Since our Summer Newsletter, this Drop Head Coupe is far along in assembly, and has already had its body fitted, painted, clear-coated, wet sanded and buffed, and now is being assembled by our Team. After our Craftsmen have rebuilt all of the XK-150's systems, they will be ready to be installed in the car, making it very close to completion. We are still anticipating a 2017 year-end completion date to this XK-150 3.8 Liter DHC, and it will be available for purchase very soon. Please view our next newsletter and check the status of the DHC's restoration progress on our website here.
















Question 01: What is currently the most sought-after vintage Jaguar model or series of the E-Type?

Tom's Answer: Most people prefer the covered headlights which would be from 1961-1967. The collectors who want it for more than investment purposes like the Series 1 3.8 engines, which were made in 1961 and 1962, with flat floors and welded louvers. But for Jaguar collector who wants to drive the car and wants collectability, that would be the 1965-1967 with covered headlights, 4.2 engine, more comfortable bucket seats, a fully synchronized transmission, toggle switches, and more.

Question 02: In Jaguar cars, what does “OTS” mean?

Tom's Answer: OTS stands for “Open Two-Seater”.

Question 03: In Jaguar cars, what classifies a certain model as a “Saloon”? 

Tom's Answer: A Saloon is a four-door sports sedan with seating for four or more passengers.

Question 04: How long does it typically take to finish a completed E-type show/driver level restoration?

Tom's Answer: From the time of booking, our team will be working on all phases of the restoration in all departments of our facility, and then it all comes together. It takes approximately one year from start to finish.

Question 05: I was wondering how you determine the value of a classic car when you are trying to buy or sell...

Tom's Answer:
We use "CPI" which is published by Black Book. It is an incredible, informative price guide and reference, and we highly recommend it!


The key to classic car preservation is knowing when to leave well enough alone...


As Jaguar intended: A lovingly preserved 1954 XK 120's road to Pebble Beach

It was the sort of discovery that makes a car collector break out in a cold sweat. In preparation for the season’s most prestigious show, Kim McCullough was in the garage, running through a mental checklist for the 1954 Jaguar XK 120 roadster she and her husband, Mitch, have owned for three years. Entered in the Postwar Preservation class, the car’s historical correctness would be a critical deciding factor for the judges selecting a winner. An electric cooling fan would have to be removed; a dashboard grab handle needed to be reinstalled; dozens more items would be checked against reference books.

Not that there was much to worry about—the car had just one prior owner from new, and he took loving care of it.

But one detail proved amiss. Kim, who wields an impressive capacity for historical detail, was surprised to find the wire wheels were the 60-spoke versions—proper for an XK 150, a later edition of Jaguar’s breakthrough sports car. An urgent back-and-forth with a restoration shop in England turned up the correct 54-spoke wheels, and they were bead-blasted, painted and shipped to the concours site for a just-in-time swap. That effort might seem extraordinary, but when the car show is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, California, extraordinary is the minimum expectation. Being invited to compete was a bucket-list dream for Kim, who happens to be Jaguar Land Rover North America’s marketing vice president, and Mitch, a journalist and vintage racer. They weren’t going to let anything slide.

The McCulloughs’ XK had seen competition before, though not in a seaside golf fairway’s rarefied setting. Their first outing was far less genteel: the Mille Miglia, a 1,000-mile rally through Italy comprising 84 time-trial segments over four days. Then, at the 2016 Radnor Hunt Concours in Pennsylvania, the car took home the Historic Vehicle Association’s This Car Matters Award, and an admirer of the car’s unrestored condition suggested applying for an invitation to Pebble Beach.

Kim did just that, with little expectation of ever being accepted. When the formal invitation letter actually arrived in March, Kim let out a scream that filled her kitchen. By day’s end, the letter had been framed and hung on the garage wall, a tangible milestone in the life of someone who had spent her childhood allowance on Matchbox cars. And, perhaps, it was also a predictable result of growing up in a household where her father’s advertising agency livelihood—the Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi accounts—was a real-world example of what TV later portrayed in “Mad Men.”

Surely, the McCulloughs’ XK 120 was qualified for a spot on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach links. The Jaguar had been purchased new in Boston by Bernie Yurt, back from the conflict in Korea, where he’d served as a staff sergeant. Yurt traded his stately 1951 Jaguar Mark VII sedan and $3,395 for the rakish sports car’s keys. Yurt, who died in 2008, was a fastidious caretaker of the XK 120, saving not only documents like the original sales contract but also the various labels and tags that came with the new car—even the stickers from the tires and antifreeze. He entered rallies, gave young relatives rides around the neighborhood and, most enduringly, started the New England XK Association in 1968. That club became today’s Jaguar Association of New England, or JANE, considered among the marque’s most active groups.

The XK’s unrestored condition—driven 55,000 miles through the years and lovingly maintained—made it an ideal candidate for Pebble Beach’s Preservation class. Largely original aside from wear items like tires and brake shoes, its paint and leather all but glow with a lovely patina, unmistakably a classic but having aged ever so gracefully.

Modifications made for reliability on the Mille Miglia—the electric fan, for example, had to be reversed. A modern aluminum radiator installed for the rally was swapped for the original brass one, cleaned internally and pressure-tested but not repainted or even cosmetically repaired. A tidy late-model loom for the spark plug wires was replaced by a correct period piece, not as neat in routing but faithful to the 1954 spec. Dependable modern hose clamps were replaced by Cheney reproductions, both pesky to install and prone to failure—but they have the correct appearance, and that matters at a concours.

An alternator that was installed for reliable charging needed to be changed back to a generator, proving a considerable challenge involving countrywide eBay quests for a different water pump (from California) and crank pulley (Mississippi). Other modernized systems, including a stainless-steel exhaust system with fittings for oxygen sensors for tuning, stayed, along with an upgraded fuel filter. Carburetor gaskets were replaced as needed, heeding the British car wisdom, “If there are no leaks, there’s no fluid inside.” In this case, though, the blame goes to ethanol blends. “We’ll run racing fuel in it from now on,” said Long, explaining his plan for preventing a breakdown.

Competing against nine other entries in the Postwar Preservation class (there were eight cars in the Prewar class) meant leaving some things alone. The body tag on the firewall and a Made in England tag on the front frame were both installed slightly crooked at the factory more than 60 years ago—and so they remain today.

Through all the preparations, the question of how to define “preservation” constantly loomed. The class is not a showcase for cars returned to factory-new appearance, nor is it strictly intended solely for grimy barn finds. To some degree, this asks an owner to second-guess what a judge might be basing a decision on. Is a reproduction radiator hose permissible? Would an upgraded ignition coil be grounds for disqualification? There are few guidelines, and Pebble Beach does not have formalized rules or definitions.

To Mitch McCullough, it’s a matter of equipping the car as it would have been in a period when it was used as regular transportation. “I want to experience the car like it was in its era,” he said. “That’s why we didn’t upgrade our XK 120 to a synchro five-speed or disc brakes.”

The week in Monterey went smoothly. The XK performed perfectly on the 70-mile Tour d’Elegance, running cool and cheered by a crowd enthusiastic for a car that clearly had been driven and appreciated. The 54-spoke wheels, fitted with Dunlop bias-ply tires, were mounted when the tour was over.

Sunday morning of the concours began with a predawn drive onto the show field. And the result was as good as any first-timer could hope for: second place in the class to a 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster from Switzerland and ahead of a 1960 Abarth 1000 Record Pininfarina Prototype from Italy.

To the McCulloughs, the fine showing is a fitting credit to Bernie Yurt’s half-century of care for the car. The best tribute, then, will be driving the car regularly when it returns to the East Coast. No doubt it will enjoy more public displays—just don’t look for it to be polished up perfect and placed on a pedestal.








Upcoming Events
   
October 4-7, 2017

AACA Eastern Division National Fall Meet- AACA, Hershey, PA

The AACA Eastern Division National Fall Meet at Hershey started in 1955. It has grown from a small venue of a few cars and flea market spaces to the largest judged antique car show in the world. People come from all over the world to look/buy/fellowship/eat goodies and have a good time. There are approximately 9,200 flea market spaces occupied by approximately 3,000 vendors selling their antique vehicle related items. There are approximately 1,000 antique cars and other antique vehicles for sale in the car corral. (AACA classifies an antique vehicle as being 25 years old and older. Vehicles that are modified in any way are prohibited). The whole area takes place on the property of Hershey park and the Giant Center complex. It has been estimated that approximately 150,000 people visit the 4 day event which is topped off on Saturday with a judged car show of approximately 1,350 antique vehicles (from the very early 1900 ‘s to 1992) including cars, race cars, motor scooters, motorcycles, buses, and trucks. With the exception of the race cars, all vehicles must be driven onto the show field. The hours of the Flea Market and Car Corral are 7:00AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday, October 4th through Saturday, October 7th, 2017 with the awards banquet held Saturday evening, the official end of the show. Our “landlord” The Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company charges for public parking. There is no admission charge for the event and it is definitely for the whole family to enjoy.

For accommodations and other information the website www.visithhc.com and www.hersheypa.com will be a big help to you as well as www.hersheyregionaaca.org.

   
October 5-6, 2017

RM Auctions, Hershey, PA

 All roads lead to Hershey!

 Whether drawn by the scent of chocolate from Hershey’s Chocolate World or the sound of classic motor cars making their way toward the auction block, RM Sotheby’s Hershey sale is not one to be missed. Make your first stop the annual Eastern Division AACA National Fall Meet, a true enthusiast’s affair that brings together collectors and hobbyists from far and wide for the largest swap meet in the United States. Then, make your way to the historic Hershey Lodge, the setting for RM Sotheby’s annual Hershey sale, where enthusiasts come to witness veteran, Brass Era, and CCCA Classic automobiles cross the auction stage and set unprecedented sell-through rates. A mainstay on the global collector car calendar, the Hershey sale is known for its presentation of exceptional motor cars and strong emphasis on significant American marques. Make this October even sweeter and stop by RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction—and don’t forget to pick up some chocolate while you’re there!

https://www.rmsothebys.com/hf17/hershey

   
October 8, 2017

British Car Day at the Embarcadero - San Diego, CA

***San Diego British Car Day***

OCTOBER 8TH, 2017

 Event Details

Cars load at 7:30 am

Car show begins at 9 am

 NEW Location

Spanish Landing Park East

http://sandiegobritishcarday.org/portal/

   
October 12-14, 2017

International Jaguar Club Festival Concours, Buford, GA

This event is being held at the renowned Lanier Islands resort in Buford, Ga., just 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta. The venue covers 1,500 scenic acres, all on interconnected islands in the middle of picturesque Lake Lanier. Events will be spread across several of the islands and there will be a dedicated trolley shuttles around the event sites.  Thursday evening’s Welcome Reception will be held lakeside under a pavilion overlooking the lake and the beautiful North Georgia mountains backdrop. Various JCNA-related activities will include a Slalom on Thursday, the Concours on Friday, and the Rally on Saturday. The rally will have an unusual and fun format, while still meeting the JCNA requirements. There will also be a scenic drive option and all scheduled daytime IJF activities include lunch, with additional lunches available for purchase, so there will be no need to leave the resort to eat.  There are plans for a Friday Sunset Cruise and Buffet Dinner on the lake (complete with onboard entertainment). Seating is limited, so sign up early. There will be a showing of Grand Prix with dinner at an outdoor theatre for those unable to secure seats on the cruise. The 2017 JCNA International Jaguar Festival is simply an event you don’t want to miss. Mark your calendar now!

Schedule of events:

http://www.ngjc.us/IJF/Schedule.html

http://www.ngjc.us/IJF/registration.html

http://www.jcna.com/events/jcna-international-jaguar-festival-1

   
October 15-20, 2017

Mountain Mille at the Greenbrier, Great Smokies



More Info Here

   
October 19-21st, 2017

Barrett-Jackson Auctions, Las Vegas

Event Location:

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89119

More Info Here

   
October 27-29, 2017

Phoenix Flight 40 Concours

The Arizona Region of the Porsche Club of America invites you to participate in our 40th Annual Concours and Car Show scheduled for October 27th-29th. Phoenix Flight is a Zone 8 Concours presented by the Arizona Region of the Porsche Club of America, and is AZPCA's largest local event of the year.

More Info Here

   
October 27-November 5, 2017

Hilton Head Motoring Festival and Concours


Known best for its white sandy beaches and, what seems like, its infinite number of golf courses, it’s something else that takes center stage on the tranquil barrier island Halloween weekend - world class automobiles. Playing host to some of the country's finest collector automobiles, Hilton Head Island sets a beautiful backdrop with its majestic live oaks and draping Spanish moss.

More Info Here

   
November 4, 2017

Jaguar Club of Southern Arizona - Concours d'Elegance



This is the annual concours d ‘elegance staged by the Jaguar Club of Southern Arizona. The event once again is scheduled for the beautiful St Phillip's Plaza in Tucson, AZ.

More Info

   
November 5, 2017

Hilton Head Motoring Festival Concours D’ Elegance

Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Concours d'Elegance.  If you would like to submit an application for consideration for the 2017 Concours d'Elegance

More Info

   
November 17-19, 2017

McCormick's Palm Springs Auction

NOTE NEW LOCATION: The Palm Springs Convention Center located at 277 N Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262

More Info

   
November 30- December 2, 2017

Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO


More Info Here

   
January 13-21, 2018

Barrett-Jackson Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ

More Info Here

   
January 13-21, 2018

Worldwide Auctions, Scottsdale, AZ

More Info Here

   
January 18, 2018

Bonhams Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ


More Info Here

   
January 18-19, 2018

RM/Sotheby's Auctions, Phoenix, AZ

Always kicking off the collector car auction season on a strong note, RM Sotheby’s returns to the vibrant grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, 18–19 January, for its 19th annual Arizona sale.

Our 18th annual Arizona auction was one for the books as a one-off, owner-commissioned 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster sold for a final $6,600,000. Numerous best-of-category Ferraris also took top honors, led by a 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS, which surpassed its pre-sale estimate and realized $3,602,500—nearly triple the previous auction record for the model.

Attracting bidders from 30 countries—20 percent of which were new RM Sotheby’s clientele—the company’s 18th annual Phoenix sale was a truly global event, once again illustrating that Arizona is the epicenter of the collector car world in January.

RM Sotheby’s 2018 Arizona sale is set to continue the company’s strong track record in Phoenix, presenting more than 100 blue-chip automobiles from the world’s most iconic marques. Hand-selected by RM Sotheby’s international team of specialists, the catalogue will span the spectrum of the market, from pre-war classics and contemporary supercars through important sports and racing cars.

More Info Here

   
January 19-20, 2018

Gooding Auctions - Scottsdale, AZ


Arizona is long-known as an ideal winter destination, and each January Scottsdale hosts a thriving automotive marketplace adjacent to the Fashion Square Mall and charming Old Town Scottsdale. Gooding & Company has brought a refined approach to this lively and well-established event, offering stunning vehicles across marques and eras. When our viewing showcase opens on Wednesday of Arizona Auction Week, enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the high-quality assortment of vehicles up for auction and connect with Gooding & Company’s top-notch staff and fellow collectors. Over the past nine years in Scottsdale, Gooding & Company has consistently raised the bar for the collector car year, with records that reset the market. Our exceptional collection often becomes the talk of the town and beyond.

More Info Here

   
January 24-28, 2018

The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, Palm Beach, FL

The Annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic will be presented in the beautiful and exotic setting of Palm Beach, Florida on January 24 to 29, 2018. This extraordinary gathering is a multi-day convention for automotive owners and collectors, with participants and their 400 rare, exotic and classic automobiles attending from the Americas, Europe and Asia. The premier event of the weekend is the Concorso d’Eleganza on the front lawn of the famous Breakers Hotel, on Saturday, January 28. 140 immaculate Ferrari automobiles are judged by leading international experts for elegance and originality, for the important Class Awards and the distinguished Major Cups, along with the prestigious Cavallino Cup for Best in Show.

More Info Here

   
January 24-28, 2018

Bonham’s Motorcycle Auction, Rio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

More Info Here

   
February TBA, 2018

McCormick’s Auction-Convention Center, Palm SpringsCA

Keith McCormick's relentless dedication to excellence and integrity has produced one of the most prestigious, respected, and successful car auctions in America. The Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions are held in November and February each year on the grounds of the Convention Center in beautiful downtown Palm Springs.

This event is shaping up to be one of the most interesting auctions with quite rare and unusual early entries.

The McCormick family known for running a very detailed event for the past 31 years are attracting cars from their database that have not been on the revolving auction circuit before.

More Info Here

   

March TBA,
2018

Bonham's Auctions, Amelia Island, FL

Info To Be Announced

   
March 8-9,
2018

Gooding Auctions, Amelia Island, Florida

Gooding & Company’s East Coast auction generates excitement and record sales. Held at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, a classic beachfront resort near Jacksonville, Florida, this venue caters to the enthusiast looking for a relaxed yet rewarding winter getaway. Held on the Friday before the celebrated Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Gooding & Company’s auction showcases a curated lineup of cars, inviting spirited bidding in a comfortable setting. Since debuting at Amelia Island in 2010, Gooding & Company’s prices realized have more than doubled, earning the event its reputation as the premier East Coast collector car auction.

More Info Here

   
March 8, 2018

RM Auctions - Amelia Island, Florida

Since 1999, RM Sotheby’s has held the esteemed role of the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, presenting an incredible selection of the world’s most desirable automobiles at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton and setting numerous auction benchmarks in the process. In 2015, RM Sotheby’s achieved an outstanding $60 million in sales, with an unprecedented 100 percent of all lots sold. The impressive result represented not only the highest total ever for a sale held during the Amelia Island week, but also exceeded the combined tally of all other auctions held during the 2015 Amelia Island week, reaffirming RM Sotheby's clear market leadership. The 2018 event is expected to build on this success, bringing another carefully curated roster of elegant coach built classics, important sports and racing cars, and late model collectibles to market.

More Info Here

   
March 11, 2018

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

"Cars are freedom. They give us the power to go where we want when we want. They demand our constant attention and involvement and the really great ones reward excellence. They can be objects of  desire, beauty, utility, convenience and entertainment all at once and the people who love them know it. That’s why we keep doing this"

- BILL WARNER, Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance Founder & Chairman

More Info Here

   


This is a quarterly newsletter that is compliments of Classic Showcase, Inc., which caters to the classic car collector and enthusiast communities. We are always open to ideas and suggestions on improving and helping the collector and enthusiast with new and timely information, and would like to hear your feedback, comments, and other ideas you may have for future editions! Please contact the editor at webmaster@classicshowcase.com. We hope you have enjoyed the information provided, and that you found it useful! We wish you and yours happy motoring during the Fall season!

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