Jaguar F-Type Convertible Rally Car Sadly Makes Its Final Public Appearance

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 (296 HP) 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.

Also read: 2019 Updates Make Abarth 124 Rally Racer Faster, Easier To Drive

Jade Paveley and the Jaguar F-Type Convertible rally car

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.