Journal

A chronicle of people, places, happenings, and creations we admire.

Jaguar Announce 3 "New" Continuation Models

Jaguar have announced the 'Continuation' of three Heritage models.  The D-Type, the XKSS (McQueen drove one) and the XK-E Lightweight will have their remaining numbers fulfilled after a factory fire put a stop to production 60 years ago.  The last D-Type, for example, left the assembly line way back in 1956.  Using an archive of original drawings, details and methods, all remaining cars will be hand-built to period-correct detail. 

Kev Riches, Jaguar Classic Engineering Manager, said: “Recreating the nine D-type-derived XKSSs was hugely satisfying, and an even bigger technical challenge than the six missing Lightweight E-types, but lessons learned from the XKSS project have given us a head start on the final 25 D-types. Each one will be absolutely correct, down to the very last detail, just as Jaguar’s Competitions Department intended.”

Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: "The XKSS occupies a unique place in Jaguar's history and is a car coveted by collectors the world over for its exclusivity and unmistakable design. 

"Jaguar Classic's highly skilled team of engineers and technicians will draw on decades of knowledge to ensure each of the nine cars is completely authentic and crafted to the highest quality.” 

Not sure how this new release will affect the auction market, we can only assume the electrics will be updated spec, let's hope!

All images ©Jaguar Classic

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£65 million worth of Aston Martins unleashed at new St Athan plant | Aston Martin

Watch an incredible celebration of Aston Martin’s heritage, bringing together 28 very special Aston Martins with a combined value of £65 million in a film produced to celebrate the transfer of ownership of the three super hangars at St Athan. Enjoy the glorious sights and sounds of Aston Martins from the A3 to the DBR1, the One-77, numerous Vantages, Rapide S and of course the Aston Martin Vulcan, as they spread their wings at St Athan.

Restored: Elvis' BMW 507

A fabled BMW 507 once owned by Elvis Presley, has been found and restored to Concours condition by BMW Group Classic.  Driven during his military service in Germany in the 1950s, the legend of Elvis and his cars had begun.  The car was discovered after it was feared to have vanished forever for a period of over 50 years.  The original white paint job was resprayed in lipstick red to solve the issue of female fans scribbling notes in lipstick on it.

Elvis replaced the car with a Chrysler in New York after his service in Germany, the car was sold for the ridiculous price of $4500 dollars to radio moderator Tommy Charles, who went on to race the 507 successfully in numerous races including Daytona, which by then had been swapped for a Chevrolet engine and gearbox.

Space engineer Jack Castor had taken ownership sometime later, using the car as a daily driver then into storage with the intent of restoring it.  Castor had put together a thorough record of the car, it's history, repairs, and photos; a full dossier.  It was only after a meeting and visit by a writer working with Bimmer magazine when the possibility of this being the fabled 'Elvis 507' was discussed.  After some forensics and research, Chassis No.70079 was indeed found to be the genuine article.  BMW Group Classic had heard of this unbelievable find and set to work.

The car was sent to Munich, carefully disassembled, stripped down to the bare metal; structural reinforcements were made to restore rigidity and overall integrity.  The original 3.2 litre V8 was refurbished to new conditioned and reunited with the car after 50 years.  It was reconditioned to exact manufacturer specifications right down to the original paint color of Feather White.

The BMW 'Elvis 507' will be on view at Pebble Beach Concours this month on August 21st.

The Andrews Collection at RM Sotheby's: 1959 Lister-Chevrolet

RM Sotheby's has a very special example of British-American racing cars at auction today, Saturday, May 2--the 1959 Lister-Chevrolet.  This gorgeous machine (Chassis No. BHL / Engine No. 3789935) with lightweight aluminum "knobbly' body that many Lister cars are famous for, is mated to a 436 bhp Small-Block Chevrolet engine making for a potent combination back then, and we suspect so even today.  This cars holds lap records at Oulton Park, Goodwood and Spa, Belgium, has proper FIA paperwork and would make any serious collection complete.

$500,000-$650,000 (No Reserve)

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Images ©RMSotheby's / Andrews Collection