JAGUAR SVR

If that sounds a little bonkers SVO has now stuffed a 5.0 litre V8 tricked up to 600 bhp into the XE. This car has always been regarded as the best Jaguar track car. It now has a top speed of 325 mph and 3.3 seconds 0-100 kph. This means it is the fastest 4 door saloon Jaguar has ever produced.

They are calling this car Project 8 and only 300 are being made. If you have a lazy $300,000 handy and you get in quickly you might get one. But they will all be left hand drive darn it! Project 8 was shown off at the recent Goodwood Speed Festival.

JAGUAR XE V8

Also at Goodwood in the top 10 shootout up the hill, the winner was a Jaguar XJR-16 in 46.13 seconds. This car is famous for winning the 1990 Le Mans 24 hour race and also in that year the Daytona 24 hours. It weighs only 900 kgs and is powered by Jaguar’s famous V12 engine producing 545 Kw. Not bad for a vehicle 27 years old.

JAGUAR XJR-12

There are spy shots of what is said to be an F Pace with a V8 motor, again, provided by SVO. Many of these vehicles are made behind closed doors and it has been said that they eventually wish to make all new SVO vehicles with Jaguar parts.

So it seems there is still a long life yet for the V8 engine. With the electric I Pace and other electric vehicles not available for 12 months and even longer and with the uptake of these not at all certain, mainly because of congestion at public recharging facilities, there is sure to be a good life left in the internal combustion engine.

JAGUAR F-PACE DIESEL

In life it seems that when one door closes another opens. When the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal broke out, Volkswagen undertook to abandon all diesel engines in 2015. Jaguar saw an opportunity for the first time in the United States in 2016. In the first 8 months of 2017 13% of vehicles sold by Jaguar in the US were powered by the company’s 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine. It now seems there is a niche market for diesels with the absence of Mercedes Benz, Audi and Porsche also in that area. So far, to the end of September 2017 Jaguar has sold 1,745 F Pace diesels, 1,293 XE diesels and 336 XF diesels. While this is not a huge number by the end of the year there could be 5,000 diesels out of a total of 40,000 Jaguars sold in the US. According to JLR’s North American CEO Joe Eberhardt “We are taking the natural demand that comes through word of mouth”.

Jaguar Land Rover is now going to badge vehicles based on horsepower. It would appear that a new Jaguar F Type V6 has been seen with a badge showing P380 AWD. The P refers to petrol, 380 to horsepower and AWD to all wheel drive. All vehicles in future will have these additional badges with D for diesels, while Electric and Hybrid will come with an E.

So the I pace will display an E400. The thinking is that as the engines continue to get smaller but turbocharging and electrification keeps horsepower climbing, each model is better identified.   Some brands of cars have numbers showing that bear no obvious resemblance to anything.

Bloomberg reports that JLR is currently looking to purchase plant that fits with its current portfolio. It may be a technology company to help with its building of electric vehicles. It is nearly 10 years since Tata purchased JLR and it feels it needs to expand to stay competitive.

MAGNA STEYR HYDROGEN VEHICLE

With nearly 6 billion dollars in cash reserves they are on the lookout for a suitable fit. Last year General Motors sold off Vauxhall and Opel and they were suggested as possible buys because of the huge Vauxhall manufacturing plant. It has not escaped notice that the I Pace and E Pace are both to be made by Magna Steyr in Austria. The reason given is that Jaguar has no capacity in England. Surprisingly, brands that may be available for Tata are Maserati and Alfa Romeo. Some have suggested Lincoln or Buick and perhaps the return of Aston Martin back into the group. Interesting days ahead!

As an interesting final note, on October 3rd 2017 Energy and Capital, an investment firm said “Amazon is buying into Hydrogen”. It would appear that Amazon has found a specialist hydrogen company and is pumping large sums of money in its direction. Elon Musk is against it but Amazon is all for it. A possible clash of the titans? It has been suggested the big argument is which material is better in batteries, lithium or hydrogen. Energy and Capital think hydrogen will win. Why? Hydrogen fuel cells take only seconds to re fuel and have a greater range. Mercedes and Toyota have hydrogen fuel cell cars on the road but Honda is the main force behind this new fuel. The future will tell who is right.

By Neville Barlow

However, the headlines scream “Every Jaguar Land Rover model launched from 2020 will be electric”. Fake news? Not quite. What Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Office of Jaguar Landrover actually said was – “Every new JLR model will be electrified from 2020 giving our customers even more choice.   We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range embracing fully electric, plug in hybrids and mild hybrid vehicles. Our first fully electric performance SUV, the Jaguar I Pace goes on sale next year.

It was only a month ago Jaguar said they would always produce snarling, spitting sports cars. One motoring journalist says “Do not fret about the end of the internal combustion engine at Jaguar”. Please note that ‘electrified’ implies any form of vehicle electrification. Even a vehicle that recaptures brake energy would be considered ‘electrified’.

When Jaguar decided to discontinue the wonderful XK engine and change to V8s, I thought to myself, were they going all- American? When Ford sold Jaguar to an Indian company I was distraught. And now they are going all electric. I was wrong on two counts and very probably wrong again. Jaguar Landrover obviously always do their research and I expect they have again made the right decision.

E Type Zero.

Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations has surprised by building a one- off concept car they call a Jaguar E Type Zero. This is based on a 1968 series 1½ roadster but with an electric motor. The French would say “sacrè bleu” and I would think the old-school English would think it was sacrilege. Does everything have to be electric? Even though this car is quicker going from 0 – 100 kph than the original, it just doesn’t have the crackle and pop like the petrol version. Instead it hums like bees busy in the daffodils.

At least the wonderful E Type, ‘the most beautiful car ever made’ still looks fast when it is standing still.

E Type Zero Engine.

Artificial Intelligence has arrived at Jaguar, called ‘ Sayer’. This device is a simple looking modern steering wheel and is named after Malcolm Sayer, the designer of Jaguar C Type, D Type, E Type, XJ 13 and XJS. The new Sayer is all you will need in future. It is proposed that when no one owns their car and of course cars will drive themselves, this is all anyone will need. The Sayer will link to an ‘On Demand Service Club’ which in turn will help you to get a car to your door. It will tell you when it arrives, also inform you what is in your fridge, order groceries when the larder is low, pay bills etc, etc. Things are moving at whirlwind speed. The world we know now is disappearing fast.

The Sayer.

This new world requires world class technical recruits. Jaguar is now testing applicants on their technical ability, logical thinking and memory. Code breaking and engineering ability is also sought. However, JLR are doing some mundane things such as ‘waste to wave’. Surf boards are being made from 100% recycled polyurethane plastic created from design studio waste. Jaguar has long had recycling processes for aluminium, sourced from obsolete and written off cars as well as offcuts from the manufacture of new cars.

Use of solar power is extensive. The new Engine Manufacturing Plant at South Staffordshire has had 21,000 photovoltaic panels attached to its roof, creating 6.3 mw of electricity. This generates 30% of the energy requirements at this plant. That is equivalent to the energy needed to power 1600 homes and will reduce the plants CO2 foot print by 2,400 tonnes per year.

JLR employs 42,000 people and supports 240,000 more through dealerships, suppliers and local businesses. They have plants in China, Brazil, India and Slovakia. It is interesting to know that the E Pace and the electric I Pace will both be made under a co-operative venture with Magna Steyr in Austria. This company is going places. If we don’t get on board we may get left behind.

Surprise! Surprise! What I quoted earlier in this article as an excerpt from a speech made by Jaguar CEO, Dr Ralph Speth was not reported correctly. The folly of the media in not checking every word written by every source. What he really said was – “From 2020 every new Jaguar Land Rover vehicle will be electrified. Customers will be able to choose from battery electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, as well as ultra clean petrol and diesel engines. What a relief!

By Neville Barlow

Dynamic twist sets an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Furthest Barrel Roll in a Production Vehicle.

• Final test proves E-PACE lives up to Jaguar’s ‘Art of Performance’ philosophy.
• Inspiration from cinema’s most iconic car stunt.
• Attitude and stance come as standard with Jaguar’s new compact performance SUV.
• Sports car looks with SUV practicality for the next generation of Jaguar customers.
• Agile, responsive chassis and sports car driveline technology make E-PACE the hot hatch of its segment.
• Next-generation digital tech keeps you connected, with 4G Wi-Fi, and a super-sized touchscreen as standard.
• All-weather, all-surface traction technology and all-wheel drive keeps you connected to the road – whatever the conditions.
• Price from £28,500, customers can order and configure their E-PACE at www.jaguar.co.uk  with order books open now.

13 July 2017, London, UK: The new Jaguar E-PACE has set an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title during its world premiere. The compact performance SUV leapt into the record books with a 15.3 metre-long jump complete with a 270-degree corkscrew-like ‘barrel roll’.

Demonstrating the agility, precision and performance of Jaguar’s newest SUV, the feat was the final test for E-PACE after 25 gruelling months of work across four continents to ensure extreme durability and that it lived up to Jaguar’s Art of Performance philosophy.

The Jaguar E-PACE is a five-seat, compact SUV that packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a spacious, practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Trademark Jaguar driving dynamics and design put the brand’s sports car DNA in a practical design packed with advanced technologies to keep you connected.

The E-PACE is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family, joining the ground-breaking all-electric I-PACE Concept and the 2017 World Car of the Year, the Jaguar F-PACE – itself launched with a spectacular GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ setting loop-the-loop in 2015.

The exterior design is inspired by the Jaguar F-TYPE sports car and characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches that give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance, instantly communicating dynamic agility. Jaguar sports car DNA is also evident in the fast sweep of the roofline and the distinctive side window graphic.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: “Established Jaguar design principles ensure the E-PACE is immediately recognisable as the sports car of its class. Our new compact SUV combines the interior space, connectivity and security that families expect with the kind of proportions, purity of design and performance not usually associated with such a practical vehicle”

The E-PACE completed its world record jump at ExCeL in London – one of only a handful of venues in the UK big enough to accommodate the 160-metre run-up and run-off vital for the 15-metre leap.

Behind the wheel was stunt driver Terry Grant, who has completed stunts on many film sets and holds an impressive 21 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles.

Terry Grant, Stunt Driver, said: “As far as I am aware no production car has ever cleanly completed a bona-fide barrel roll and therefore it has always been an ambition of mine to perform one ever since I was a boy. After driving the Jaguar F-PACE in the record-breaking loop-the-loop, it has been amazing to help launch the next chapter of the PACE family in an even more dramatic dynamic feat.”

Unsurprisingly, the barrel roll is not one to be tried at home; months of testing and analysis were completed to fine-tune the stunt, including achieving precisely the correct speed of run-up. The ramps were modelled extensively using CAD before any jumps took place. Terry experienced a G-Force of 5.5 during the 270 degree twist, and required a 160-metre run up to hit the air at the correct speed.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel said: “This amazing feat really was a sight to behold. While I’ve seen the barrel roll stunt in film, witnessing this incredible feat in real life was something pretty special. Congratulations to Terry and Jaguar for setting another epic Guinness World Records title.”

The reveal of the E-PACE was followed by a spectacular musical performance by Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra who presented the now legendary Ibiza Classics. As a celebration of the new Jaguar E-PACE, Pete collaborated with singer-songwriter Raye to perform “You Don’t Know Me” by Jax Jones – a hit that features Raye that has over 230 million plays on Spotify and over 130 million You Tube views,

Pete Tong said: “I’ve been working with the Heritage Orchestra for the past couple of years but this is the first time I’ve been involved in something like this, it’s very exciting and I’m glad to be a part of it! Jaguar breaking the Guinness World Record for the barrel roll was mind-blowing. To see this stunt recreated right in front of us was mind-blowing. This creative approach to revealing the new Jaguar E-PACE was the inspiration behind the collaboration between myself and Raye and we are now planning to put the track on my new album.”

The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title holding- Jaguar E-PACE reveal can be viewed here:

E-PACE: Connected, Intelligent, Agile, Responsive

The Jaguar E-PACE is connected and intelligent. The 10-inch touchscreen comes as standard and connects customers to their favourite apps, including Spotify. Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl system allows you to keep the vehicle secure by tracking it on your smartphone, automatically alerts the emergency services in case of an accident and allows you to check fuel levels and mileage remotely via a smartphone or smartwatch. Customers can warm up the car, cool it down and even start it remotely using InControl.

Digital connectivity can be found throughout the cabin, ready for every need of the modern family. There are up to four 12-volt charging points and five USB connections as well as a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices.

The E-PACE has exceptional interior space for its class. The compact SUV can seat five in absolute comfort with generous rear legroom. The large luggage space is made possible by the vehicle’s sophisticated Integral Link rear suspension architecture and can fit a pushchair, a set of golf clubs and a large suitcase

Configurable Dynamics gives the driver even more control with individual settings for the throttle, automatic transmission, steering, and, where fitted, the Adaptive Dynamics suspension system. Adaptive Dynamics senses driver input, body and wheel movements and pre-emptively loads the suspension and chassis and adjusts the damping for improved roll control and agility in all conditions.

E-PACE is available with a range of powerful and efficient Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. The 300PS Ingenium petrol turbo engine powers the sporting SUV from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds (6.4 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint) before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 151mph. For customers who want the ultimate efficiency, the front-wheel drive 150PS Ingenium diesel delivers CO2 emissions of 124g/km.

Alan Volkaerts, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar E-PACE, said:  “The Jaguar E-PACE provides the best of both worlds: Jaguar sports car dynamics with compact SUV practicality. The latest addition to our growing PACE family provides comfort, interior space and leading stowage solutions allied to engaging handling and Jaguar Land Rover’s latest Ingenium petrol and diesel engines.”

E-PACE’s Active Driveline all-wheel-drive system is a technological first for Jaguar. The intelligent set-up combines phenomenal traction with Jaguar’s unmistakable rear-wheel-drive character. The system’s torque-biasing capability delivers optimal stability, dynamics and fuel efficiency in all conditions and all weathers.

The E-PACE features the very latest safety and driver assistance technologies. A stereo camera underpins the advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking system, which also provides pedestrian detection and supports Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the Intelligent Speed Limiter and Driver Condition Monitor systems. Front and rear parking aids are standard.

The camera also combines with the electric power assisted steering system and rear radars to deliver a Blind Spot Assist function, to help reduce the risk of sideswipe collisions on multi-lane roads. A new Forward Traffic Detection system also warns drivers of approaching vehicles at junctions where visibility is restricted. Advanced active safety features include a pedestrian airbag, which deploys from beneath the trailing edge of the bonnet in the event of a collision.

The E-PACE is the first Jaguar to feature the company’s next-generation Head-Up Display technology. The advanced display can project up to 66 per cent more information onto the windscreen using large, full-colour graphics with enhanced clarity. Essential information including vehicle speed and navigation directions are in full view at all times, with alerts and updates for the infotainment, safety and convenience features all projected directly into the driver’s eyeline – reducing the need to look away from the road.

An optional 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument panel and choice of two premium audio systems developed with Meridian put the E-PACE on a par with vehicles from the class above when it comes to interior technology.

The E-PACE is also available with Jaguar’s innovative wearable Activity Key. The waterproof and shockproof wristband has an integrated transponder, allowing the driver to lock the main key inside the vehicle when enjoying outdoor pursuits such as running or cycling.

Whenever the Activity Key is activated, by holding the wristband up to the upper edge of the number plate surround on the tailgate, any conventional key fobs left inside the vehicle are disabled.

The strong chassis also allows owners to tow up to 1,800kg (braked), ideal for customers who use their E-PACE for both business and pleasure.

For further detail on the Jaguar E-PACE including the in-depth technical story and specifications please visit http://media.jaguar.com/en-gb

My vehicle’s particular ignition fault was that as ‘regular as clockwork’ after some 400kms the ‘spark’ ceased to do so, due to the Ballast Resistor ‘blowing up’. It turned out that the latter item’s demise was as a result of the integral faults of the Lucas OPUS installation. It became apparent that the cause of the problem was the original OPUS Amplifier. After extensive research I chanced upon ‘REOPUS Engineering’ based at Auckland, who had solved the problems associated with the original OPUS system.

They had created the ‘REOPUS H Amplifier’ circuit board which is fitted into the original OPUS alloy amplifier case and the accompanying ‘REOPUS H Pickup’ which is fastened to the original Distributor pickup mounting. As well as solving the lack of ignition the replacement equipment also cured the tachometer’s (rpm) erratic performance, the gauge being electrically connected to the Ballast Resistor unit.

Other dashboard instruments that did not operate correctly included the oil pressure reading and the speedometer. The oil pressure defect turned out to be a faulty pressure switch. The speedometer instrument’s misreading was due to the angle drive being faulty.

One other dashboard malfunction involved the ignition key switch. That unit had been incorrectly put together at some time which meant the key sometimes worked and sometimes not. Correct assembly fixed the problem.
Glitches with the car’s Borg Warner Model 12 automatic transmission caused me a lot of research. My particular vehicle’s fault was that ‘out of the blue’ the top, speed 3 drive would not engage, a transgression which could not be found in any repair manual and that included the Jaguar Factory Repair Operation Manual.

Here again I was fortunate that ‘my very good friend’ telephoned me from England. He informed me that the vacuum connection between the left hand banks of carburettors to the automatic transmission unit, which actuated the unit’s top drive, was either disconnected or one or both of the flexible rubber inserts in the pipe run were fractured. Bless him! The cause of the problem turned out to be that the vacuum pipe had become detached at the carburettor end.
Subsequently I sought out a specialist Automatic Transmission firm to service the unit. That operation included adjusting the control front and rear brake bands. The expert advised me that the Borg Warner Automatic transmission was well overdue for overhaul.

Whilst servicing the car it became apparent that a number of items required attention. For instance, both  seals of the power steering mechanism were leaking and required replacing. Furthermore, the brake fluid reservoir filler cap and fluid level sensor assembly were faulty and had to have new parts fitted.

Then we come to the matters of the shock absorbers, suspension bushes – front and rear – and the front end ‘ride-height’. Despite the ‘financial pain’ it will probably be necessary to replace the shock absorbers and all the suspension bushes. Without doubt Koni type shock absorbers will have become tired and that particular make cannot be adjusted up or down without removing them from their mountings. Replacement of the suspension bushes will tighten up the motion of the car and subdue suspension squeaks and creaks.

A possibly last matter of E Type interest regards the rear boot lid/luggage compartment door. It is vital to ensure that the hinges are correctly fitted so that the boot lid/luggage compartment door closes evenly all round; that the lock and striker are suitably fastened and working correctly and that the lock release cable is properly functioning.

The following is an indication of the approximate British cost of the various components detailed in this article with the NZ$ equivalent calculated at NZ$1.82 to the £1 – that is apart from the REOPUS installation. They are based on purchases I have made in the UK for our E Type over the last few years. As they are being exported VAT does not apply and has been deducted from the inclusive prices I have used. It must be borne in mind that a great deal in respect of prices depends on the chosen supplier.

Here’s my list:

• Radiator: Metal on an exchange basis: £841.50/NZ$1532.00.
• Alloy: £690.50/NZ$1257.00.
• Set of coolant system hoses incl. heater hoses – 25 in number: £115.00/NZ$209.00.
• Radiator Fans complete with Motor & Fan (2 in number): £151.00/275.00 each.
• Stromberg Carburettor Diaphragms (4 in number): £16.00/NZ$29.00 each.
• REOPUS H Amplifier and REOPUS H Pickup: NZ$460.00.
• Oil Pressure Switch: £62.00/NZ$113.00.
• Angle Drive (fitted to the Gearbox) for the Speedometer Cable: £94.00/NZ$171.00.
• Brake Fluid Reservoir Bottle, Fluid Sensor and Bottle Cap: £51.00/NZ$93.00.
• Gaz Shock Absorbers Front & Rear (6): £350.20/NZ$637.50 for the six.
• Suspension Bushes: Front – 14 in number: £97.00/NZ$177.00 the set. Rear – 8 in number: £156.00/NZ$284.00 the set.

If obtained from the UK these goods will have a ‘shipping’ cost added. Additionally, and as a rule of thumb, if in excess of a $1000.00 in value goods will be subject to a Customs Import Fee and GST charges, plus some small disbursements, which, as far as I can calculate, amount to about 20% of the NZ value of the imported goods. The information set-out above is based on matters as I understand them and in force in April 2017.

**Lucas Industries founded in 1860, as Joseph Lucas & Son, became defunct in 1996.

By Geoffrey ‘Grumpy’ O’Connell

First there was the XK8 then XK, XKR, XKS, XKR-S and now XKR-S GT. Only 40 were ever made in 2014. It has been said that just like the animal it is named after this car personifies danger. The most aggressive looking car Jaguar has ever made. In some people’s eyes, the most ugly car Jaguar has produced.

The 5.0 Litre V8 engine produces 550 bhp and 502 lb ft of torque. – 100 kms is said to be 3.9 seconds, but journalists who have tested it say they could easily beat that. Top speed is governed to 186 mph (299.338 kmph).

The massive wing on the rear exerts 320 lbs of downward pressure in order to keep the rear wheels in contact with the tarmac.

This car comes in one colour only – Polaris white. New price started at $394,000 in Australia. The XK has been favoured by many people because of the small back seat (parcel shelf).

However, for those with a real need for speed we now have the F Type SVR with even more power and speed.

By Neville Barlow

In my previous ‘Ramblings’,  I related my problems with the new Gaz shock absorbers I had fitted. The four replacement units  from the UK were quickly fitted to the rear axle. As far as I was aware all would be well with my E Type in future. But oh no! The tribulations were about to continue.

Problems occurred in quick succession! Despite having had the Stromberg Carburettors previously cleaned out and checked over, the engine idling speed began to vary quite significantly. The pre-set speed of about 800 rpm would increase to some 1500 rpm of its own accord. Engaging  drive was accompanied by a noticeable ‘jerk’ or ‘jolt’.

With hardly a pause, the transmission started not moving up to third gear (or top). Fortunately all the other transmission functions of park, drive, first, second and reverse gear continued to function. But not third. All these  malfunctions occurred over a few days at the outbreak of the Christmas/Summer annual holiday season when most businesses and firms shut down. A dormant period of 16 days. I was disconsolate.

During this seemingly endless time of trade inactivity a very good friend, Barry Bishop and his partner Caroline from the West Midlands, UK, stayed with us. Barry is one of the finest car body repairers in the UK. He was involved in creating one of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Edwardian automobiles that starred in the musical film of the same name. Barry used to assist in preparing my racing cars during the second period of my motor racing competition – 2001 through to 2011.

When the idling speed irregularity cropped-up Barry suggested that although the Stromberg carburettors had been serviced and the diaphragms had appeared to be undamaged they were without doubt the cause of the problem. He was of the opinion that they had become weakened in the 44 years which deterioration would cause the idling speed deviation. He was absolutely correct.

New diaphragms were fitted and the engine idling speed problem disappeared. I decided to investigate the transmission problem. This proved to be a very thought-provoking and unsuccessful exercise. The Jaguar E Type Repair Operation Manual, of which I fortunately possess a copy, was a minefield of information. The Borg Warner section, amongst pages of detail, contained six pages of comprehensive hydraulic operation drawings which made my brain ache but there was no information in respect of my particular problem.

In preparation for the January return to work I loaded a spare, totally overhauled Borg Warner Automatic Transmission unit on to my small trailer. I had previously purchased the item from a fellow Jaguar Drivers’ Club member – Roger Clark from Opotiki. My reasoning was that if my present Borg Warner unit proved to be irreparably damaged then this standby could be substituted.

But then came  a telephone call from Barry, who was back in the UK. The reason for his call was to give me  some information he had uncovered in respect of my misbehaving transmission. The cause of the problem was due to the vacuum pipe connecting the engine’s left-hand carburettor manifold to the transmission unit. In the length of that metal vacuum pipe there were two or three sections of rubber pipe which facilitated the ‘run’ of the pipe from the manifold to the transmission unit. Barry’s information was that one or other of those rubber sections had split, corroded or crumbled. Bingo!

Barry was correct in theory but it transpired it was simply that the connection to the manifold had become disconnected. The vacuum pipe was not carrying out its function and third gear would not engage.

To complete the matter of the transmission I booked the E Type into Automatic Service Centre, St John Street, one of the two Tauranga automatic transmission experts, for a professional ‘work over’. There it was found that the unit was ‘overdue for a service’. Quite!

After all this ‘prodding and probing’ it was decided to replace all the original rubber bushes (and sleeves where appropriate) of the front and rear suspension, including the cradle mounts, with new polyurethane items. This was in order to tighten-up the ‘ride’ and eliminate as many as possible of the accompanying squeaks and creaks that occurred as the ‘beast’ was motoring along.

So endeth this lesson of the day.

By Geoffrey ’Grumpy’ O’Connell

This man is reputed to be worth around £50 million. It is interesting to note that his drummer in AC/DC was Phil Judd who owns a café in the Tauranga Marina called Phils Place. Some of us met Phil fleetingly during a Jaguar outing several months ago.

Brian Johnson says this about the Mark 2: “It has 4 doors yet was edgy for its time and very sporty. It was also the perfect car for a villain with family. You could go out, rob a bank, make a getaway and then pick up the family and head to Brighton Beach for a picnic.

The Metropolitan Police were not slow to react and in the 1960’s obtained Mark II’s and 340’s. They also had the biggest fleet of S Types, the derivative of the Mark 2. Some of the 266 cars were fitted with a lower ratio back axle, which while reducing top speed, improved acceleration.

The 1967 film called “Robbery” featured villians in Mark 2 and the police in S Types. Apparently the shorter Mark II’s out manoevered the S Types.

However, the most recognisable Mark II Jaguar could have been the car used by Inspector Morse in the TV series of that name. This 1960 2.4 litre burgundy coloured car remained the property of the producers until 2000. In July 2004 it beat Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and James Bond’s Aston Martin, in a Post Office poll to find the UK’s all time favourite and famous car. In 2015 with 79,460 miles on the clock the car was put up for auction and fetched over £100,000.

In 1958 Jaguar produced a competition car that produced 220 bhp from its 3.8 litre engine. These cars had success in the 1958 Tulip Rally, had team and class wins in the Monte Carlo Rally, RAC and Alpine rallies. They also won the Tour de France rally from 1958 to 1963. The 3.8 litre Mark 2 was an incredible racing machine.

On the race track they won the British Car Championship in 1959 including 2nd and 3rd. In 1960 they finished 2nd and 4th. In 1961 and 1962 they filled the first 8 places and in 1963 the first 4 places. At this time they had the services of many top racing drivers.

In 1962 and 1963 Bob Jane won the Australian Touring Car Championship, driving a 4.1 litre 151 mph Jaguar. Micheal Parkes and Jimmy Blumer won the Motor Six hours International Saloon Car race and also in 1962. In 1963 Peter Nocker won the European Touring Car Challenge and also in that year Denny Hulme and Ray Salvador won the Brands Hatch 6 hours.

As is the case today, in the 1950’s Jaguar was aware that the range of vehicles it offered for sale was rather limited, so it decided to produce what it called ‘compact saloons’. This would give it a greater presence in the total car market and thus the Mark 1 was born. This car was powered by a 2.4 litre version of the world renowned XK 6 cylinder twin cam engine and produced 112 bhp and had a top speed of 100 mp. Being smaller than the Mark V11 it was 15 feet long and 5 feet wide.

In 1957 a larger 3.4 litre was offered with a top speed of 120 mph and disc brakes all round. Up to 1955 35,000 models had been produced – a record for Jaguar.

The Mark 2 evolved from the Mark 1 which was Jaguars’ first attempt at a compact car. As a lad I well remember sitting in my father’s lovely grey Mark 1, smelling the Connolly leather and seeing all that polished wood veneer interior.   The Mark 1 was built with a monocoque body. That is it had no separate chassis, the entire body providing  the strength. The front assembly carrying the engine and front axle was bolted on to the body as was the rear axle assembly. This provided great weight saving and made a very strong car overall.

The only real opposition to Jaguars compact saloons came from within the Jaguar company. When William Lyon bought Daimler he undertook to carry on the Daimler name. Included in the Daimler package was two exciting engines. The larger was a 4.5 litre V8 and was used in Daimlers limousines. Jaguar had thought about using it in the Mark 10 but it had to be hand built and was expensive to make.

The other was a 2.5 V8 engine which was used to power the very innovative Daimler Dart, the plastic bodied two seater sports car. As the Mark 2’s were selling extremely well Jaguar decided another car in the segment should go well too. So, was born in 1962 the Daimler 2.5 litre V8 saloon. It was produced until 1967 and then upgraded to the Daimler V8 250. In all, 17,915 Daimler Jaguars were produced.

Surprisingly, many people maintained that the Daimler was a better car than the Jaguar 2.4. From 1955 to 1969 Jaguar produced in addition to the Daimlers, 127,920 cars. This included the 2.4, 3.4 3.8, 240 and 340 models of the so called compact cars.

By Neville

Then came the time of love, laughter and marriage, followed closely by children along with milking cows and developing a Kiwifruit Orchard, my ambitions got put on the back burner. About 12 years ago I was out fishing with Bruce Jamieson and we were discussing our bucket lists. I told him I had always wanted to restore an E Type Jaguar. He very subtly suggested I did it sooner rather than later, hence my story begins.

By chance some enterprising person had imported a number of damaged classic cars, one being a 1970 E Type Tourer. It was a left-hand drive and had fire damage under the bonnet. I mentioned this to Bruce and a few days later I had a call suggesting we went and saw this car. I told him it was too late as I had bought it sight unseen. With my knowledge now this was the stupidest thing I could have done as Jaguars of that era were very prone to rust and a car sourced from the UK can be so rusty that virtually every panel would need replacing or repairing. This needs special jigs to keep everything in alignment and costs a lot of money.

However, this car spent its life in California and apart from the floor and door sills it had very little rust. At this point I had never seen an E Type apart from in magazines, the car duly arrived on a trailer and my immediate thought was “what have I done”?  It had two football sized blisters on the bonnet where the fire had heated the metal and every bit of rubber and plastic under the bonnet was melted. Parts for an E Type are readily available, if a little expensive. A new bonnet is $15,000, fortunately I managed to find a second hand one in NZ.

I set about stripping the car and labelled everything as I pulled it apart. This turned out to be a bit of a problem as the mice ate all the labels causing me hours of head scratching and swearing. I had heard about a person in Gisborne who was an expert on Jaguars, Ron Hopps (here is that wonderful name again). Ron rebuilt the engine brakes and other parts, his knowledge leaves me in awe. I did most of the electrical work and upholstery. Our local Paint shop did the panel work and painting. The car took three years to restore and since then we have done approximately 30000 km. there has been the odd breakdown (all electrical) but so far we have not had it on the back of a tow truck, fingers crossed!

There are a number of pluses and minuses to owning an E Type Tourer. You rarely go out without someone commenting on how nice the car is, and it is also very comfortable to travel in. The biggest downside is the lack of luggage space, (Raewyn and Marilyn would never cope). It also leaks like a sieve in the rain, but this is easily fixed with insulation tape around the windscreen, not pretty but very practical.  This was a very satisfying, frustrating but certainly very rewarding restoration.

Being a member of the Jaguar Club means you get to see so many places you might otherwise have seen, and another bonus is the great fellowship we have with the members. I could go on for a lot longer about different happenings but will leave them for another time.

By Roger Clark

Most members of the Jaguar Club will be aware that Roger has restored an Aston Martin.

For those who may be pie-eyed about (just) Jaguars, turn the page quickly but for the rest of you, I will take you on my journey over the last 18 months. The story starts after several years of dirty clothes, a missing husband who spent many spare hours in his Man Cave.  Unfortunately, he could never get to grips with the mysteries of a cell phone and this resulted in many trips over to the shed by an irate wife when he was needed. His excuse was: “I had a motor going, or it wasn’t working when it really was”.

However, the great day came and we were able to take it to The President’s Bash at Katikati. I know it takes some time to iron out problems but I couldn’t understand why I arrived bathed in perspiration. Okay fair enough it was a beautiful day but –that hot? Several weeks later the mere male admitted the heater wasn’t working properly and wisely he decided to let me cool off before telling me.

It was slow, tortuous, arduous and incredibly frustrating for Roger as he felt his motor was only about 90% right. After a long search he found a mechanic in Germany who worked on Astons and he agreed to work on the injector pump. This was duly sent off and arrived back a few months later, then the fun began!

The pump was connected to the motor but to the Boys incredible disappointment it didn’t work as it should.  I couldn’t really understand it because the car started, stopped, braked and went fast, what else does a man want? So began weeks of communications with Roy Sutton, (the mechanic in Germany) and Roger. Each night instructions came and Roger would respond to an instruction and the next morning another email was sent. ‘One turn to the right, half to the left’ etc.

At one stage I decided I should send a photo of the owner and his car just so Roy had some idea of who he was dealing with. Much to our amusement that night the reply came.” Not such a bad looking beast and the car is pretty good too!”

After this period the motor started to sound almost as it should and we had to record a video of the sounds from each corner of the motor and also the exhaust. Even one suggestion from Roger was agreed upon by the mechanic. At this stage I marvelled at the Internet and the wonders of modern technology, coming from an almost computer dummy to think Roger had tuned his car over the computer and with the help of a wonderful man in Germany. There is certainly great fellowship and help from all manner of people who all have the same love of cars.

Another person whose help must be mentioned is Ron Hopps, not only a mechanic but now a very good friend. After countless hours of patience and tolerance this motor is now Singing like a Bird and it is a great reward for a clever husband. I only wish this same kind of commitment and dedication could be transferred to his cell phone skills and maybe to an odd meal….

By Colleen Clark

There are 5 different models. The 2 diesels are a 20d model 2 litre turbo charged, and a 30d model 3 litre twin turbocharged. The petrol versions are a 25t model 2 litre turbocharged. The 35t and the XFS models have the supercharged 3 litre engine found in the F Type sports car.

The model we drove was the 25t.  It has an engine rated at 177 bhp and 340 Nm of torque. Top speed of 240 kms per hour and 0 – 100 kms in 7 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 litres per hundred kilometres.

The new XF is 7mm shorter and 3 mm less in overall height. The frontal styling is more aggressive and the air scoops much bigger. Also this model has a rear quarter light incorporated into the body behind the back seat passenger There is a weight saving of some 190 kgs due to the aluminium construction. Jaguar says this is an all new car with unrivalled steering response, ride comfort, refinement and performance. It is enhanced by state of the art technology that keeps you safe, connected and entertained.

HIS

When you sit in the drivers’ seat you notice the red start stop button pulsating. Start me! Start me! Upon pushing the button you hear a swish and you really do have to look at the rev counter to see if the engine is going. The instrument panel directly in front of the driver is the usual Jaguar layout.   It also has a digital speedo but on this model it is at the top of the panel, much more directly in the line of sight. So there is really no excuse to say “but officer I really didn’t think I was going that fast”!

On moving down the road I was impressed by how quiet it was in the cabin. I was, however, a little sceptical about the power of the car as we have been used to cars with double the power. We need not have worried as it felt extremely nippy and we never felt the need to use the Sport button.   Never did we find the car wanting when it came to passing and straight away felt very comfortable as it is such an easy car to drive.

To me the electric steering was impressive. Both very light and sensitive and at roundabouts you could easily spin it around with one finger. The ride comfort is up to the well-known Jaguar high level. When driving over the Harbour Bridge expansion plates you could hear the thump but feel it very little in the car.

One of the big changes is the rear seat knee room that has been increased. Six foot tall people should not now complain and 3 in the back seat would be comfortable. This model is one of the babies in the range but as such I found it most surprising. Impressive comfort and performance and many extras such as blind spot monitors as standard.

In short  a very nice cruising car, good looking and economical. It would appear to be ahead of its rivals, a car to be cherished by many owners.

By Neville

HERS

This week we drove the new Jaguar XF 2 litre 4 cylinder petrol R Sport from Duncan and Ebbett Ltd. The day we chose was not perfect but at least the first half of the drive was on dry roads.

My first impression was the fantastic colour of this car, which I think was Italian Racing Red, according to the colour chart I looked at.  Inside though was a little disappointing as it was very “basic”. Apparently the first cars they send out from England as a new model do not seem to have many fancy extras. These new models have what they call the ‘Riva Hoop’ which is shaping from the doors and the dash. Sitting in the driver’s seat gives a first impression of sitting lower in the car.

But once the seat is altered and raised up to your driving position it feels really good. The 8” touch and swipe screen has some improvements.  This car had the usual reversing camera as well as the option of having the rear view as one drives along Although it was slightly unnerving as the car behind looked further back than it really was. It was interesting and something that I would want but you have to wonder what real use it is!

The Climate Control was either dual or separate. Apparently there is now a tad more room in the rear seat, achieved by lengthening the wheel base. The side rear view mirror has a clever blind spot monitor which I thought was a really necessary aid and have to wonder why it took them so long to produce it. The boot space is adequate but just a boot.  This car had a rubber mat fitted, which is an extra. It looked quite ugly to be honest. I was told that a lot of people use their Jags to put their golf clubs in and other sport type equipment.

On the road the first thing that really, really impressed me was the quietness of the motor. Now I know that I am used to more grunty motors with much more sound but this did catch my attention. Although when stopped at intersections etc you had to wonder if the motor was still going. I usually turn off the Eco button so that the motor doesn’t stop and restart at intersections.

The road we chose to drive on was far too busy. However, the car had great take off power, handled all the corners well as was to be expected. It was a shame we weren’t able to drive it on some windy hilly roads to really test it.

All in all it is a great car.

By Judy