F-Type R Convertible

From Castelsardo to Isola Rossa the road runs high above the sea, past porphyry rocks that catch fire at sunset: this is the Costa Paradiso, and with the top down the scent of wild helichrysum drifts into the cabin alongside the sound of the waves. Against that backdrop of red rock and blue water, the F-Type's British Racing Green is pure theatre. Not for nothing do open-top cars have a guide of their own: the perfect models for the Sardinian coast.

The ideal itinerary finishes in the west, with the last light falling on La Pelosa beach at Stintino or on the medieval ramparts reached through our luxury car rental in Castelsardo: a slow-paced end to the day, V8 murmuring underneath, the horizon turning to copper. Few Italian coastlines repay a convertible with this generosity of scenery — and almost none with so little traffic outside high season.

Above the 5.0-litre's rolling thunder runs the high whine of the supercharger, a note that climbs with the revs like a siren from another era — the acoustic signature that separates the F-Type R from any modern turbo. On the overrun, the active exhaust crackles and grumbles entirely unfiltered, and with the roof open every rock face along the coast road becomes a sounding board.

All 575 hp reach the road through all-wheel drive, which keeps the tail composed even when the mistral rakes the coast: 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, a 300 km/h maximum, and an 8-speed automatic that in Dynamic mode answers the paddle with clean, decisive shifts. And yet, at touring pace, the F-Type reverts to grand tourer: supple, relaxed, tireless on the long transfers.

With the F-Type's retirement, the story of V8-engined Jaguar sports cars came to a close: this Convertible is, quite literally, the last of its bloodline, and driving one today carries the flavour of a privilege nearing extinction. The fabric roof folds in seconds, even on the move — a red light, a junction, a change in the sky's mood is all it takes.

For devotees of the genre, our collection of convertibles for rent in Sardinia offers several readings of open-air driving; the F-Type R remains the one with the deepest voice. Check availability with our WhatsApp concierge, stating your dates and preferred delivery point.