Portsmouth Region Weald & Downland Jaguar day

[poprivet]

A great turnout of I would guess around 200 Jaguars of all type and ages. I counted 10 XJS models, plus any late comers, The XJS is certainly reducing in numbers but what were there looked generally in fine condition and well cared for.

Hearty congratulations to the Portsmouth Region guys and gals for organising this event, A line up of selected sporting Jaguars was arranged in the arena with an excellent commentary over the PA by Simon Cronin and John Cady.

Pictured below are the two XJSs in the arena.



Also on show was the new XE.



Both Coupe and convertible F types were also on show side by side, very interesting to note the bodywork differences. Mrs Rivet liked the XE, I preferred the F Type, as we couldn't agree I guess we will have to have one of each!

[franrca]

I may be being a bit dim, after a couple of Sunday-evening drinks to steady myself for Monday back at work - but is that a late facelift XJS-C? I didn't think there were any facelift ones...or has that been facelifted after-market?

[davidr]

Looks like that car is a mix. Judging by the number plate it would be a facelift but it's wearing the later facelift body-coloured bumpers.
I think there were some cars converted to cabriolet spec but not by Jaguar who had obviously moved on to the full convertible by then.
Can't remember who was doing the cabriolet conversion. Tickford maybe?
Others will be along shortly to enlighten us I'm sure!

[poprivet]

It is a conversion, but I can't remember the details. It would make an interesting article for the magazine.

Here's a view from the rear.

[J44EAG]

The car is owned by Chris Leeson, one of our Portsmouth Members. I`ll ask him to give me more details.

Pop Rivet was there with his white coupe. Good to see you again, Al.

About one hundred and eighty cars present including the JH SS100, an XKSS, C,D,E and F-types, loads of XK models of all years and derivatives, a MK5 and a Mark 7, not to mention a new XE and our raffle car.

We had terrific weather and were treated to an impromptu high level Spitfire display from one of the two aircraft based at nearby Goodwood.

The show was organised by John Cady, one of our members who retired down here having been a Jaguar Cars Director at Browns Lane. Chief Marshall was Trevor Whyte known to many for his replica D-type. Simon and Ann Cronin sold out of raffle tickets for the draw car. My thanks to all those who helped make the event such a success. Early indications are that we will be running a similar event next year.

The event is based on the back of a steam rally held in the grounds of the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton, just over the hill Northwards of Goodwood Horse Race Course. If you haven`t attended our event previously, it is well worth coming to. Probably another August date for next year.

My personal thanks to the Portsmouth Committee and members for their efforts.

Mike K. Chairman, Portsmouth Region.

[ptjs1]

Mike,

I noticed that neither of the owners of the XJSs have updated their membership details online with their car details. Perhaps you could politely remind them when you get a chance.

Cheers

Paul

[J44EAG]

That doesn`t suprise me, Paul.

Despite our local best efforts to get members to engage with this site and our BB facilities, only a few make use of this part of Club facilities.

Be that as it may, I`ll give it another shot.

Mike

[poprivet]

Paul, of the 9 there that I made a note of, 6 do not appear on the public register. Maybe some are on the non-public register though.

Owners are more aware of data security these days, maybe if it made more clear that the details can be 'hidden' they might be more open to provide them?

I know it has been a battle over the years to build and maintain the register, with the numbers of XJSs lost over the last years I wonder just how up to date the register is now.

With the XJS anniversary event in the autumn maybe it would be a good time for the club to bring the register to members attention again.

[ptjs1]

Pop,

You're right, the club management just don't do enough to encourage members.

Even the terminology of "register" is inappropriate. It's about members adding their vehicle details to their membership record. A "register" is merely something that we generate from the aggregation of each group of those details. It's why those of us who do try and improve matters use the phrase "Please update your membership record with your vehicle details". All members are quite happy for the club to know their home address, so it seems a minor step forward to add their cars.

If the club kept reiterating that we can't run a club and offer the appropriate services if we don't know precisely what cars are owned, then the situation would undoubtedly improve. We really are way behind many smaller car clubs in this respect. It's also important that all Regions, Forum representatives and all club Directors keep reinforcing the message. It's a major PR issue. Sadly, this just doesn't happen at the moment.

Paul