How the 2012 Jaguar XKR Convertible chases after history: Motoramic Drives

I love British cars. Not the new, Bavarian Minis and Bentleys. I'm talking the British Leyland-era machines that verge on a meltdown in summer traffic and leak oil on a whim. Jaguars of old, like the XK-E and Mark 2, carried themselves with an air of opulent grace —even if it was while getting towed to the repair shop.

But the company seems haunted by its glamorous past, and tried unsuccessfully to revive classic designs in recent decades. The XJ prior to 2009 and X-Type were fixated on the handsome XJ6 saloon from the '80s, but never enjoyed the same success of their predecessor. The Mark-2-aping Jaguar S-Type in the end floundered as well, and was thankfully replaced by the boldly contemporary XF.

Still, they haven't given up on the legacy of the sultry XK-E—made apparent by the 2012 Jaguar XKR convertible. It beautifully taps into its illustrious ancestor with the oval grill and flowing profile, and it's Jaguar's best take on a luxury sports car since the Coventry coupe/convertible from the '60s (putting sour memories of the XJS behind). Still, the XKR's sheet metal looks oddly reserved, like Christina Hendricks in a frumpy dress. Inside is a letdown; on one hand the style isn't retro, but the piano-black-accented cabin could be found in any other luxury car. When a brand is known for seductive design, being generic — even forgettable — is a significant blow.