IT was an ironic twist of fate that on the day Jaguar announced it was to stop car production at Browns Lane in Coventry I took delivery of a shiny new XJ6 saloon not more than three miles from where it was produced.
There it stood, in all its glory, the finest Big Cat of all. Soon to be produced, not in its home of more than 50 years, but a few miles down the road at Castle Bromwich.
It was a sad day for Jaguar, and the people of Coventry, the spiritual home of Jaguar.
Ford bosses say Browns Lane will continue to be its world-wide headquarters, house its heritage museum and some skilled workers will be retained to produce Jaguar's famed wood veneer. For how long, remains to be seen.
Come September next year, Castle Bromwich - which already produces the S-Type - will have the honour of producing the world-famous XJ which, in my opinion, is the best luxury car in the world for style, value and quality.
The XJ6 is a masterpiece of automotive engineering which compares with anything Mercedes, BMW or Lexus can put up against it.
In my book, on style alone, the XJ flagship model wins hands down.
Although most XJs boast the V8 engine, the six-cylinder V6 offers more than adequate power with 240bhp, a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds and a claimed top speed of 145mph.
With it's all-aluminium body the power pack is never hampered by too much weight and acceleration is good enough to make overtaking safe and easy.
Another plus is fuel consumption. I managed to get 27mpg from the V6 which is exactly what Jaguar claims for it.
Handling is pin-sharp. It's a big motor but is surprisingly nimble on twisty sections and armed with superb brakes I never felt anything less than being in complete control, even when giving it the gun.
Body roll on bends or during fast lane changes on the motorway is negligible and the experience behind the wheel is one to savour.
Interior comfort is what the big Jaguar is all about for many buyers who will have to fork out £44,000 for the privilege.
So what do you get for the cash? It comes with climate control, leather upholstery, beautiful wood veneer finish, heated seats, cruise control, fantastic sound system, reverse parking sensors, touch screen computer, electric rear sunblind, immobiliser, alarm, rain sensing wipers, 18in alloys, wood/leather steering wheel, etc, etc.
I'm privileged to drive around 80 new cars a year, from cheap city runarounds to the best in the automotive world. I've done it for years, so the novelty has worn off a bit.
But get me behind the wheel of a Big Cat, and although I know it's not mine and will be taken off me at the end of the week, I feel King of the Road.
You will too. That's a promise.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar XJ6 3.0 SE
Price: £44,070
Mechanical: 240bhp, 2,967cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 145mph
0-62mph: 8.1 secs
Combined mpg: 27
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 249g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint