It was Enzo Ferrari who called the 1962 Jaguar E-Type “the most beautiful car in the world.”
Now more than half a century later, this iconic vehicle is gearing up for a new chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry.
“Change is coming for the legendary Jaguar and it’s coming fast. And right now is the time to hold on to this piece of history before it’s gone forever,” said Ray DiNardi, Centre Manager of Jaguar Las Vegas. His dealership, located at 6425 Roy Horn Way, is currently the exclusive retailer of Jaguar vehicles in the state of Nevada.
Like many other automakers, Jaguar's global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) came as no surprise to DiNardi, who has decades of experience in this industry. He said the luxury brand's sustainable transition is the wave of the future and will offer a great opportunity to cater to clients who are both concerned about the environment and looking to invest in technologically advanced products. But DiNardi admits this transition has been bittersweet.
"The company recently announced it would discontinue the F-Type following the 2024 model year," said DiNardi. "The Jaguar F-Type, a high-performance 2-seater sports car is a modern take on the iconic E-Type from the 1960's. This transition means the company will eliminate every gas-powered combustion vehicle in the current line-up."
“I tell people if they are thinking of getting a Jaguar, they better get it now,” said Jenine Rogers, a Las Vegas-based Realtor who, throughout her life, has owned three Jaguars. She was in her 20’s and living in Southern California when she bought her first Jag.
“I was actually taking in my Mercedes for a service and that’s when I saw a Jaguar XK 8 Convertible in the dealership,” said Rogers. “It was navy blue and gorgeous. I knew I had to have it. I always joke that I drove in my Mercedes for maintenance and nine hours later, I came home with a Jaguar.”
Speed up to present day, Rogers is now a proud owner of two Jaguars. One is an XK used as an everyday vehicle. The other is on the race track, as this self-proclaimed "The Racing Realtor" uses her latest Jaguar, the F-Type R 575, purchased from the Jaguar Las Vegas dealership in August of 2023. She said it is a little sad to hear that the Jaguar will soon go all electric because the vehicle that she loves will never be the same.
“If they don’t make them anymore, they will definitely become more valuable,” said Rogers. “It’s a luxury car that should cost more but doesn’t. It looks great and sounds great. When I drive my Jag, I get so many compliments. The body of the Jaguar is so unique and I feel amazing when I am in the car.”
For vintage car collector, entrepreneur, and Las Vegas native, Joel Laub, he said his love for Jaguars began when he saw his first XK120.
"I loved the body and the sounds of the engine. I thought the XKE's of the early to late 60's were one of the most beautiful cars ever built," said Laub who is the owner of Joel Laub & Associates and developer of the Reserve at Red Rock Canyon. "I bought my first Jaguar about 30 years ago, an XK 120 rally car and still own it. Now I own seven Jaguars."
When it comes to Jaguar's pending shift to the world of electric vehicles, Laub says he's still not sure what the future will hold for his beloved classic luxury brand.
"I’m a gearhead so internal combustion is in my bones, I’m not sure how electric cars will fare in the future," said Laub. "The infrastructure hasn’t caught up with the production numbers and the range has to increase to be viable. I have a feeling it will settle on the Hybrid in the end. I would recommend anyone to buy an internal combustion engine Jaguar while you can and keep it forever."
For DiNardi, he sees the benefits of both investing in the past AND the future when it comes to Jaguars. With electric vehicles now at the forefront of innovation, Jaguar is positioning itself to be the next key player in the global EV market. As the brand vows to keep up its long-standing reputation for performance and elegance, it will also preserve its legacy while embracing modern and sustainable technology. But DiNardi said customers who want to ensure a piece of history lives on in their personal collection, this is also the time to come see him at his dealership before the gas-powered Jags reach the end of the road.
“Jaguar has a rich history known for a combination of performance, luxury, and heritage," said DiNardi. "So, as we look to a very different future for the brand, we understand the positive impact that electric vehicles will bring. We are excited for the changes to come but we hope car enthusiasts understand that we are at a very unique point in global automotive history. If anyone is looking to own a piece of Jaguar history, this is the time to do it and we are here to help."
"I tell people if they are thinking of getting a Jaguar, get it now."
"We are excited for the changes to come but we hope car enthusiasts understand that we are at a very unique point in global automotive history."
