This issue’s cover story concerns the controversial Jaguar XJ220. Once the world’s fastest production car, its value over the years has gone from c.£470,000 to £80,000 and back again, and at the height of its much chronicled problems caused JaguarSport to issue writs against some 140 of its own customers.
The offer was immediately way over-subscribed and deposits of £50,000 were reputedly submitted by no less than 1,500 would-be buyers.
| Publication Information |
|---|
| Cover Price: Free |
| Page Count: 20 pages |
| Subject: Cars, Motorsport, People |
| Format: Digital (pdf) |
| Frequency: Quarterly |
| Publisher: British Motor Heritage |
| Jaguar XJ220 |
Download British Motor Heritage’s Spring 2020 Motoring Classics Magazine below!
Motoring Classics Spring 2020
This issue’s cover story concerns the controversial Jaguar XJ220. Once the world’s fastest production car, its value over the years has gone from c.£470,000 to £80,000 and back again, and at the height of its much chronicled problems caused JaguarSport to issue writs against some 140 of its own customers. Thanks to Don Law Racing, who acquired all the tooling and spares back in 2007, the model remains fully catered for and all c.280 examples made are thought to exist to this day. We look beneath the fur at this extraordinary cat, which is finally getting the recognition it arguably deserved nearly 30 years ago.
Washing and polishing one’s automotive pride and joy is one of the basic pleasures of ownership, but these days the science of car care has progressed way beyond the scope of the average private owner, increasing numbers of whom are entrusting the embellishment and protection of their steeds to the rapidly growing army of professional ‘detailers’. We visited two very different such establishments to ascertain what’s involved and precisely what you get for your money.
Motorsport photography is a highly skilled art that’s grown in tandem with the sport itself. It seems fair to assume that if you enjoy watching motor racing then you gain pleasure from studying images of the pastime. In which case you need to know about the Swift Gallery, whose 1,200-plus professional shots from the hands of top photographers chronicle Grand Prix and sports car racing from the era of the stuttering pioneers right through to the current day. Read our report on this truly unique collection.
Our Missing Moniker on this occasion is Buckler, a marque that opened its doors in 1947 and gave many post-war enthusiasts a very cost-effective entrée into the world of club motorsport, while our Classic Character is Antony Noghès, the Monégasque who made not one but three lasting contributions to global racing and rallying. Last, but certainly not least, we bring you the latest news from British Motor Heritage and a preview of the Managing Director’s upcoming racing season.
Happy Reading!
Gordon Bruce, Editor
For all the latest news, offers and great tips … Motoring Classics
Classic Character: Antony Noghès (1890-1978)
Devotees of Formula One will be familiar with the name, but may not realise why, in 1979, the last corner on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit previously known as the Gasometer Turn was rechristened ‘Virage Antony Noghès’, so here we go…
Jaguar XJ220: The Cat Whose Claws Were Prematurely Clipped
As Jaguar fights for survival in the world of automotive electrification, it is easy to forget its years of internal combustion engined glory on the race tracks of the world. For example, its total of seven Le Mans victories is still only bettered by Ferrari (9), Audi (13) and Porsche (19). The first five were achieved with the company’s C-Type (1951, 1953) and D-Type (1955, 1956, 1957) models, which were direct developments of its road cars of the day.
Missing Moniker: Buckler Cars
Largely unheard of by today’s competition drivers, the products of Derek Buckler’s eponymous car company provided many post-war enthusiasts with their first taste of motorsport.
Prints Of Passion
The Swift Gallery arguably contains the world’s largest display of motor racing images.
BMH News
Managing Director John Yea reveals all.
The Devil’s In The Detailing
Car care has gone way beyond the days of the simple wash and polish, and many enthusiasts now employ professional detailers to carry out everything from a forensic clean to applying paint protection film to their whole vehicle. We visited two very different operations to learn more.
Motoring Classics in Motorsport
British Motor Heritage MD John Yea previews his forthcoming season.
British Motor Heritage
British Motor Heritage Limited was established in 1975 to support owners and the marketplace by putting genuine components for classic British cars back into manufacture, using original tools wherever possible. Since 2001, when the company was acquired from BMW, it has been successfully run as an independently owned company.
British Motor Heritage is the largest organisation of its type in the world. With access to unparalleled knowledge, authentic production information and original drawings and patterns, the company manufactures previously unobtainable body parts for British classic cars.
It occupies a unique position since it assembles 32 derivatives of body shells and has built total production volume of over 7,000 for the MGB, MGR V8, MG Midget, Austin-Healey Sprite, Triumph TR6, Original Mini and Mini Clubman using original press tools and assembly jigs.
Website: https://www.bmh-ltd.com/
Tex Automotive
Tex Motor Accessories have been manufactured in England for over fifty years, and many of our products are still produced in our factory in Witney on the original tooling.
Since their first appearance on British cars in 1947, Tex products evolved over the years to keep in step with changing car designs. The current range includes wipers and mirrors that were original equipment on a huge range of Austin, Ford, Morris, MG, Triumph, Vauxhall, etc. from 1974 to 1983.
Tex are also major distributors of the Renovo car care product range (specialising in hood refurbishment) and Samco Silicone hose Kits.
Website: https://texautomotive.com/
Motoring Classics is the printed and online publication of British Motor Heritage and its retail trading arm.
Motoring Classics reproduction in whole or any part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct but can accept no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.
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