F-Type Coupe

Make
Jaguar
Segment
Coupe

When the automotive and fashion worlds collide, it sometimes results in some questionable creations. The Yohji Yamamoto-designed Lamborghini Aventador is a prime example. Striking it may be, but the eclectic finish detracts from the Italian beauty's dramatic good looks. There are times, though, when the result is a triumph of style - much like the Jaguar XJS Shooting Brake you see here.

Based upon the rakish coupe, UK-based Lynx Engineering specialized in converting the British grand tourer into a custom "sports estate" better known as the Eventer. This 1987 example is even more special than the rest, receiving special attention from a late fashion icon. Styled by Paolo Gucci himself, this Lynx Eventer is a fashionista's dream.

The former chief designer approached Lynx with a vision to build 20 examples, which would be accompanied by bespoke luggage and a £100,000 price tag. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be - having been fired from the family business, Gucci claimed he had no right to use the brand name.

As such, this is the only existing 'Lynx Designo Di Paolo Gucci' in the world. He may not have had an understanding of copyright law, but Paolo Gucci certainly had a keen sense of style. The Eventer wears a tasteful two-tone finish, with a subtle red pinstripe separating the light and dark blue paintwork. The period wheels look superb and, together with the fog lights and American-spec headlights, give the Eventer a quietly aggressive look.

The interior may not be to everyone's taste, but there's no denying how eye-catching it is. Hand-dyed Italian calfskin hide has been applied liberally and covers both the seats and door trim. However, the seat bolsters, armrests, and other interior trimmings received a crocodile-effect pattern - far more exotic than what Jaguar was offering back in the '80s.

Gone are the traditional burr walnut inlays, replaced by a blue-lacquered elm with exquisite cross banding. Even the steering wheel and gear selector weren't good enough for Gucci, who ordered semi-precious lapis lazuli stones to uplift the Jaguar emblem.

The Gucci Jag sadly never took off and Paolo later sold the car. After spending many years in storage, the last owner treated the stylish cat to a painstaking restoration. The V12 powertrain and various mechanical components have also received refurbishment. Auction house Bonhams hasn't said how many miles the Eventer has covered, but notes it has been used sparingly over the last few years.

Originally estimated to sell for between £70,000 - £100,000 (approx. $86,100 - $123,000) this would have been a must-have for any car collector with a penchant for automotive oddities. But the Lynx Designo Di Paolo Gucci has since been pulled from the auction; the current owner probably realized how special his one-of-one creation is.

Many have pleaded with Jaguar to create a shooting brake based upon the F-Type Coupe, but that's very unlikely to happen. Americans aren't big fans of Jaguar wagons in general, which led to the local discontinuation of the XF Sportbrake in 2020.