Jaguar
June 28th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
Jaguar has announced that its high-power XKR 75 special edition will be making its public debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed held in the UK next weekend. The famous car maker has developed the Jaguar XKR 75 to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary and like the name suggests it will be limited to just 75 units.
Motivation comes from the standard 5.0-litre supercharged engine but it has been tweaked to deliver 530Hp and 655Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Top speed is limited to 280km/h and Jaguar claims it can rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. By comparison the standard version of the model is limited to 250 km/h and requires 4.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
To assist with handling the Jaguar XKR 75 comes with an upgraded suspension package that offers better stability during cornering. This includes stiffer springs a 15mm lower ride height and re-tuned Adaptive Dynamics damper control software.
Other changes include an aerodynamic body kit with a unique front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler, while the coupe also gets red brake callipers and 20-inch Vortex forged lightweight alloy wheels. The XKR 75 will be offered in a new Stratus Grey colour scheme with owners given the option to apply a unique body graphic that runs from the front bumper to the rear haunches.
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June 11th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
Jaguar returns to the starting grid at Le Mans this weekend (June 12), where its XKR GT2 sports car will line up alongside the world’s leading endurance racers for the classic 24-hour event.
As Jaguar celebrates its 75th anniversary of building and racing cars, it is fitting that the British marque returns to competition at the circuit where it earned seven race wins between 1951 and 1990.
Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars said, “Motorsport has always been important to Jaguar. Our domination of Le Mans in the 1950s was a foundation stone in our history and our success in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s reinforced our reputation as one of the great sports car manufacturers. As we look to the future with our new range of high performance ‘R’-branded cars – the XKR and XFR – we aim to make the Jaguar brand synonymous with motorsports once again. It’s good to be back”
The XKR GT2 racer competing at Le Mans is being run by JaguarRSR, and shares many of the basic components and technologies with the road-going XKR. Jointly developed by Jaguar’s engineering and design groups and the RSR team, the racer features the road car’s lightweight aluminium body structure and a tuned version of its 5.0-litre supercharged AJ13 V8 engine developing in excess of 500 horsepower.
Drivers Marc Goossens, Ryan Dalziel and Paul Gentilozzi will be piloting the car during the punishing 24-hour race, having gained initial experience with the vehicle during the American Le Mans Series events earlier this year.
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June 3rd, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
Jaguar’s future is looking brighter than it has for sometime with it safely secured by financial backer Tata Motors. With a stable footing the iconic automaker is now becoming more ambitious in its efforts to expand its model range. Tata has signed on for a yearly investment of £1 billion for the next five years, which means Jaguar has the funding it research and develop new products. In a recent interview Jaguar Land Rover boss Carl-Peter Forster apparently confirmed that a few new models are in the pipeline, including the F-Type sports car (pictured), which was first seen in concept form way back in 2000.
This isn’t the first time that F-Type production has been rumoured, and there’s been plenty of speculation about what the new sports car will look like. What is likely is that the new Jag will compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 and the Audi R8.
When can we expect a production F-Type to hit the streets? Wouldn’t hold your breath, but Jaguar are keeping busy at the moment so plans will be already well underway.
April 30th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
Jaguar is continuing the celebration of its 75th anniversary with a strong entry at the 2010 Mille Miglia revival event. The company is represented by a total of 27 vehicles from around the world, including an impressive ‘works team’ of classic XK120, C-type and D-type models supported by Jaguar Cars and the Jaguar Heritage Trust.
Jaguar’s strong representation at the 2010 Mille Miglia builds on a long connection with the race. Back in 1950, the company fielded a four-strong team of XK120s, and a young Stirling Moss took the wheel of a works car the following year.
“The Mille Miglia is one of the world’s premier driving events, and one where Jaguar has always felt very much at home,” said Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, who will be piloting one of the C-type racers in this year’s competition.
“Our association stretches back to the 1950s, when XK120 and XK140s were a regular sight and C-types and even a D-type also competed. This year I am proud to see another very strong contingent of classic Jaguars.” he added.
The 2010 Mille Miglia takes place over a 1000-mile course starting from Brescia in northern Italy, mirroring the classic event which became synonymous with legendary displays of driving skill and bravery between 1927 and 1957.
The current retrospective format offers an ideal opportunity to showcase some of Jaguar’s most famous vehicles where they really belong: competing with other classic sports cars on the open road.
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March 25th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
Without William Lyons and his inherent sense of style and business acumen, there would have never been a Jaguar car. But it is also doubtful that William Lyons would have ever found his way into the automotive industry if it weren’t for William Walmsley.
In his early years, William Lyons was apprenticed to Crossley Motors Limited, but by the time he turned 18 he had set his sights on a more flamboyant sales career in Blackpool. Lyons had a passion for motorcycles, and by chance met William Walmsley, who was living close by. Walmsley had set up shop in the family garage building sidecars for motorcycles. After they met, Lyons purchased one of the sidecars and a short time later, the pair started in business together, forming the Swallow Sidecar Company on 4 September 1922. Within four years they were producing 10 sidecars a week, as well as undertaking body repairs. The company name was changed to Swallow Sidecar & Coachbuilding Company.
The introduction of the Austin 7 in 1922 proved signifi cant for many aspiring coachbuilders. While economical to purchase, the diminutive vehicle consisted of an excellent chassis and lively running gear, a perfect testing ground for the coachbuilder’s craft. Lyons and Walmsley 
bought their fi rst Austin 7 in 1927, and built a two-seater open sports body for it designed by Lyons. Christened the Austin Swallow, it was an instant success. One London-based Austin dealer ordered 500 duplicates. The following year the Swallow sedan was introduced, also on an Austin 7 chassis. While the company still produced sidecars, its name changed to Swallow Coachbuilding Company.
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February 22nd, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name, and 75 years of designing and building cars that have evoked passion in thousands of Jag owners.
“In 2010 we celebrate our past, and 75 years of designing and building cars that celebrate the art of automobile making,” said Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars.
“We’re also celebrating the promise of the future, and the introduction of the all-new XJ. In just three years we’ve completely revitalized the Jaguar line-up with the launch of three beautiful fast cars”.
Just a few years ago Jaguar set out to re-make the brand and to revitalize the model range. It started in 2008 with the introduction of the all-new award-winning XF. This four door, five seat car has the looks of a coupe and the heart of a sports car. In 2009 Jaguar re-engineered the XK coupe and convertible, and in the process created one of the world’s great grand tourers. And, 2010 sees the beginning of sales of the ground-breaking XJ, which incorporates all of the virtues that make a Jaguar.
Read the rest of this entry »February 9th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
Jaguar’s motorsports involvement dates back to its earliest days around 75 years ago. The famous 24 Hours of Le Mans has been part of that history since 1951 when a C-Type won the endurance race in its first time out. Jaguar is now set for a return to the race this year with a factory entry for the first time since the Tom Walkinshaw built XJR-14 prototypes of the early 1990s.
This year, instead of seeking overall victory with a prototype, Jaguar is aiming for top honors in GT2 with a production-derived XKR built by Lansing, MI based Rocketsports Racing. The JaguarRSR XKR GT2 performed some practice laps at the Petit Le Mans last year before its competition debut in the ALMS finale at Laguna Seca. RSR owner Paul Gentilozzi will share seat time with Scott Pruett and Marc Goossens in the 24 hour race. The XKR will also be taking part in the full American Le Mans Series season this year starting at the 12 hours of Sebring next month.
Details of Jaguar’s wins at Le Mans 24-hours:
1951
Model: C-type
Race No.: 20
Drivers: Peter Walker, Peter Whitehead
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): First Jaguar win; 2244 miles, 93 mph
1953
Model: C-type
Race No.: 18
Drivers: Tony Rolt, Duncan Hamilton
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Second Jaguar win; 2540 miles, 106 mph
1955
Model: D-type
Race No.: 6
Drivers: Mike Hawthorn, Ivor Bueb
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Third Jaguar win; 2570 miles, 107 mph
1956
Model: D-type
Race No.: 4
Drivers: Ron Flockhart, Ninian Sanderson
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Ecurie Ecosse entry; fourth Jaguar win; 2507 miles, 104 mph
1957
Model: D-type
Race No.: 3
Drivers: Ron Flockhart, Ivor Bueb
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): Ecurie Ecosse entry; fifth Jaguar win; 2732 miles, 114 mph
1988
Model: XJR-9LM
Race No.: 2
Drivers: Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries, Andy Wallace
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): TWR Jaguar Sport entry; sixth Jaguar win; 394 laps, 3313 miles, 138 mph
1990
Model: XJR-12
Race No.: 3
Drivers: John Nielsen, Price Cobb, Martin Brundle
Result: 1st
Notes (distance and average speeds rounded off to nearest whole figure): TWR Jaguar Sport entry; seventh Jaguar win; 359 laps, 3034 miles, 127 mph
January 28th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
The Wellington Commercial Branch of Turners Car Auctions has three special classics up for tender.
The tender closes tomorrow (29 January) at 4pm, leaving just enough time to get your hands on one of these stars of yesteryear.
For Jaguar enthusiasts there’s a 1956 XK140 in creme with a green leather interior. It has a 3.5 litre engine and only 32,000 miles on the clock.
There’s also a 1965 Daimler 2.5 litre V8 sedan which has covered only 33,644 miles.
Finally, a 1973 Rolls-Royce Rigid Silver Shadow finished in Red with creme interior. It has a 6.8 litre engine mated to an automatic transmission and has completed 85,208 miles.
To find out more about these vehicles for tender, click here to visit the Turners Auctions website.
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