75 years of Jaguar celebration drive
75 classic Jags drove from Coventry to the Goodwood Revival meeting to celebrate 75 years of Jaguar. Peter Tomalin reports
What we’re celebrating here is 75 years of the Jaguar name, first revealed to journalists at the launch of William Lyons’ SS Jaguar 2.5-litre saloon back in 1935 (the SS bit was dropped after the war, for obvious reasons). And what better way to celebrate than drive 75 iconic Jags from the marque’s spiritual home in Coventry to the Goodwood Revival meeting, itself a celebration of things great and British.
Seventy-five journos from all over the world were paired with owners for the drive down, and I was lucky enough to get to co-drive a stunning white series-1 E-type convertible (no 43). Back in the Sixties this car was owned by Dave Clark of chart-toppers the Dave Clark Five and featured on a number of their record sleeves. Today it belongs to classic car dealer and racer Grahame Bull, who’s not afraid to use it as its maker intended. Consequently we had an absolute blast on the way to Goodwood, stopping off at the May Fair Hotel for a slap-up dinner in the very room where Lyons unveiled his landmark car all those years ago. Top cars, top event. Enjoy the gallery.
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