Ask Tom

•Q & A•
WINTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

QUESTION from Joseph G. in Malibu, CA: I’ve noticed that classic XJ models have picked up steam in the last 2 years; From a collectability standpoint, what do you think are the best years and models for these cars?

QUESTION 1

TOM'S ANSWER: XJs are great cars, but pure examples are scarce. Series 1 are the most collectible, but it’s very hard to find an original example that has not been tampered with or modified. When you do find a pure Series 1, it can then be a prime candidate to restore and keep as a collectible that is worth investing in. Many like the Series 3 models because there are far more available, but like the Series 1 - they too are becoming hard to find in original condition. The Series 3s do have many modern features that many would want for today’s driving at higher speeds, and in general are more compatible to modern day driving habits.

QUESTION from Thomas G. in St. Louis, MO: The country has been reopened for most of the year, which means a return to Show and Concours events; As a longtime collector and contributor to the industry, what are some of your favorite events that you are looking forward to in the new year?

QUESTION 2

ANSWER: The Scottsdale auctions held in January can be thought of as the barometer for the industry’s upcoming year and sets the tone for what’s going to be popular. It often features record prices paid for special vehicles and has a great selection of both new and older classics to see. Next, would be the Concours on Amelia Island in Northern Florida; like Scottsdale, this event also takes place over a week, and features not only exciting auctions, but a great Concours and other related events in a spectacular setting. After Scottsdale and Amelia Island, many of us then take part in various classic car “get-togethers” such as Cars and Coffee, or local rallies and regional drives, as well as local Concours events such as La Jolla in April, followed by Muckenthaler in May; each of these events take place south of Los Angeles, but typically attract fans and collectors from all over Southern California. After the Spring and early summer events, we then start getting ready for the Monterey, CA auto week; it is similar to Amelia Island, but on a much, much larger scale, and includes numerous car clubs, marque-specific Concours events and gatherings; Monterey also (usually) features new innovations and technology in the car industry, and other news-worthy advancements. Then everything else after Monterey is back to a local level, where we take part in local/regional car club events and specialty concours events, established rallies, and vintage car racing events. Car collectors from all over the world speak a common language that is a love of classic cars, and the desire to own one; these events are the perfect meeting place to speak that language and share in the happiness that the hobby brings to so many of us.

QUESTION from Michelle J. in San Rafael, CA: Why do certain Jaguar E-Types have a riveted, or screwed-in extra plate near the VIN plate?

QUESTION 3

ANSWER: Good question! This scenario is kind of unique, and typically applies to cars that were originally titled in the State of California in the 1960s. The reason for this, is because the California DMV didn’t see enough digits on early cars such as Jaguars and other European-made cars, so in the case of Jaguars they simply added a “J” (for Jaguar), then added the first 2 numbers of the year i.e. “J65” for a 1965 Jaguar.

QUESTION from Eric S. in Los Angeles, CA:Is it more valuable to have a collection of various cars from a single marque such as Jaguar, or an assortment of cars from different marques?

QUESTION 4

ANSWER: A collection that includes the very best examples at the highest available quality of what you’re going to collect will be the most valuable over time. When building your collection, try to acquire the best you can from the very start.

QUESTION from Henry in San Diego, CA: I just bought a Series I E-type and I am not familiar where to jack the car.

QUESTION 5

ANSWER: Be careful and do not put the jack on the picture frame in the front as it will bend it. Put it on the bottom of the suspension, or on the sides of the car where there is a jacking point, below the rockers. When you lift the Jaguar be careful and put something soft like old carpet on the jack to protect the car. Place a pair of wheel chocks under the wheels not being raised. If you're raising the back, place the chocks under the front wheels. If you're raising the front, place them behind the back. Lift your Jaguar at two of the lift points using your floor jacks. There is one just behind each front wheel, and one just in front of each back wheel. You will need to jack up your Jaguar by either both front lift points or both back lift points to avoid twisting the frame. You could also use a floor jack under the back near the rear pumpkin.