SOME memories remain indelibly printed in the subconscious, like the time when as a teenager I was given a lift in a Jaguar E-TYPE by a pal's dad.

Ron had a gleaming red 4.2-litre convertible and being a rare hot summer day the hood was down.

On went the shades and I felt like a film star as every girl in the neighbourhood stopped and stared.

I've driven dozens of soft tops since, many of them desirable performance cars but the mind's eye keeps conjuring up cinematic images of that E-TYPE.

It was the epitome of cool, the essence of distinction and a car anyone would surely dream of owning.

Well it has taken more than 40 years but the two-seat big cat prowls again in the low slung shape of the F-TYPE - and without putting too fine a point on it, it's also one of the most outstanding cars I have tested.

Sensational from every angle and with a soundtrack like an F1 car, the F-TYPE is everything you could wish for in a modern performance convertible.

Lightweight, supremely agile and boasting savage acceleration, this is a car with a clear identity of its own and is completely unlike benchmark sports models like the Porsche 911.

Three versions comprise the F-TYPE range - the tested 3.0-litre V6 costing £58,500, a supercharged V6 for an extra £9k and the volcanic 5.0-litre V8 at £79,950.

Driving the normally-aspirated V6 is a hugely rewarding experience and makes you wonder just how spectacular its more powerful stablemates must be.

While purists tend to prefer manual transmission, the F-TYPE only comes as an eight-speed automatic.

There's no call for concern though as the Quickshift unit is seamless and also lets the driver blip through the gears manually via paddles on the steering wheel.

Everything about the car oozes class, from the elegant flowing lines to door handles designed fit flush with the Jaguar's body and a fighter jet-style cockpit that wraps around you.

Hood up or down - and dropping it takes just a few seconds - the F-TYPE snarls, crackles and handles like a true supercar.