The Midland Automobile Club’s Classic Nostalgia show , showcased 80 years of Jaguar road and race cars.

The Midland Automobile Club’s Classic Nostalgia thrilled the crowds with a very special display of road and race cars to celebrate 80 years of the Jaguar name and its Le Mans successes.

Classic Nostalgia was supported by Classic Motor Cars, Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, Stratstone, and Jaguar Cars all providing stunning machinery displayed in the Paddock and in action on the hill.

A last minute delight was the appearance of Project 7 which in the hands of Jaguar’s test driver took part in the hill display with several very spirited demonstration runs in glorious sunshine. This was the first time the car had been back in road going form since 2013 when the concept car was brought to Shelsley Walsh for final checks and publicity shots.

Mark Constanduros, Commercial Manager for the Midland Automobile Club said “It was a great delight to see Project 7 back here with us, the interest in the car was amazing and after all the last minute negotiations it was well worth the wait.”

“I really appreciate Jaguar agreeing to showcase Project 7 here again at Shelsley Walsh."

There were other highlights throughout the weekend, including the demonstration of the Callum Mark2 Jaguar. With the help of Classic Motor Cars and Ian Callum, Design Director of Jaguar, the car took a single run on the hill on Sunday. There was a lot of buzz around the car with people giving it a close inspection.

“I have to thank Ian Callum very much for agreeing to have his car here as part of the celebrations and to run it on the hill” said Mark Constanduros.

“I have only ever seen it static and was very keen to see the car running, for everyone to see and admire.”

Twice during each day the sound of the Jaguar V12 rang out as the 1987 championship winning XJR9 took to the hill in the hands of Kent Abrahamson, followed by the Group 44 E- type of Bob Tullius and the Jaguar XJ220s. On Sunday the same cars ran again except for the XJ220s, but this time with the XJ12C in the hands of 5 time Le Mans winner Derek Bell and the Callum Mark 2. All cars showcasing Jaguar’s heritage in both road and racing.

Displayed with Stratstone as a static display was the Ecurie Ecosse C-type and an XKSS from Classic Motor Cars. The Paddock also had two Daimlers one of which from Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust was the sister car to the one that ran at Shelsley Walsh in 1905, and ran at the Jubilee meeting with Rupert Instone.

Philip Porter, well renowned E-type specialist, brought the Italian Job E-type and the original

Geneva Motor Show car 9600HP. Philip was joined by Norman Dewis, Jaguar’s legendary test and development driver who carried out interview and autograph sessions throughout the day in front of Denis Jenkinson’s E-type.

The event also had the support of the Jaguar XK Enthusiasts Club (XKEC) and the Jaguar XJS Club with displays in the main display area with support from Jaguar Specialists SNG Barratt of Bridgenorth.

IMAGE CREDITS

1. Jaguar Project 7. Credit. Jeff Bloxham
2. Ian Callum Mk2. Credit Rob Macdonald
3. Jaguar XJR9 on the start line. Credit. Jeff Boxham
4. Derek Bell in the Jaguar XJ12C. Credit Jeff Bloxham
5. Group44 E Type. Credit Mark Constanduros
6. Jaguar XJ220s. Credit Mark Constanduros
7. Norman Dewis with Philip Porter. Credit Jeff Bloxham