Readers' Photos # 74: a Rag-top Jag XK8 and an MG TF

 I like Canberra.  A lot, actually.  And I find it strange when others say that they don't.

It might be that I'm a bit biased, though.  I was born there and I studied there.  Work sees me visit reasonably often and the Correspondent for the ACT - who sent in today's excellent images - is my naval officer younger brother.

It also happens to be that Canberra has an vibrant classic car scene, quite separate to the SummerNats.  (Really not my thing, all that burn-out doing and general hoonery!).  My father was even a founding member of the Light Car Club of Canberra (https://www.lightcarclub.org.au/), which is why my own X1/9 proudly wears LCCC stickers, in honour of his life-member status. 

Of course, all this is just a really convoluted way to introduce today's cars - a Jaguar XK8 and an MG TF - both photographed by the CACT in Canberra.  The two are, however, more closely linked than just being British rag-tops located in the nation's capital, as I'd argue that they're stylistically quite similar.     

A quicky-Wiki reveals that the MGF - the first iteration of the mid-engined MGF / MG TF line - was introduced in 1995, a year before the XK8's debut.  Tellingly, the Wikipedia entry for the MG states that "Steve Harper of MGA Developments produced the initial design concept in January 1991 (inspired by the Jaguar XJR-15 ...)"  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_F_/_MG_TF).  I concede that this doesn't make for a direct match but I do, however, suggest that it is evidence Jaguar's influence.   

To my mind, there's also a big hint of XK8 designer Geoff Lawson's styling about the TF's headlights.  I think the gently sloping front guards and bonnet, as well as the raked windscreen, also hint at the larger Jag - albeit a little blunter in effect.  

However, I won't be so bold as to suggest similarities between the cars' boots, the Jag's being long and elegant whereas the MG's is stubby by comparison.  This is most probably a consequence - a restriction, possibly - of the latter's design; it likely requires a higher hipline to accommodate the mid-mounted motor and adding too much down-sweeping length would've looked odd.

Both vehicles' ovoid tail lights with clear over red lenses and no visible amber are very similar, too, as demonstrated by reference to the internet image below.   This is also so of their fast-back rear windows and the off-set delta-shaped expanse of canvas aft of each example's side windows.  Even the door handles on each car bear quite a similarity, although it might just be that they're a universal part, sourced from a third party supplier, as is not uncommon.  

So, who's with me on this?  Who isn't?  Your input is welcome, via the Comments section below.

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)