A Jaguar XK120
I am a Jaguar Enthusiast, so naturally I am a member of The Jaguar Enthusiast Club. I really do not know whether other brands bring out the love in the same way that Jaguar does. I own a Volvo, and a Seat, and I owned a Chrysler, but none of those brands had anything going for them as does the Jaguar.
I do believe that MGB have a strong following where members get together for racing and touring, but even that does not stand up to the passion that Jaguars drive in their members. I consider myself out on the periphy of the club, both geographically and psychologically, mainly because I am not located near to the Spanish club. However, back in England, and even here in Spain where our club is quite young, the pride that members take in their cars frightens me.
They do the usual sorts of things by getting together for runs and lunch, but perhaps the thing about Jaguar is that there are so many different types and classes of the name. For instance, the E-Type was one of the most popular models, but I personally never got a feel for it. During the height of its popularity, to have been seen in an E-Type with the top down was the bee's knees. Even today, among the classics it stands very proud, except that it still doesn't appeal to me.
Back in the U.K., I owned an XJ120 convertible, British Racing Green, which is the two-seater model with a long front end. This is the car in which I was mistaken to be Lenny Henry. It was a wonderful car that made me feel as though I was a Somebody. When I returned to Bermuda I had to sell it for a mere pittance, but anyone you still has one in fairly good condition can ask something reasonably substantial.
The trouble with Jaguar is that there are so many models in circulation it is really a confusing thing to be able to keep oneself fully informed. As an example, the model I own is an XJ6, 3.2 litre Sovereign, and that is possibly the exact same thing as a Daimler. The XJ series were made in the 6, 8 and 12 cyclinder models. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to own a 12-cyclinder model with today's petrol prices.
I think it might be interesting to make a study of just how many models there are under the Jaguar heading. I will do that and return in the near future with my findings. Meanwhile, I must admit that being the only black man in Spain to drive a Jaguar is a lot of fun. Whenever I drive up I am greeted with an expletive, which just gives me the giggles.
Come on guys, its just a car!
Copyright (c) 2012 Eugene Carmichael
