This years HTCC has been extended to include a bigger range of cars, which will be totally brilliant.

Ahead of this week’s Autosport International Show (AIS) - Motor Racing Legends has announced that they are extending eligibility for this year’s Historic Touring Car Challenge. (HTCC)

The popular grid for Historic Touring Cars will be extending the entry regulations to include Group A cars right up to December 1990 – to cover normally-aspirated and turbo-charged cars up to 1600cc. 

The HTCC Series, entering its sixth season in 2016, has traditionally celebrated cars from the Win Percy or Andy Rouse era, filling grids with cars from the British and European Touring Car Championships from 1966 right up to 1985. 

The Group 1, Group 2 and Group A eras include a mixture of Ford Capri, Triumph Dolomite Sprints and Rover Vitesses. But the grid extension will open the doors for newcomers such as BMW M3, Toyota Corolla and Astra GTEs, all of which will now be eligible to compete.

Alongside this new entry criteria, Motor Racing Legends will shortly be making an announcement regarding the Group 1 category.

This year the Historic Touring Car Challenge season opens at the prestigious Donington Historic Festival (April 30-May 2) before making its debut stand-alone appearance at Silverstone Classic (July 29-31) followed by a visit to Spa during the Six Hour Endurance weekend (Sept 16 -18). Rounding off the year with a weekend in Portimao for the Algarve Classic Festival. (Oct 28-30)

Motor Racing Legends Chairman Duncan Wiltshire commented “This new entry criteria will make a big change to the grid line up. By extending the entry criteria, we have expanded the number of eligible cars and expect to encourage good competitive racing right through the grid. 

The series already attracts some fabulous cars and a huge fan base, and with races planned at Spa, Silverstone Classic and the Donington Historic Festival we are sure to put on a great spectacle at all rounds.”

The Motor Racing Legends team will be in attendance at the Autosport International Show this coming week (Birmingham NEC, 14-17 January) with a stand alongside the  Silverstone Classic Pit Lane feature. Team members with be on hand on Thursday and Friday, so if you have any questions on eligibility please come along to Hall 20, stand 2280.

Provisional Motor Racing Legends Calendar for: Historic Touring Car Challenge, (HTCC)

• Donington Historic Festival (April 30 – May 2)
• Silverstone Classic (July 29, 30, 31)
• Spa Six Hours (September 16, 17, 18)
• Portimao - Algarve Classic Festival (October 28, 29, 30)

The original Jaguar Xj12-C Broadspeed used in the New Avengers by John Steed smashes target by over £50k

• 1976 XJ12-C Broadspeed as seen on popular 1970’s TV series The New Avengers fetches £62,000 at H&H Classics’ auction in Duxford
• John Steed’s on-screen hero-car sells to private collector after 20-year hibernation
• ‘NWK 60P’ another example of increasing desirability and values of Jaguar Heritage models after fetching £50,000 over initial estimates
• Wears chassis number eight and originally made as a pre-production prototype before starring in the cult ‘70s TV show

The original Jaguar XJ12-C Broadspeed that appeared in the cult 1970’s TV series, The New Avengers, has sold at auction today for £62,000 – some £50,000 over initial estimates.

The iconic Jaguar, driven by secret agent John Steed (played by Patrick Macnee) in the hit series, began life as a pre-production prototype vehicle for the marque. Bought by a private collector at the H&H Classics’ auction at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridge, the XJ12-C completed its early development and testing work with Jaguar before being sent to Broadspeed Engineering Ltd. to be fitted with upgraded bodykit including wider bumpers and wheelarches plus bigger wheels and tyres in preparation for filming.

The car wears chassis number eight (2G1008BW) and features the original 5.3-litre V12 engine that powered secret agent Steed’s British sportscar during the 26-episode series.

Following the series finale in 1977, ‘NWK 60P’ was then sold and passed through the hands of multiple keepers and eventually put up for auction at the NEC Classic Car Show in the early 1990s. After the sale, the famous Jaguar disappeared from public view and remained in hibernation for the next two decades – during which time the car has been subjected to vandalism and general disrepair.

Tim Hannig, Managing Director, Jaguar Heritage, said: “There is no arguing about the desirability of this iconic Jaguar. The XJ12-C Broadspeed still looks fantastic today and although the condition of NWK 60P has deteriorated over the 20 years its been locked up, it still shows how the demand for Jaguar Heritage models has increased in recent times along with their values. We hope to see the car back on the road in the near future and we will continue to support owners of cars such as this famous XJ12-C through our Jaguar Heritage business.”

Nick Delaney, Business Development Manager of H&H Classics, said: “It is fantastic to see this Jaguar XJ12-C from The New Avengers TV Series back in public view again after being locked away for so long. The sale price of £62,000 is truly remarkable considering it fetched more than £50,000 over initial estimates. It just proves the appeal of not only the programme but also of the car itself. Buyers are seeing the investment potential with classic Jaguars and the added provenance of this car means that it, once fully restored to working order again, will be even more valuable.”

Jaguar Heritage forms part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations division and has been born to support the brand’s passion in nurturing and preserving its rich heritage of vehicles and supporting its loyal customer base across Jaguar’s global sales network. Jaguar Heritage boasts a catalogue of over 30,000 original spare and replacements parts for generations of Heritage models 10 years out of production. Furthermore, Jaguar’s Heritage workshop at Browns Lane, Coventry, carries out warrantied servicing and restorations on the marque’s classic models.

John Steeds Jaguar XJC 12 going up for auction, its in a bad way, but this MUST be saved, as he passed recently.

Steed, Gambit, Purdey: cult fantasy secret agent series The New Avengers was one of the hits of the mid-1970s. But the other star alongside Patrick Macnee, Gareth Hunt and Joanna Lumley was this 1976 Jaguar XJ-C 12, now for sale at H&H Classics on 14 October 2015 with the very modest estimate of just £10,000 to £12,000.

John Steed's famous Jag, in Racing Green, was the eighth XJ-C 12 made and originally an experimental model featuring a Broadspeed body kit and extra-wide wheels fitted for the TV series.

Dry-stored for many years and now in need of restoration, it comes to the market as a dream project for someone who loves a ‘barn-find’.

There can be very few British cars that speak more eloquently of the automotive culture of the UK in the 1970s than this burly, rakish, cool brute that was John Steed’s Big Cat.

This smooth secret agent was well matched by the equally elegant but tweaked, tuned and pumped up version of Jag’s pillarless XJ Coupé that boasted a dozen cylinders offering 5.3 litres.

Driven by an elegant man in Savile Row tailoring and a bowler hat, the car, gritty Gambit and purring Purdey were perfect foils for him and the oh-so-British action.

Damian Jones, Sales Director of H&H Classics, comments: “Who of us who remember the series did not at one time or another fancy ourselves at the wheel of this car? Now there is a chance to make that fantasy a reality for a very nominal amount. And who knows, maybe the chance to find a modern-day Purdey in the passenger seat!”

Jaguar to surprise and amaze at Goodwood with a host of new cars and specials all on show.

• Enhanced Jaguar XJ to make world debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed
• New Jaguar XJR Rapid Response Vehicle for Bloodhound SSC to make dynamic world debut on Goodwood Hill
• Innovative new Jaguar XF to receive UK premiere on Jaguar stand at Festival
• First public appearance for production version of Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7
• Jaguar stand to feature Bloodhound SSC driving experience and live F-TYPE track experience for show visitors

In a year of exciting new product launches, Jaguar will give debuts to four new cars at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015. The world premiere of the recently- announced, enhanced Jaguar XJ range on the Jaguar Land Rover stand will be marked by the debut appearance of a very special version of British marque’s flagship luxury car, the Jaguar XJR Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) for Bloodhound SSC.

Jaguar is a technical partner of the Bloodhound Project and visitors to the famous British motorsport festival this year will see both XJR and F-TYPE R Coupé versions of Bloodhound SSC Rapid Response Vehicles take on the Goodwood Hill in spectacular style. 

On the morning of Saturday 27 June, the Jaguar XJR RRV will be piloted by Bloodhound SSC driver Andy Green.

Visitors to the Jaguar Land Rover stand will be able to try out the new Bloodhound SSC driving experience and take part in a live track experience of F-TYPE, accompanied by a pro driver. 

On the stand, Jaguar will present a number of firsts including the international debut of the enhanced XJ luxury car and the UK debut of the all-new XF executive saloon.

Highlights of the new XJ, which will be available to order from Jaguar UK retailers from this autumn, include the new InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment system offering door-to-door navigation, seamless iOS and Android connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot and 26-speaker, 1,300W Meridian Digital Reference audio system. The enhanced XJ will be available to specify with an uprated 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine developing an impressive 300PS/700Nm.  

The Jaguar RRVs will be joined on the Goodwood Hill by the first production version of the new F-TYPE Project 7, the exciting new 340PS, 3.0-litre Jaguar XE S, and a selection of Jaguar’s most iconic heritage cars including XJ13, Group 44 E-type, Long Nose D-type, TWR XJS and Broadspeed XJ12C.

Jaguar and Bloodhound SSC: Technical Partners

The XJR RRV is the latest creation of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division and follows hot-on-the-heels of the Bloodhound SSC F-TYPE R Coupé RRV, which was unveiled at the Coventry MotoFest. 

Jaguar has pedigree in Rapid Response Vehicle support to world land speed record drives, having supported Richard Noble’s Thrust 2 in 1983 and Andy Green’s Thrust SSC in 1997.

The RRVs will be used by the Bloodhound team throughout the high speed tests and World Land Speed Record attempts.  The XJRs have been modified to carry customised equipment, supplied by British bespoke emergency equipment manufacturer Angloco. 

Jaguar Land Rover SVO engineers removed the rear seats of the XJR and fitted a roll-cage and specially-made housings to accommodate the support equipment.

John Edwards, Managing Director - Special Operations at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “These are specially developed cars for a very special purpose, showcasing SVO’s ability to design and engineer bespoke vehicles to the highest possible standards. Equally importantly we’re proud to be playing a part in another great British land speed record attempt.”

The customised Jaguar XJR provides an ideal solution for keeping essential personnel and equipment close to Bloodhound at all times – the XJR has a spacious cabin and it’s 5.0-litre V8 550PS Supercharged petrol engine takes it from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 174mph.

A video showing the creation of the Bloodhound XJR can be viewed here: 

https://youtu.be/9RS5ZCkQOhs

John Edwards becomes Chairman of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT).

JAGUAR LAND ROVER SPECIAL OPERATIONS’ MANAGING DIRECTOR, JOHN EDWARDS, IS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE JAGUAR DAIMLER HERITAGE TRUST

• Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations’ division, John Edwards, has been appointed Chairman of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
• Speaking during the launch of the Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience in the West Midlands today, John Edwards said of his appointment: “it is a commitment, a responsibility and a position that I will embrace with a great deal of pride”
• Edwards’ Special Operations division also announces a new Jaguar Heritage Challenge historic racing series.

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations’ Managing Director, John Edwards, has been appointed Chairman of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT).  He succeeds former Jaguar Cars Managing Director, Mike O’Driscoll, who held the position of JDHT Chairman from 2009 to 2014.

Speaking at the launch of the new Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience – the first of its kind for Jaguar –John Edwards announced the news of his appointment as Chair of the JDHT Board of Trustees, along with news of a new historic racing series, the Jaguar Heritage Challenge.

John Edwards said: “I am proud and honoured to accept the position of Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  This will enhance the opportunity for both the company and the Trust to further protect, nurture and leverage the rich heritage of Jaguar. I’d like to thank Mike O’Driscoll for providing strong leadership during his five years as Chairman and for leaving the Trust in such great shape.”

Details of the Jaguar Heritage Challenge, a historic racing series for pre-1966 Jaguar sportscars and saloons, will be the subject of a further announcement later today at 

www.media.jaguar.co.uk.

Browns Lane heritage Workshop opens to service and maintain classic Jaguars.

• Brand new Jaguar Heritage workshop opens at the historic Browns Lane facility, offering Jaguar warrantied servicing restoration of classic models
• Operated by the same Jaguar Heritage craftsmen who will build the six new Lightweight E-types, all work will be certified via a Jaguar-approved logbook
• The Jaguar Heritage workshop will be led by Martyn Hollingsworth – himself a third-generation Jaguar employee
• Introductory 20% discount offer on labour rates for early customers

In a significant move for owners of classic models, Jaguar Heritage has opened a brand new workshop facility at Browns Lane, Coventry – the spiritual home of many of our heritage vehicles.

The workshop – the same facility in which the six new Lightweight E-type period competition cars will be built – will offer warrantied servicing and restoration of Jaguar’s classic models.

Led by Martyn Hollingsworth, a third-generation Jaguar employee, Jaguar Heritage craftsmen have a unique skillset, which is now available to owners of classic Jaguars.

All servicing and restoration work completed within the Browns Lane facility – which will also be used for the restoration of Jaguar’s own heritage vehicles – will be fully warrantied. Customers will be able to visit while work is in progress on their vehicles and, upon completion, they can obtain both a photographic record of the work carried out and a Jaguar approved service logbook.

Said Martyn Hollingsworth, “The recreation of the new Lightweight E-type period competition cars has demonstrated the unique skillset within the Jaguar Heritage team, and I’m delighted the opening of our Browns Lane workshop means we’re now able to make those same skills available to the benefit of our global customers.”

The Jaguar Heritage workshop can collect and deliver vehicles for service or restoration from any location in the UK or, in the case of overseas customers, any UK airport or port. 

Early customers can benefit from an introductory offer of a 20% reduction on the official labour rate for works completed prior to 31 December 2014 (terms and conditions apply).

First production spec Lynx Eventer going up for auction.

The very first production spec Lynx Eventer will be going under the hammer in Silverstone Auctions’ Autumn Sale on September 20^th.

The incredibly rare car, one of just 67 produced, is a shooting brake version of Jaguar’s XJS V12 HE. Each car was hand- built to order in East Sussex on a custom-made jig taking 14 weeks from order to delivery. The major change was the removal of the XJS’ buttresses replaced instead by an extended roof with rear and side windows offering a vast expanse of glass.

Managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “We’re no stranger to these beautiful estate cars having sold build number 40 at The Silverstone Classic Sale in July. These cars are incredibly rare and offer an unusual and practical classic car ownership experience.”

The Eventer was applauded by the contemporary motoring press for the way it drove, and a marked improvement on the Jaguar it was based on. The rearward shift in weight distribution required stiffer rear suspension but the XJS accepted this modification gracefully. The Eventer actually weighed less than the standard XJS so acceleration was sharper. Testament to the skills of British engineers working in small workshops up and down the land, the Lynx team created a car that drove like the product of a multi-million pound R&D programme, matched by a level of finish and detail to rival the best.

This important 1982 example, estimated at between £25,000 and £30,000, was the first to be sold to the public. 1 HOP was also used extensively in Lynx marketing featuring in the factory brochure and magazines of the time. Copies of the original brochure and press cuttings on the car are included in the substantial history file.

The car is offered for sale having been in storage for the last 15 years and is in need of restoration.

For more information on the car please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1982-lynx-eventer-v12.

Jaguar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.

• Jaguar to have an exciting presence at next week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (26-29 June)
• Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations to present first ever new product on Jaguar stand at famous motoring Festival
• The 60^th anniversary of the Le Mans-winning D-type to be celebrated
• Jaguar ex-Works driver Andy Wallace to be reunited with his Le Mans-winning XJR-9 LM
• F-TYPE R Coupé, and new Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake to speed up Goodwood Hill

Long-term supporter of the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, Jaguar, will be making some noise at next week’s event from 26-29 June with an exceptional line-up of its cars, both old and new.

Visitors to the Jaguar stand at the spectacular automotive show will be delighted to see the first new product from Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations - the new division of Jaguar Land Rover responsible for a range of special product and service programmes for Jaguar and Land Rover customers.

Chiming perfectly with Goodwood’s 2014 Festival theme of ‘Addicting to Winning’, Jaguar will have an extensive selection of its past, present and near-future models at the event, including victorious examples of the racing D-type, XJS TWR and XJR-9 tackling the famous 1.16-mile hillclimb.

Two of the Jaguar Heritage Trust’s significant D-types will be in action as this legendary Jaguar marks its 60^th anniversary.  The original 1954 D-type prototype will be demonstrated, as will the later 1956 ‘Long Nose’ model, to be driven by ex-Grand Prix racer Bruno Senna. Bruno recently covered over 1,000 miles in this car at the 2014 Mille Miglia, with co-driver and fellow Formula 1 star, Martin Brundle.

Other Jaguar Heritage competition racers in action at Goodwood will include the iconic ‘Group 44’ E-type, the Group-A XJS TWR and the 1988 Le Mans-winning XJR-9 LM, the latter being reunited with one of its victorious team drivers; Andy Wallace.  

Away from the competition cars, examples of Jaguar’s new production F-TYPE R Coupé and XFR-S Sportbrake will be publically seen in action at the Festival, with both set for high speed drives up the famous Goodwood Hill.