End of an Era: Last of the V8s | Jaguar XK Short Film
What defines the relationship between man and machine? Whether a petrolhead or not, most would agree that a car becomes a chapter in their lives, and in doing so, takes on a personality. And for many people, the engine is the voice and soul of a car.
END OF AN ERA explores the intricacies of a dying breed - the V8 engine. One of the most iconic engines in automotive history; the V8 defines the pinnacle of combustion motoring. Presented, directed and produced by Tom Long, a classic car enthusiast and filmmaker; this film navigates the contentious issue of electric vs. combustion engines and what the future of car manufacturing holds.
As electric cars become an increasing reality and we move away from the combustion engine, will our relationship with cars change, and what will the future hold for petrol-heads?
The fact you only have 8000 views on this is criminal. Fantastic quality.
Thanks for the kind words!
Maybe it's missing #tags from the video description? And I agree, amazing video, amazing car.
Absolutely agree, great video, I preserve a 2007 xkr, everything you say I feel every time I drive it. I never listen to the radio, just my thoughts and the rumble of its heart thumping away in front of me, absolute bliss.
Totally agree!!! KZhead algorithm needs to show this to more people!
Tom what a wonderful video ! Let me tell you a short story....since January 2020 I've been searching far and wide for a suitable convertible, examining several Mercedes like the SL, SLK/C,CLK and BMW like the 640 vert, Z4, 3 series, 4 series etc.. Then one evening in October last year I stumbled upon your wonderful video on KZhead and I was taken away by the love and passion you were expressing for your XK convertible...and at 08:25 there is an irresistible call to arms to all us petrolheads I just couldn't pass... Well on November 20th I collected a very nice 2009 XK convertile ( white body and Caramel interior ) I had found at a Lexus dealer in Modena, and drove it home to Padova where I live ( Italy ) !! Thank you for making me discover, and buy, such a wonderful car !!
That’s such a wonderful story Marco. So glad you’ve got an XK - hope you have lots of fun with it!
I was similarly a car lover looking for the perfect one for me for a long time and the match has been made. Picking this up soon. I hope you are enjoying yours still.
@@daftelf sure I do ! I have had it now for two years and enjoing it, pampering it, improving it, driving it at Jaguar club meetings....You will surely enjoy your as well ! It is a wonderful car..!!
I have a 2011 XK V8 5L Heritage Edition in Cherry Black owned now for 18 months. Every time I get in it I sit there for a few seconds and just look around the interior and then 10:03 the beautiful long bonnet. Then when it fires up there is the brutal burble of that V8. It’s an experience every time you drive
I'm another smiling person, having just acquired a well looked after 04' Jaguar XK8 4.2 coupe. Midnight black with the cream interior & walnut dash. Stunning machine. Not too many down here in Australia, so was lucky to find it interstate. I got to know it on the 7 hour drive home.
Sounds like a stunning colour combination. The XK8 is such an elegant shape, enjoy!
I have just purchased a 2006 XK X150 Jaguar convertible in the same as Tom's. This is a bucket list dream and I am loving it at 71 years old.
Watched this the day before I picked mine up, mortgage finally paid off, kids are settled down in their own homes, this is our time now, just me and my wife in a car we’ve always dreamed of. Excellent video
Enjoy it!
Those who does not get what is the feeling to drive V8, it does not make sense to explain further, same for those who does not know what is to have pleasure to look at Jag in garage...I have both for 10 years having my XK8 2005 4.2l. And electric cars might be a kind of future till people understand the fact that 3 diesel engines still make less damage to the nature than to get - dig for one battery for electric car...on top of that, in 10 years will be big issue with storage of old batteries... so enjoy or V8 reasonably and keep them in good shape
This made me cry thinking of my dad ..long live the jaguar
I've owned one for the past 4 years. Lots of maintenance, but will never sell it.
Really? Most are bulletproof. What kind of problems have you had?
@@Eidrian111 I agree with you, I have owned one for over 3 1/2 years and I love it. You really did justice on your description of this beautiful creature and the relationship and bond that we develop. Thank you
No problems whatsoever with mine...
how many miles? i’ve heard these are quite bulletproof, have one with just over 108k miles no issues yet other than an occasional whistling but only had since the beginning of this year
A thing of beauty is a. JOY. FOREVER. !!!!!
What a beautiful clip Tom, well done! Can’t believe I didn’t spot this before. A well deserved hommage to this car and the V8. I’m a big fan of the xk, have owned a coupe since new in 2007 and still love it till this day. In terms of design, soul, and elegance they just do not make cars like this today. Will keep it forever!
xkjagxk thanks very much! I love mine and would never part with it through choice...
I have 2009 xkr convertible and 2001XJL it's just put a smile on my face whenever I drive them! So much class and prestige! I had all kind of cars before I'm 62 yrs old ! I had American /Japanese/ Italian cars but Jaguars yesss
Well said, sir. Keep them on the road...keep them alive.
I'm lucky to own a 2009 XK Diamond Edition Convertible, Pearlescent White exterior, Caramel interior. Absolutely beautiful car, beautiful lines, and fantastic engine roar. With only 22K miles, I'm gonna keep her for many, many years to come!
Superb video. XK is on my list - my aunt bought one new back in 2006, which I thought was lovely. It's either an XK or an old Quattroporte. I believe there will be a lot of tears whichever way I go, but the kids in my neighbourhood all belong to EV-driving families. So I feel it is my duty to wake them all up with the thunderous sound of a V8.
My 2008, XK Coupé, I purchased some 2 years ago. It was the best thing that happened to me since my divorce (...). I mostly drive it with both windows open just to hear the sound of the 8 cilinder motor. Brings me happyness every day. Greetz from the Netherlands (...where cows fart...and speed tickets rule...).
I’m 78 and have always owned a Jaguar. My x150 convertible is the very best of them all , just beautiful.❤
Yeah, this Video was the seed...and now I own one: Jaguar XK 5.0 Convertible of Course with the V8 :-)
Same for me...I got myself a 12 plate 5.0. Absolutely love it...
Same for me... I bought a Jaguar XFR 5.0 V8 SC
Bought my Jaguar XK back in May and haven't regretted it since. Your video absolutely captures and puts into words the same feeling I get when I take mine out for a drive. Well done and thanks, Tom. Cheers from the US.
As someone who is about to buy a Jaguar x150 XKR I appreciate the sentiment entirely of this video. Happy motoring. Just drive!
Stunning cinematography Tom, absolutely stunning.
Thanks!
What a beautiful Hommage to a remarkable car and a Great Engine. I Love ist.
I was blessed to get a Jaguar XK (2008)as a gift , completely changed my life for the better This car is nothing but pure beauty, I try my best to take care of it This car is all round good and reliable
I own the 5.0l naturally aspirated XK from 2013 and agree with everything in this vid. However, let’s not give up hope. And even if Jaguar’s new XK in 2021 will not be available as a V8, well, there is still the Maserati Granturismo or the Aston Vantage who also depreciate fast and thus can be bought easily after a few years...
MG77 I’ve heard the 5l is another league - I’d love to drive one. And I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the 2021 XK!
Don't be so sure about Aston-Martin values. They are increasing. I had a 2006 4.3L with the manual box, and it was a delight.
@@peoplehavetherights Now that it is 2023, I totally agree with you. My comment is almost 4,5 years old, back then, oh well, different times. Also, as I only realize now, the plans for a new XK have been put on hold.
You understand the synchronicity of man and machine! Land rovers and Jaguars are icons and I love mine!! Cheers!!
Wonderful movie! I’ve just bought an XKR .It costs a fortune to maintain, but it’s worth every penny!!! It’s as mad as a mad thing and I love it!!
Just bought a2008 xk convertible.Metallic green.Absolutely love it.Will leave it to my children.Future classic for sure!
This video is criminally underrated!
I never comment but I am now moved to. I bought one post COVID took it down to Santander, through the Pyrenees, South of France, Italian Lakes, Switzerland, Belgium and the back home. It was better even than it sounds. Don't procrastinate, JFDI.
At this very day I'm watching that as I decided to trade my 2014 XF for 2006 XK in British Racing Green colour. I fell in love with this car and your movie truly strenghtened that feeling.
You won’t regret a thing - the XK is a wonderful car!
@@tomlongpictures They are also astoundingly reliable. At least my XJ8L is.
I own an XF-R V8. It brings a smile to my face just starting it😂 let alone driving it. Best ever engine and car I've owned for quite some time. I will make sure my V8 lives as long as I do..
One of the most beautiful machine on the road, and, I agree, ICE engine will live on, alongside electric/ hydrogen and diesel for a long time. the jaguar XK is not the best car in the world, but once you tasted it its all you want to drive.. I will never sell my XK 5.0 v8 willingly.
I have a triple black '03 XK8 Roadster and an '04 silver Roadster. Modern day XKE. (E-TYPE) I have a '67 E-TYPE Roadster also (silver). These are cherished treasures. !!!!!
I have owned a 2007 XKR for the past three years and my maintenance has been minimal. Granted I purchased it with only 18,000 miles on it but I now have 56,000 people still stop me and asked me if it’s a new car. The styling I’ll never go out of style
Its a beautiful design that I think will always remain beautiful, no matter how old
Found a 08 with 100k miles for a good price.. buy or dodge?
@@elmerfapp7804 It’s a loaded question does the hundred thousand miles cause for concern I guess that depends on how the car was treated I’ve seen them with 180,000 miles and still rolling
@@bocaboy69 well aside from some bubbling in the dash everything looked fine on the surface. Would prolly pay to get it inspected first tho
@@elmerfapp7804 did you buy it? I also got a 08 with 100k miles earlier this year, been fine daily so far
Probably the most brillant film made of the XK that I’ve ever seen and, yes, I do own an XK. So I fully understand what Tom Long is talking about. An XK indeed is a pleasure to drive in. It makes you feel special. That’s what a V8 can do and an XK in particular.😀👍
Thanks for the comment Rob! Glad you enjoyed the film - keep enjoying your XK!
Dear Tom, What a wonderful film, what a wonderful car. I already watched this film several times and I agree with every point you made. Everything should be done keeping the V8 alive. That is why I decided to buy a 2004 XK8 (X100) two years ago. The engine doesn't have the same V8 burble as the XK. Instead it sounds very restrained, but you still can feel it. I also like the styling and the interior finish with lots of leather and wood. Warm regards from Germany. I wish you a successful and healthy 2021.
I had an XK8 before my Xk and I absolutely loved it. I toured 3000 miles around Europe in it and the engine was silky smooth for the entire trip - the perfect grand tourer! Have a great 2021 and hope you get to go out and enjoy your XK8!
A beautiful, studio quality film about a mechanical work of art - the Jaguar XK8 convertible. Made with love using a facelifted 4.2 version, this film delights the senses and the soul. Being a jaguar owner this film reminded of all the great names in Jaguar's illustrious history such as Sir William Lyons, Norman Dewis, Ian McCallum et all, who all contributed to make a Jaguar - the car that people just love. Thank you Tom for making such a beautiful homage to such a wonderful car.
Thank you David!
I agree, NOTHING compares or excites me more than the growl and roar of a V8. Your descriptions PERFECTLY describe your experience. I love how responsive my Jag is and it feels like it is glued to the road! I used to drive a Camaro Z 28 which was a V8. I loved the roar of the engine and the thrill I got when the tail end broke loose. My Jaguar hugs the road in AWD never losing traction. It's a totally different experience. Still nice, but different. ❤️
I am delighted to see you featured Henry Ford's breakthrough V8 engine. The Jaguar featured here was developed under Ford's ownership.
An absolute masterpiece sir, I myself turned 18 in April of this year and was privileged enough to receive a white XK as my first car, I will forever cherish a V8 and combustion engines
Wow. 18, first car, given a Jaguar XK. You are from a very, very, very different part of society from me! Must be incredible.
I still like my '97 124k mile XK8! From the original badges and the fact it was the first year from the transition from the V12 XJS, it was a true symphony in steel!
Congratulations, I'm crying because your vídeo is fantastic. Thank you! I will buy an V8 and keep until my last days on earth .
Thank you Tom.
What a beautiful video. Thank you so much. I am buying one today. Not kidding. I am going to pamper it like a child and keep it for my next generation (s). Had 3 friends die in 2 weeks. I said "I gotta do it NOW." So I did. So glad I did. Again, thank you for this. So much.
Great video! Why has it taken me 5 years to find it?! Such a beautiful car and stunning scenery!
I never get tired of watching this piece of work. Simply wonderful.
I also drive this beautiful car! This Film is so emotional! It is the best Film to present the ,XK! GREAT GREAT JOB!!
Thanks - I love the XK!
Bought a 2003 XK8 few months ago- got her on the road after repairs!! Absolutely breathtaking to sit behind the wheel and feeling connected to the car because of that monstrous 4.2L V8. Its not as fast as some of the these new v6s out there- but it sure puts a smile on my face!
You got it on point! Thanks a lot.👍
That was really a very nicely executed piece Tom. I own an XXR 150 and absolutely adore it. I was thinking, why didn’t he do a supercharged review, but I now kind of get it. I know the supercharger gets in the way of the purity of the V8 so well done. It’s nice to hear it without the whine for once.
Thank you Tom for the amazing clip you have produced here, I bought a secondhand, one owner 2007 coupe in 2016 with 17,000km on the clock from an elderly gent who could no longer get in, or out of it without assistance. Now with 104,000km on the clock it has cost me just servicing and 3 sets of tyres, I have enjoyed every km I have travelled in it and fear, at the end of it's life I won't find another car that evokes the same passions.....
Congratulations! Buy another nice one and preserve it as a spare! Seriously ! 😉
An absolute amazing Car. I have an XKR-S. You are alright, the Car have a Soul and when I siting and Driving The Cat it makes me Smile... XK Forever... Amazing and Great Video...
Mr. Fox thanks! Glad you enjoyed
I love my XKR. Best car I've ever owned.
I have just bought a 2013 XK Coupe 5 Litre .. 30 K miles ....its to enjoy and enjoy and enjoy ..thank you JLR
Wonderful video, Tom. The cinematography is fantastic. I own a 2012 XKR that has cost me a fortune to maintain. However, when I waver and think of selling, especially now when we hardly drive anywhere, I play this video and your words bring me to my senses. I know I must keep my XKR and the V8 within for the feeling it brings me and everyone around me. The sound of a V8 cannot be lost to history, we must keep it alive.
This is a wonderful, beautiful and sad video, I love it a lot! Ironically, electric cars are not that much better for the environment, the rare earth minerals used to produce their batteries are finite, as well as producing massive quantities of unusable substances in their refinement (Baotou Lake is an example), this is not just exclusive to cars, either, phones, wind turbines, and computers all use these elements. Eventually this aspect of technology catch up with us. An older V8 that has gone through its carbon lifecycle is less harmful to the environment. I’d be curious to see what the future will hold in the long term, if we start using alternatives to traditional petrol (will Ethanol, methane gas become widespread?), or if cars will one day become only a page in a history book...
From start to finish, just like I would present this car. Thank you Tom!
Alexandre Brandão glad you’re enjoyed! Thanks!
Stunning
Found this while considering buying an XK. Now my mind is made up. Production is better than most TV. Great work. Thanks.
I own a X150 3.5 since 2 years and i love it and fully agree with Tom! Nice cars and very nice video! 👍🏼
Hi Tom! When I retired (on a Friday) after a 30 year career in 2009, I celebrated by buying a 2007 XK convertible like yours on the following Monday. It is the most fabulous car I ever owned, and the most beautiful car made in this new millennium with the possible exception of the new Ferrari Roma (and it is obvious that the Roma designer has seen a few Jaguars!). It had only 10K miles when I bought it, and now has 93K miles...and it has been quite reliable. So happy that you and I were able to realize a dream. Your video is superb and matches the excellence of the car. Well done!
Thanks very much - glad you enjoyed! Must say, I also love the Roma!
Great video! I am also a huge v8 fan and share your feelings. I drive an XFR and an F type R... I've shared the passion with my 17 year old son for many years and hope to for many more. I plan and keeping at least one of the Jags as long as I can!
brilliant ! Thank you for putting into words and images what I've been feeling lately. Electric cars don't have the living heart of a V8, and you've perfectly summed up how the roar and growl forgive all the imperfections of this car. I hope our past will have a place in our future.
Man u need an XKR to experience the true driving sensation of an XK.I'm not worried about a V8,i'm worried about never seeing XK in production again
Amazing Video and Quality about a one of the most Elegant Supercars in the World and the emotion behind & Beyond.
Great video. Well done. V8 is our all!
Wonderfully done. Someday, maybe soon, I will own an XK.
Super! 👍🏻 I own an XK Coupe. Gorgeous car!
Wow. Just WOW.
Thanks for your passion !
Pleasure!
What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL video! I LOVE my XK-8!
What a great film 👍
This was the most positive film I’ve seen in a very long time. And don’t worry. We will find alternative fuels to keep our legendary V8s, glorious straight sixes, peppy four pots, and magnificent V12s alive. It may be a hobby, but what a hobby!
So many glorious engines to keep going!
Although mine is a supercharged 4 pot, the rotary is a magnificent sounding engine. Different from the reciprocating but still glorious.
I will own one as soon as I can, this car is astonishing
Looking in the mirror I'm dismayed at the steady march of grey... No electric car for me..driving my 5.0 Gunmetal grey XK through the hills with the windows down makes me glad of the silver tips...the XK is a sweet blend of old school charm and modern technical brilliance. Neither my race 944 S2 or BRZ give me the sheer feel good factor of the XK richly burbling through the mountains. Its a living thing.
Just seen this. Agree; fantastic quality and spot on message. Have a 2010 XKR and intend never to sell it. Just love it. Everything I want in a car. Grace, pace and elegance. I rarely have the infotainment system on. Just roll the windows down and listen to the sweet music of that V8. Petrol head heaven!
Hi Tom You created a masterpiece of short movie. So emotional and technicaly brilliant. Many thanks for the effort you put into this marvel of a movie. Besides that I can understand your message fully. Not only because I bought a Jaguar E Type S2 Coupé that ultimately led me into purchasing a Jaguar XKR 5.0 supercharged Coupé about two weeks ago. All the best and many thanks from Germany to you Joe
Fair play guys, I’ve watched this a few times now. Our XKs deserve a bit of love. X
Thanks for this video.
I’ve just done 250 miles in my 08 XKR Convertible in the same colour. It’s a superb car. I could have had the F Type but prefer the XK 150. I’ve had the XK8 for 7 years and loved it. Cried when I sold it and watched drive away. 2 normally aspirated 4.2 V8 XK60’s and now the XKR. What a car. I’ve had a custom made exhaust made which has deleted the massive back box. I think I’m going to upgrade the supercharger pulley next and a remap. Maybe even get rid of the front silencer to give it more V8 sound. If you’re looking for a great affordable sports car you’d be hard pushed to beat the XK. Synthetic fuels are here and will only get cheaper.
so beautiful! I am sharing this with my local Jaguar club!
I currently own a 2000 XJ8, the latest in a long line of Jags which started with a 3.8 S type in 1974 as an fresh faced 18 year old. I'm now looking for a XK8 2006/07. Amazing film Tom, an inspiration to pick up my XK when this lockdown caper is over!
I had an XK8 before my xk, both are wonderful cars and look beautiful in different ways!
Well shot and enjoyable. Lovely scenery. Mine is a 07 XKR
What an amazing video! Now, I love my XKR even more...
This is a great video the cinematography has been done very well. I too am a V8 fan owning both the XKR and 5.0 V8 XJ. Good work & shared link on XK FB page.
RISVY AR thanks very much!
Great video, I adore mine. It’s the longest I’ve kept a car for and it’s not going anywhere.
Thanks! Yeah I’d never get rid of mine!
one of the best videos on youtube
I have one too and love it, it looks and sounds fantastic.
A very nice hommage to the V8 and to the jag, the jag is with the 911 my favorite car. I worked for jaguar and drove the convertible as a company car and fell in love since.
Mark Geudens Thanks! I’d love to get behind the wheel of a 911...
I remember seeing some james bond film as a kid with aston martin battling green jaguar on ice and i fell in love with the jag.
I've driven a V8 daily since I was 30. I'm 45 and my V8 has over half a million miles on it. 💪
Thanks Tom, a great vid of an epic car. I too will be getting an XK in the very near future and like many it will be a cherished keeper. Good luck.
I have that exact spec. for the 2008 model. I'm fully restoring it. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Owned my xk portfolio for 7yrs now every time I get in I get a warm feeling, before this I had an xj 2.7 diesel that was a fantastic car as well,
Great film Tom. Agree entirely. I have both X100 and X150 both 4.2 and as you say The XK is a different animal and I love it
Perfectly made. 👌 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hi Tom, I was searching for info on KZhead whilst in the process of making my mind up on wether to take the plunge and buy a 4.2 XK coupe. As an existing S Type 4.2 V8 owner, I’m more than happy with my car for daily use and unwinding on the way home after a heavy day but wanted a second ‘Sunday Car’ - ‘something special’ to get a real buzz out of on a scenic run. Like you, I had a long wait before I could justify the expense. Your film epitomises my feelings exactly and put words to the emotions I have felt for a long time. It made my mind up to pull the trigger and get my wallet out. I hope your beautifully made film gets the much wider exposure it richly deserves, it’s a welcome change to the BHP hungry shows like Top Gear 👍
Dave Sanderson Thanks for your comment Dave! Sometimes we just need to bite the bullet and buy a car purely on “what it makes us feel”. Hope you get on well with your XK in the future 🙂
Great video Tom. When it comes down to the difference between the soulful V8 and the soulless electric i think you've nailed it perfectly.
Thanks Steve! I’ve nothing against electric, but nothing beats a roaring engine!
Love it I love it I love it so much, the mood of it, how you presented it, how consequently it has been built up, so simply everything about this video ! Cinematography is also on top !
TrapshitProductionz thanks very much for your compliments! And thank you for watching the film 🙂
Zo ademloos mooi.....Great film with also good music.. Everything is Beautiful! I love this video😊😇 Thank you Tom Long 👌