Under a blanket of sunshine and blue skies, Classic Showcase hosted its first annual Jaguar Jamboree Smoking BBQ and Car Show at its facility in Oceanside, CA on Sunday, September 8, 2013. Classic Showcase organized the event to bring in the Southern California region's Jaguar enthusiasts together in one place to mix and mingle with one another, display their wonderful Jaguar examples, enjoy a catered BBQ feast, and vote for their favorite cars against warm coastal breezes while ushering in the end of the summer season. The Jamboree also gave club members and enthusiasts the chance to get an exclusive look into the inner workings of a restoration company, and all of the processes involved in restoring not only the Jaguar marque, but many other famous marques like Porsche as well. The summer event culminated in an award ceremony with trophies given to winning club members, and also featured a complimentary raffle that included a pair of tickets to the San Diego Chargers season opener football game!

The San Diego Jaguar Club and the Jaguar Owner's Club of Los Angeles independently caravanned to the inaugural event at Classic Showcase headquarters in Oceanside, with members proudly driving their various model Jaguars from different locales throughout Southern California. Upon arrival, participants were greeted by staff at a check-in station adjacent to the Jaguar Jamboree show field area, and were given ballots to cast votes for their favorite cars in several categories. By late morning, the show field began filling up with a diverse selection of Jaguars, with older and newer models sharing the street and catching glances from all around. Appropriately enough, San Diego Jaguar Club members Jaguars were parked on the southwest end of the show field, with Los Angeles members cars situated on the Northeast corner. Many of the cars on display featured unique pieces of period memorabilia, restoration photo albums, awards, and other interesting items, including an autographed photo of a member's E-Type from comedian Jerry Seinfeld! As the final vehicle entries arrived, the Jamboree show field was transformed into a historical showcase of Jaguar automotive history, showing various examples dating back to an elegant 1958 XK-150, all the way up to the sporty new and very radical 2014 F -Type! After members situated their vehicles in the show field area and got their initial viewings of some of their fellow member's  Jaguars on display, they entered the Classic Showcase lobby to await several guided tours of the facility given by owner Tom Krefetz, and shop supervisor Brian Boyce. The tour began with a brief overview of the company's daily operations, where members were shown office and supply areas, and were able to view numerous pieces of Jaguar and other classic car memorabilia adorned throughout the area. The tour then found its way to the Main Showroom, where attendees were given a chance to see a fine collection of Concours-level Jaguar cars, with Tom Krefetz giving unique insights and history behind some of the more notable examples present, such as a show winning 1966 XKE, a very rare 1938 SS100, and a recently restored 1951 Mark V, to name a few. The tour then moved along to the Second Showroom, which features not only Jaguars, but an eclectic collection of British, German, and Italian classics, as well as numerous unique vehicles including a sleek 2011 Audi R8 Spyder, a rare 1967 Fiat Abarth Race Car, and an ever-growing collection of vintage British, German, and Japanese motorcycles - some of which were campaigned at the 2013 edition of Del Mar's Celebration of the Motorcycle. As club members finished viewing the showroom inventory, they were given a tour of Classic Showcase's expansive restoration facility, where guides Tom and Brian provided information about key elements of a vehicle's restoration process, and the tools and labor involved in transforming a barn find into a Concours-level show car. The restoration tour began with an overview of the upholstery department, where  attendees were shown several XKE seats currently under restoration, along with a set of newly restored seats and other interior components prepped for installation into a client's rare Opalescent Blue 1961 XKE that is currently being taken to a Concours show-level (see the Current Restoration section of this issue for more info). After fielding questions about aspects of upholstery materials and restoration, attendees were directed to the vehicle assembly area, and shown 2 E-Types: the aforementioned 1961 Opalescent Blue roadster, and a 1964 Jaguar Dark Blue Fixed Head Coupe. Tom provided an array of information about important historical elements of the '61 E-Type, and spoke about some of the current work being done to the roadster, as well as the car's upcoming engine installation. Moving along to the '64 Fixed Head Coupe, Tom and Brian showed attendees some of the unique modifications like air conditioning and a customized bonnet with added driving lights that were requested by the client, and explained the processes involved in making his dream car a reality. As the vehicle assembly portion of the tour ventured on, members were shown several other marques currently under restoration, including that of a rare 1966 Porsche 912, a beautiful, deep black 1973 Ferrari Dino, a rare 1956 Mercedes Benz Gullwing, and a customer's 1959 Austin Healy BN6. The next stops on the restoration tour gave attendees a glimpse of the component assembly areas,  along with an overview of Classic Showcase's engine testing station, where freshly built engines are put to the test to ensure they will perform to the highest standard before vehicle installation. After a brief discussion about the mechanical intricacies of Jaguar engines, members were shown the components  assembly area, where master technicians build and assemble major mechanical parts including transmissions, carburetors, braking systems, front and rear ends, and other components. Attendees were also shown the metal and fabrication room, where master technicians perform welding and other specific metal work, along with customized fabrications to help fulfill client requests. The metal room also functions as a parts and component 'holding area' for cars that are currently in restoration, giving members an opportunity to see a wide assortment of Jaguar engine blocks, parts, and body pieces that are awaiting installation in the assembly area. Upon departing the component assembly area, attendees were shown a recently finished show  level, customized restoration of a client's 1953 XK-120 roadster dubbed "Top Cat", and were given information about the client's vision, and what it took to make his classic Jaguar dream car a reality. From a beautiful interior with customized bucket seats, to the sleek, elegant black paint, attendees had a chance to get up close and personal with this one of a kind roadster that was recently displayed at The Quail Motorsports Gathering in Monterey, August 2013... The restoration tour wrapped up with visits to Classic Showcase's body shop and finishing stall areas, where Jaguars and other marques have their cosmetic kinks and bumps smoothed out to perfection, and layers of high quality paint are applied. Tom held a discussion on the various stages of body work, finishing, and the parts and materials used by master body men, and provided valuable tips to those looking to perform some do-it-yourself work at home. As well, Tom and Brian showed the crowd an extremely rare Brough Superior  side car that is currently under restoration, and will ultimately be joined  to a client's equally rare 1939 Brough Superior 11.50 V-Twin Motorcycle, which is scheduled to be campaigned in 2014. After an overview of the body shop, attendees were shown the finishing stalls, where body men work on sanding, buffing, and polishing paint to perfection. Tom explained the multi-step process involved in producing the perfect finish, and also described some techniques with an overview of different materials used. The restoration wrapped up in the vehicle service and hydraulic lift area, where vehicles are tuned up, disassembled, reassembled, and fine tuned to mechanical perfection before hitting the road. A freshly serviced, rare 1963 Studebaker Avanti was parked on the lift, where attendees were able to get a close look at this unique and very retro American automobile...  As the restoration tours finished up, Jamboree attendees were able to view cars at the show field and other areas of Classic Showcase, or just chat amongst themselves and enjoy each other's company. As lunch was being prepared, members dropped off their votes for thier favorite cars in a ballet box where they would be tallied up by Classic Showcase staff just in time to present after the BBQ. As the lunch hour approached, hungry attendees lined up for a delicious smoking BBQ catered lunch that included tri-tip beef cuts and chicken breast, along with all of the fixings like freshly made potato salad, Caesar salad, a refreshing fruit salad, and chocolate chip cookies with an assortment of drinks. Hunter's Steakhouse of Oceanside kept the tables full and the lines flowing, with many attendees enjoying second helpings as they enjoyed the sunshine while socializing with one another. While club members enjoyed their BBQ luncheon, Classic Showcase staff began counting up votes in the lobby, and delivered the results to the luncheon area, ready to begin the Jaguar Jamboree award ceremony. Tom Krefetz addressed the crowd by graciously thanking club members for their participation and camaraderie, as well as for visiting Classic Showcase, showing their wonderful cars, and doing their part to keep the Jaguar legacy alive for generations to come. Club members responded with equal  praise, and thanked Tom and Classic Showcase staff for putting on a fun event. As the Jaguar Jamboree award presentation began, a platter of trophies was taken to the center of the luncheon area, and Tom began the ceremony by awarding the Jamboree's "Best of Club" awards. Each club participant  voted for the other's club's cars as winners, and the car with the most votes in total received the "People's Choice" award. Other categories included the "Jaguar Heritage Award", which went to the Jaguar holding the longest ownership, and finally an award for the Jaguar with the "Most Character". The results of the Jaguar Jamboree are listed below: Jaguar Jamboree Best of Club Awards: San Diego Jaguar Club: Kurt Astroth's 1974 XJ6 Jaguar Owner's Club of L.A.: Steve & Cindi Kirby's 1958 XK-150 OTS Jaguar Jamboree Most Character Award: San Diego Jaguar Club: Jim & Frances Robert's 1969 XKE OTS Jaguar Owner's Club of L.A.:Simon & Charlotte Harrison's 1961 XKE OTS Jaguar Jamboree People's Choice Award: Jaguar Owner's Club of L.A.: Steve & Cindi Kirby 1958 XK-150 OTS Jaguar Jamboree Heritage Preservation Award: San Diego Jaguar Club:  Lloyd and Vickie Prosser, with 43 years of ownership of their 1970 XKE!

Classic Showcase hoped club members and their guests had as much fun we did hosting the event, and we hope to see all of you next year at the second annual Jaguar Jamboree! We hope you enjoy the Jamboree photo gallery below!

Further highlights from the 2013 RM Auctions Monterey sale included:

• 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB Daytona, described as one of the best in the world, exceeded its pre-sale
  estimate, selling for $770,000 and establishes a record auction price for a production spec,
  non-competition Daytona1963 Shelby 289 Cobra sold for $924,0001985 Porsche 959 ‘Vorserie’ sold for $670,0001932 Chrysler CH Imperial Cabriolet, which established a new record for the model, sold for $660,0001961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster sold for $269,500, establishing a new record for the model
• 1967 Jaguar XKE OTS sold for $253,300, establishing a new E-Type world record at RM auctions

RM Auctions Monterey 2013 – Top 20 Auction Results

1. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider – $27,500,000
2. 1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spider – $9,075,000
3. 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Torpedo Saoutchik Roadster – $8,250,000
4. 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster – $7,480,000
5. 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider – $4,070,000
6. 1955 Jaguar D-Type – $3,905,000
7. 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Series I Spider – $3,520,000
8. 1974 McLaren M16C Indianapolis Race Car – $3,520,000
9. 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta – $3,080,000
10. 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Aerodinamico Coupe – $2,750,000
11. 1953 Maserati A6G/2000 Spider by Frua – $2,530,000
12. 1935 Hispano-Suiza K6 Cabriolet – $2,255,000
13. 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT – $2,200,000
14. 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage – $2,090,000
15. 1958 Lister-Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ Prototype – $1,800,000
16. 1995 Ferrari F50 – $1,677,500
17. 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider – $1,650,000
18. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing – $1,485,000
19. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster – $1,430,000
20. 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L ‘Lusso’ Belinetta – $1,386,000

“Our record breaking 10th Anniversary Pebble Beach Auctions boasted a stellar result. Strong results resonated across the board for market leaders such as Bugatti, Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche that clearly demonstrate a growing demand for rare, high level classic cars,” says David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding Company.

Gooding & Company offered 127 automobiles for sale, with 116 finding a new owner, reflecting a 91% sales rate. Total sales volume was $112,018,350, inclusive of buyer’s premiums. The average price per car sold was $965,675. In 2012, Gooding & Company offered 123 automobiles for sale, with 110 finding a new owner, reflecting an 89% sales rate. Total sales volume was $113,736,300, inclusive of buyer’s premiums, and the average price per car sold was $1,033,966.
Gooding and Company Pebble Beach 2013 – Top 20 Auction Results

1. 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta – $9,460,000
2. 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante – $8,745,000
3. 1997 McLaren F1 – $8,470,000
4. 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione – $7,150,000
5. 1948 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione Coupe – $4,840,000
6. 1966 AAR Gurney-Weslake Eagle Mk 1 – $3,740,000
7. 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC – $3,080,000
8. 1967 Ferrari 365 California Spider – $2,970,000
9. 1929 Bentley Speed Six Grafton Coupe – $2,860,000
10. 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy Berlinetta – $2,585,000
11. 1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe – $2,365,000
12. 2002 Ferrari F2002 Formula 1 – $2,255,000
13. 1990 Ferrari F40 LM Coupe – $2,090,000
14. 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast Coupe – $1,980,000
14. 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback – $1,980,000
16. 1935 Avions Voisin C25 Aerodyne – $1,925,000
17. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing – $1,705,000
18. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster – $1,622,500
19. 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS Coupe – $1,595,000
20. 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Coupe – $1,540,000
20. 1952 Ferrari 212 Europa Cabriolet – $1,540,000

QUESTION: I have recently come in possession of my father’s 1965 Jaguar e-type and wanted to join the Jaguar Club so I can learn more about owning a classic Jaguar as well as attend events. How do I go about it?

• ANSWER: First, you would log onto http://www.jcna.com/ and click on “Join a Club” :http://www.jcna.com/join_jcna.php or http://www.jcna.com/php/clublist.php to locate a club near you. If you are in a remote location, you can join as a “Member at Large” and still receive all the benefits of being a Jaguar Club Member. Becoming a JCNA member has a lot of benefits. You receive a quarterly newsletter, you are eligible for discounts on their online Shoppe, and you can participate in  JCNA events such as Rallye, concourse’s, slalom racing, etc…You will be joining an organization of passionate Jaguar people who would have the same interests as you..

QUESTION: What’s the difference between a Jaguar XK 120, 140, and 150 Roadster?

• ANSWER: The difference between a Jaguar XK 120, 140, and 150 Roadster is first seen in the appearance of these great classics. The XK 120 Roadster has very sleek lines and smaller features than compared to the 140 and 150, which get larger and larger. The 120 has the appearance essentially as early steal-bodied XK 120’s except for the larger windscreen side pillar grommets and removable windscreen. Wire wheels were not offered during the early years of the XK 120 production (September 1948-April 1950). Drum brakes were used. The maximum speed of the XK 120 Roadster was 120 mph.

The 140 had many distinguishing features in comparison to the others with an eight bar cast alloy bonnet grill, bumpers were now full width front with over-riders, direction indicators in lower front wings, detachable windscreen assembly, side-screens, and the cockpit was roomier due to the engine being moved forward. The rack and pinion steering replaced the re-circulating ball and the telescopic dampers replaced the lever-arm on the rear axle of the XK 120. Wire wheels were offered with a “Special Equipment Package” and a ‘C’ head was an additional option. This XK 140 model was produced from October 1954 to February 1957. The maximum speed of the XK 140 Roadster was approximately 130 mph.

The 150 Roadster had a wide, thin-slatted bonnet grill with depression in the bumper underneath and the wing-line front to rear was higher. The XK 150 Roadster had non-detachable full-width windscreen, wind-up windows in chrome surrounding, exterior door handles, and a wider cockpit due to thinner doors. Overdrive or automatic gearbox was optional although ‘S’ models were all overdrive. This model Jaguar was produced from March 1958 to October 1960.The maximum speed of the XK 150 Roadster was 136 mph.

All of these classic Jaguar models are very desirable and a great investment automobile if well taken care of and kept in its original or restored original condition.

QUESTION: Why are some classic car marques going up in value greater than others?

• ANSWER: The classic cars have hot and cool spells and become popular from the media (editorials, printed articles, television car programs, car shows and car clubs.)  This publicity creates stimulation in the market and thus the interest in certain cars gets the ball rolling.  If the vehicle is part of a limited production that was of a low number produced, then the value would be higher for that kind of vehicle, than if it was a higher production run vehicle.

QUESTION: I was wondering how you determine a value for classic cars you are looking at buying or selling.

• ANSWER: We use “CPI" which is published by Black Book. It is an incredible, informative price guide which we highly recommend!

CPI Published by “Black Book” is an excellent tool that we use exclusively at Classic Showcase, Inc. for price evaluations on classic vehicles. CPI stands for Cars of Particular Interest. We have been using CPI for over 20 years as it is very accurate and helpful in assessing the values of classic cars.

You can visit the site at: http://www.blackbookusa.com/cpi.asp .

Black Book data is published daily by National Auto Research,  and is available to industry qualified users through subscriptions to their website (www.BlackBookUSA.com) , applications for mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows 7, BlackBerry, Palm and virtually any other Smart Phone sold in the U.S. , and via a wide variety of regularly published guides. If you are a collector, or enthusiast, we recommend you subscribe to this book if you want to stay current on the classic car market values.

• Check Your Coolant Level - I had a friend who didn't properly fill his classic's radiator with the adequate mix of coolant, and the wrong mix of water to coolant ratio caused the water to expand when the temperature dropped. The result? A block of ice blew out the radiator seals! When the ice melted there was quite a mess. Make sure to correctly mix and fill your radiator with the proper coolant. If it has been awhile, you may want to invest in a complete cooling system flush-n-fill process, to ensure the job is done right.

• Check Your Oil Level - Some will tell you to replace the oil and filter upon storage and then once again in the spring when you take your classic out of storage. I just make sure all fluid levels are correct, and change the oil and filter in the spring. Either way, just make sure the fluid levels are correct.

• Prepare Your Fuel System - Keep the fuel fresh. When gasoline sits, it can break down and form gum and varnish, which will clog a fuel system. Add a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank and run the engine for a few minutes to allow the agent to mix in with your fuel system lines. What's more, any moisture left in the fuel system can cause rust. Make sure that your tank is full of fuel before any storage. Air space within a gas tank allows for air to collect and condensate within the tank, causing rust.

• Varmint Proof The Area - You can't allow any critters that make their way into your storage area to make your classic its home for the winter! Seal up any drafty doors or windows, and place some rodent control devices throughout the area. Remember, mice run in straight lines along wall edges, so a few well-placed traps around the perimeter of your classic will help deter any unwelcome guests. We've all heard the horror stories of chewed wiring and a dead mouse in the vent system! I'll usually cover the exhaust tips with a thick sweat sock to help protect the chrome finish and block any openings for critters to gain access

• Remove Or Disconnect The Battery - Since your classic is sitting idle, remove the vehicle battery and if you have one place it on a trickle charger. Also, if you are thinking of storing the battery on the garage floor - don’t! Place a wood board between the battery and the concrete. Temperature fluctuations in the concrete will rob the battery and cause premature wear. The board acts as an "insulator" between the concrete and the battery. While you are at it, clean off any corrosion from the battery terminals on both the battery and in your classic.

• Up Off The Floor We Go - Place the vehicle on four heavy-duty jack stands and make sure you put some padding between the stands and the cars frame. Putting the car on jack stands will relieve spring tension, and in some cases where you may run bias-ply tire, will keep your classic's tires from flat spotting while resting in one spot all winter. If you run radials, this isn't a concern, but if you run bias tires, you'll hear a "whump-whump" noise of flat spotted bias tires come spring if you don't. Make sure to place the jack stands on a secure lifting point, especially for heavy classics. Otherwise, you'll bend or possibly break parts, and we don't want that.

• Wrap It Up - Invest in a quality breathable car cover. Don't rely on a plastic tarp, as they do not allow rising moist air to pass through. In fact, plastic tarps will promote corrosion! A breathable cover allows the air to pass through, but keep dust and moisture off your classic's finish. By removing moisture, dust and air no corrosive deterioration begins to occur during storage.

By taking the steps mentioned, your pride and joy will retain its classic appearance for years to come. There are additional steps you may need to take for storage longer than 6-8 months, like backing off valve springs and other internal engine precautions, but the above-mentioned steps ensure safe winter hibernation for your classic!