Classic Marque Template April 2013 - Jaguar Drivers Club of South ...

Club TorqueI Just Wanted One!I grew up in Griffith NSW. My uncle Ben, now deceasedpurchased a brand new Jaguar Mk 2 2.4ltr(if my memory serves me right) in the late 50s. Itwas a lovely black car with red leather interior, andall that lovely woodwork. I was just a teenager at thetime but remember the car well. It was the envy ofmy father who owned the current model Ford (StarModel) V8 by contrast with plastic covered vinylseats. I guess my first desire, to own one of theseJaguars had its beginnings back then and I neverquite got over it. I recall that this car was regardedas a very prestigious car to own in those days with areputation for being very fast.The car stayed in the family for many years and inlatter years I often enquired after it with the thoughtthat maybe one day I might own it or one just like it.My last enquiry in 2009 revealed that the car hadrecently been sold and was to be parted out.I had to wait another 45 years or so before mydream would be realized.I wonder how many ‘baby boomers’ finallydecide (or can finally afford) in their retirementyears to buy the car they always wanted?I originally had my heart set on purchasing a Mark 2,and scanned the internet for approximately sixmonths trying to hide my determination rather unsuccessfullyfrom my wife. During this period I educatedmyself on many of the finer details of thesecars and their values. I talked to a lot of sellers andpersonally inspected a few local cars, but was disappointedwith what I found. I was determined not topay too much and found as usual sellers expectationsexceeded my willingness to pay.My search for a Mark 2 was not proving very successfulwhen my brother-in-law in Sydney sent me aphoto of a 1966 ‘S’-type up for auction. I was wellaware of this model but had initially decided againstit, probably based on nothing more than the popularityof the Mark 2. However with a little more research,I decided it really did suit my style, age, andconsiderable physical size. I was impressed by theCover StoryThe main graphic on the cover is airbrushart of the 1960s 'S'-type from the official1990 Jaguar Calendar. The insert is from anofficial ‘S’-type brochure from 1967In this edition of Classic Marque we celebrate50yrs (1963-1968) of this iconic (andunder appreciated) Jaguar saloon...write-ups and testimonials from those who owned‘S’-types and information sourced from the forum at“Jag Lovers” (what a great web site) and foundother owners of ‘S’-types urging me to “just do it!”The sophistication of the car with the IRS, luxuriousinternal finish (The Businessman’s Express indeed)finally won me over and I decided this was the Jaguarmodel for me.Nothing has changed that opinion. I have nowowned the car for just a little over 3yrs. and just lovegetting behind the wheel for a drive.The rest of this story can be found in “Member’sPride” page 17.So by now you realise you will need to forgive mefor my indulgence in this edition of CM as we takethe opportunity to celebrate 50 Years, since the productionof the original ‘S’-type. (1963—2013). Ithank Doug Tilley, another very discerning andproud ‘S’ Type owner, who has assisted in puttingtogether material for this celebratory edition and alsothank the editors of the International ‘S’-type Register,David and Patricia Reilly for permission touse material from their regular newsletters.Philip Prior Editor‘S’-type1963—2013An Apology . . . . To all membersof the Compact Register.In the March CM. I was so eager to draw attentionto the plight of our Register Secretary, Geoff Thomas,who apparently, “….needs to be relieved…”I managed to leave out some important details relevantto the next Compact Register Meeting to beheld at the home of Bill and Heather Jones,If you plan to attend this meeting ….. You arerequested to bring along your own chair.V.I.P. Home ServicesPhone 13 26 133