Over 250 Jaguars attended the 43rd National Jaguar Rally held in Perth Western Australia over the weekend from 27th to the 29th of April 2012.
>> Gallery (299 Images)
The Saturday saw a magnificent display of Concours Jaguars, daily drivers, and special built and modified Jaguars. The site was the Supreme Court Gardens overlooking the Swan River, surrounded by green lawns and lovely gardens. The cars were lined up in model types and made it a photographer’s delight as they went to a lot of trouble to line the cars up.
Most model Jaguars were very well represented from very early 1930’s models to the very latest Super Jags of 2012. Models included the early SS Jaguars, SS 100’s, Mark IV’s, Mark 2’s, XJ’s and all in between, XK’s and E types. A real Mecca for Jaguar lovers or lovers of fine cars.
Dealers were also well represented, and had a good range on display, both used and new. The prices of new Jags in Australia are almost unbelievable, with the Super XK8RR of just under $400,000. (wow!). There was also a great line up of specials as well as replicas including the usual C, D type and the XJ13. All dream machines. Also of note the Mark 7 2 door coupe, Mark 5 2 door convertible, and special powered Jaguar cars. While purists might frown, you have to admire the workmanship and the innovation of these specials.
On the Sunday, the Jaguar Car Club of Perth put on a fantastic “sprint” regularity run at the Barbagallo raceway. A lot of Jaguars on a race track going at speed, and the sound is great to see and hear. For me and my son a highlight was to get rides in a couple of XK’s on what was deemed “parade laps” at speed. And I have to say sitting in the passenger seat going around a race track at some speed, and even four wheel drifting on a wet track at speed, will get the adrenalin rushing.
I also had a ride in an XK 150 coupe that had been modernised so it could easily be used in today’s traffic and driving conditions. I think it was well done; the modifications included power steering, later gearbox with the “J” gate, airconditioning. The XK 140 I had the privilege of riding in was also a well travelled and rallied XK. It has been to South Africa and Malaysia. It was well set up with rally clocks, and much more.
Jaguar enthusiasts arrived from most parts of Australia bringing their cars, some from as far away as Brisbane Queensland, Sydney NSW, Canberra, Melbourne Victoria and Adelaide South Australia. Some drove their cars all the way, well over 4,000 kilometers.
From an organizational perspective, the Jaguar Car Club members of West Australia have done a superb job in the entire organization of the whole event with no detail overlooked. A totally enjoyable rally!
Text & Photos: Heinz Schendzielorz, www.MB600Limo.com |
