacement DBS, which also happens to drive much better care of its De-Dion rear suspension taken from the old Lagonda Rapide. Like the Jensen Interceptor, featured elsewhere, this Aston was an unloved, overlooked bargain buy for decades but soaring values of earlier DBs have dragged prices up handsomely. V8s are considered the best of the breed and the later the car the better it became until its demise in 1989 after an incredible 20 year run.

Porsche 911

The sensible supercar

Is there any other super car that’s as practical or pragmatic as this Porsche? The 911 may have changed out of all recognition since its launch the thick end of 60 years ago, yet thankfully has always remained a 911 in spirit and character, thus enabling it to appeal to those who love the older classic models as well as the more contemporary alternatives. Effectively this means there’s a 911 for everybody. Generally speaking, the earlier models are the most involving to drive and appeal the most to purists – perhaps with something to prove behind the wheel – while post mid 80s cars are the more palatial and protective Porsches with the Carrera 3.2 reckoned by many to be the ultimate extension of the original 911 line. The 964 that followed is smoother, more comfortable, and powerful, but somehow less engaging while the 4WD Carrera 4 results in a 911 which anyone can drive fast with uncanny confidence if not skill.

Mercedes R107

An everyday classic

Even with their lusty V8 engine options, the Mercedes R107 SL is hardly a serious sports car even when compared to S3 E-type being too soft and comfy although no less satisfying to drive, especially when they are lapping up the miles without breaking sweat. Few oldies can also make good daily drivers like an SL if need be. Good examples are soaring in value and some predict the days of the six figure SL aren’t that far away for truly top examples. But, at the other end of the scale there’s also a lot of dross around under £20,000 masking their rust and defects sadly all too well. You get what you pay for with this Mercedes but at least spares supply and support from specialists and even main dealers is superb.

Mercedes SL

Super star

A far more expensive proposition than the E-type when contemporary, the tables are turned now but, if anything, the ‘Pagoda’ SL shouts more class and culture. Despite being only a two-seater, in both closed and roadster forms, the SL is more GT than sportster thanks to a more leisurely performance from a trio of straight sixes that were mainly automatic. Old school Mercedes engineering and build quality makes it a connoisseur’s classic although joining this select club is becoming an increasingly expensive pastime as it’s vital you buy a good one because cheap bargains are usually rust ridden and restorations are mega dear.