The greatest Jaguar ever built?
Discussion
lowdrag said:
Coming more up to date, the X300 V12 was a beast of a car and few made. It wouldn't surprise me to see those becoming collector's pieces, especially the Daimler version.
Well I'm biased too... X300s have got to be along the greatest Jags ever. There's an article in this months Jag World comparing the XJR and the V12. Haven't read it yet.lowdrag said:
Edit: Ken, I've just noticed your photo on the previous page of Ben Eastick's D type. You do know that it is a replica, albeit a full copy and FIA papered?
I'm flattered that you think it's my picture, It's one of Dinkel's and is currently my favourite all time Jaguar Picture. To me that picture is the essence of Jaguar, it's just so alive. Apologies if I didn't credit him with it.lowdrag said:
Anyway, I'm biased. The 1952 Le Mans C type is the greatest Jaguar ever made
And it's looking glorious, I was down there yesterday dropping off the 150 for final setup.Edited by lowdrag on Thursday 16th April 08:51
Chris tells me you are going to ruin it and cover it up with paint.
I think you'll be very happy when you see it next. Somehow pictures don't do it real justice. Can't wait to see the finished article.
Ken, you know, I saw the alloy XK120 at Silverstone last year and thought about leaving the car unpainted but, and it's a big but, I have gone to the ends of the earth to replicate the original car, even down to the upholstery which we spent a while analysing and finding. So, if it is going to be a true copy, it has to be BRG. Be sure though that before it is painted photos will be taken of the polished alloy. Melvin told me yesterday that the internal panels are nearly finished now and that, when we remarked how like the D type the front was, we little knew that a D type perspex headlamp cover would actually fit the car! I'll see it next week when it has its first public showing at the opening of the Hawthorn museum and will take numerous photos. I have been invited to put it on display with the JDHT collection at Silverstone this year but am not sure since after all it is a replica, albeit a proper one, but not a real C type as everyone will know. If I put it there then to be sure then somebody is going to moan! What I am planning to do is to have a big explanatory panel made so people won't have to keep asking me to explain what the hell it is! Yesterday someone sent me another photo taken just before Indianapolis of Duncan with the vapour trail, not oil, behind. It tells the sad story.
Sorry for hijacking the thread. I'll restrict my posts on this car to the proper thread in future.
Sorry for hijacking the thread. I'll restrict my posts on this car to the proper thread in future.
lowdrag said:
Ken, you know, I saw the alloy XK120 at Silverstone last year and thought about leaving the car unpainted but, and it's a big but, I have gone to the ends of the earth to replicate the original car, even down to the upholstery which we spent a while analysing and finding. So, if it is going to be a true copy,
I fully understand your reasons and I was only teasing. It does look good. But you are right, no matter how beautiful if looks in the alloy, it needs to be in the original colour.Should you let them put the car on the JDHT stand. I would say YES. I think that the car is in fact a really important part of Jaguar's history. Not for the normal technical reasons, like the XK120 or the E-Type. But for political reasons within the company. The fiasco at Le Mans showed everyone involved the importance of testing. Never again would anyone ever think of trying something that wasn't "Tried and Tested" in an important situation. This wasn't just in racing but in the production cars too. |From that day on, Norman's hand was strengthened to an extent that would never have occurred without a major disaster for the company.
So will people snipe, sure there are people who will always snipe. As long as it is clearly marked for what it is, let them snipe. But if the JDHT people feel they would like the car to be on their stand, then I think that that would be the best place for it.
We all make mistakes, the skill is learning from them, and Jaguar learned their lesson.
Edited by a8hex on Thursday 16th April 12:03
dinkel said:
Is that a Cunningham car on the right?
When it's ready and rolling will your car be featured in a mag? PM if you are in need of some contacts.
Hijack? We're talking great Jags right?
That is a Cunningham and another behind it too. You probably don't know Dinkel but I write for Jaguar magazines so yes, it will be appearing in several once the car is finished and the studio photography done. I'll post more in the proper thread with some of my own photos nearer the time. I need to start printing off all the photos for an album and creating a few CD ROM's too I guess. We are now arriving at the niggly and fiddly finishing stage of the car, when we are down to fitting the headlights, the headlamp covers, getting the windscreen made, getting the seats trimmed, hinges, bonnet straps, painting the car (yet to be decided in which particular way since down to cost) then running the dratted thing in and fettling the suspension and handling. Such a lot to do and so little time! Still, they are confident that 3 months is plenty so here's to Silverstone in July.When it's ready and rolling will your car be featured in a mag? PM if you are in need of some contacts.
Hijack? We're talking great Jags right?
EDIT: I'd prefer any more correspondence on this car to take place under the proper thread please.
Edited by lowdrag on Thursday 16th April 11:56
Jaguar have made many iconic cars, but none since the 1960's. Good as the XF and other modern Jaguars are they don't stand out from their peers as did the XK120, E-Type, Mk2 or the original XJ6.
These cars made a massive impact on the buying public when they were introduced and in reality had no direct competitors.
Although not my favorite as a classic prospect, the E-type would get my vote - it was a sensation when it was introduced and it defined a generation.
(I haven't included the race cars)
These cars made a massive impact on the buying public when they were introduced and in reality had no direct competitors.
Although not my favorite as a classic prospect, the E-type would get my vote - it was a sensation when it was introduced and it defined a generation.
(I haven't included the race cars)
Until the other day I would have agreed with almost all the above. But then I discovered there's a mint 1976 Broadspeed Jaguar XJ12 Coupe available at an undisclosed price and I have a new favourite Jaguar now. Just need to win the lottery pronto now!
It can be found here, although the pics in the April 2011 edition of Classic & Sports Cars has better.
http://www.hiltonandmoss.com/vehicle_information.p...
R.
It can be found here, although the pics in the April 2011 edition of Classic & Sports Cars has better.
http://www.hiltonandmoss.com/vehicle_information.p...
R.
a8hex said:
lowdrag said:
Coming more up to date, the X300 V12 was a beast of a car and few made. It wouldn't surprise me to see those becoming collector's pieces, especially the Daimler version.
Well I'm biased too... X300s have got to be along the greatest Jags ever. There's an article in this months Jag World comparing the XJR and the V12. Haven't read it yet.I dont think you would ever get an agreement from Jaguar owners.XJS owners all diagree about everything V12 owners think the 3.6 is too small the 3.6 think the V12 is too heavy and so it goes on.Jaguar fortunately have at least produced cars which people feel passionate about. All the cars from the 50's and 60's are very special to me even though I own a few XJS.
I'm not sure I could name the greatest Jaguar, only my favourite ones. The racing cars, whilst magnificent, make no connection to me since I am too young to remember them and do not follow motor racing.
Of road cars, the XK120 had huge impact but I prefer the styling of the XK140. The series one E-Type is the same. Its impact is immense and probably the greatest of any Jaguar, but I prefer the V12 convertible.
For me, the XJ saloons are the most important Jaguars. The Series 1 is truly remarkable for a car from 1968. The series 2 is prettier to my eyes and probably the best looking saloon car ever made. I don't like the roofline of the series 3 and the deletion of the earlier car's lovely rear lights and bumpers. For me, Pininfarina ruined the shape of the car.
The XJ40 tried to move things forward and is a beautiful car. Jaguar tried to make the best car in the world with a confidence they subsequently lost, at least until recently. It is the last Jaguar with that unique "Jaguar" feel, and after the Series 2, my second favourite Jaguar.
I'm not convinced by the X300/X308 though they are undeniably popular, particularly on PistonHeads. The retro styling does nothing for me (why not buy just a series car?)and the X350 was worse still. Neither feels special like older Jags.
I'm optimistic though and like the current XK and the latest XJ, though a bit "bling" is at last forward looking again, thus a great improvement on all Jags since the X300.
Of road cars, the XK120 had huge impact but I prefer the styling of the XK140. The series one E-Type is the same. Its impact is immense and probably the greatest of any Jaguar, but I prefer the V12 convertible.
For me, the XJ saloons are the most important Jaguars. The Series 1 is truly remarkable for a car from 1968. The series 2 is prettier to my eyes and probably the best looking saloon car ever made. I don't like the roofline of the series 3 and the deletion of the earlier car's lovely rear lights and bumpers. For me, Pininfarina ruined the shape of the car.
The XJ40 tried to move things forward and is a beautiful car. Jaguar tried to make the best car in the world with a confidence they subsequently lost, at least until recently. It is the last Jaguar with that unique "Jaguar" feel, and after the Series 2, my second favourite Jaguar.
I'm not convinced by the X300/X308 though they are undeniably popular, particularly on PistonHeads. The retro styling does nothing for me (why not buy just a series car?)and the X350 was worse still. Neither feels special like older Jags.
I'm optimistic though and like the current XK and the latest XJ, though a bit "bling" is at last forward looking again, thus a great improvement on all Jags since the X300.
a8hex said:
errrr No I don't think so
great (grt)adj. great·er, great·est
1. Very large in size.
2. Larger in size than others of the same kind.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/greatest
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