This cherished E34 525iX has been owned by the same family since 1996. A perfect car to help us consider the significance of BMW’s first all-wheel drive 5 Series…
It’s hard to see this shape of Jaguar without thinking of anything other than the old establishment yet, when new in 1979, the Series III did set the cat among the pigeons. No, really, it did. For the first time Jaguar contracted an outside firm to pen the lines of one of its saloons. Pininfarina subtly altered the Series II’s glasshouse, roof, grille and rear lights to create a new and elegant silhouette. It was hardly a wild departure from what had come before but the combination of foreign design expertise, plus some modern touches to the inside did set it apart – largely for the better.
The E39 5 Series was long considered the ‘best car in the world’. Now a modern classic, it remains a popular choice for BMW enthusiasts – ably demonstrated by this 528i SE.
Jaguar introduced the Sport model with the X300 to increase its appeal to younger buyers but with the later X308, the Sport was initially short-lived. Here’s why.
Final flourish The XJ12 Series 3 remained in production for over two decades, only finishing in late 1992. We revisit the very last example on its 30th anniversary
With prices of the E9x M3 spiralling into the stratosphere, the 335i could be a savvy way to scratch the itch. With practicality, classy understated styling and that peachy twin-turbo straight-six, is there anything not to like?
Our final contender is both significant and poignant. Not only is it our only Japanese offering in this test, but it’s also the model that reflects a change in buying habits that might well spell the death knell of the sports saloon altogether. The third and current generation of the Lexus IS300 will be its final iteration, because around 80 per cent of new drivers prefer the elevated driving position of the company’s SUVs.
Built for Japan’s ultra-conservative ultra-wealthy, this demure limo hides a V12 torch under its bushel. Glen Waddington explores the exotic culture of the Toyota Century.
Unblemished in its entirety, this incredibly low-mileage, 1977 450SEL 6.9 is now part of a vast collection in the Netherlands. However, being one of its owner’s favourite cars means it’s no stranger to the open road.
