Classic Jaguars

Ever since they announced it was due to close, I've been trying to get to the Jaguar Heritage Centre. On the site of the old factory its part of the marques collection of old and unusual cars from its past. With housing developments closing in on all sides its days are numbers now and by the summer everything will have been boxed and put in storage. So a job on the outskirts of Birmingham that was only 10 miles from the museum was too good an opportunity to turn down. Having completed the survey work and due a lunch break I took half an hour to wander round the showroom.



There are around 30 cars on display at any one time along with countless engines, trophies and paintings from the companies history. Greeting me at the front door was a 10 year old F1 car.



Looking past this I saw a dream combination, the mighty XJ220 and one of the 1988 Silk Cut Le Mans cars.







The front part of the room was taken up with several concept cars, often seen only in magazines. I have spotted a few at shows in the past but never with such unrestricted access.



Moving back in time to the 50s and 60s there were examples of the E and D Types as well as a good old Mk2.





The most modern car there was a GT3 racer from the previous seasons GT championship. Against the classics with chrome and wire wheels it looked chunky and aggressive.



Another favourite of mine was the XJ-S ETCC car, built and run by TWR it was legendary in the 1980s with its V12 powerplant doing battle with various BMWs across the continent.



Sliding even further back in time we hit the start of the company, Swallow Sidecars. The 1922 motorbike and elegant sidecar paved the way for the rebodied Austin and then onto the 1930s SS cars.







With time getting on I took a stroll around the balcony, there were several of the large paintings I'd happily have in the study if there was space. Looking down it was sad to think this fantastic collection will soon be locked away untilJaguar can find the money to reopen somewhere else.



There are a few more photos here. If you are near Browns Lane then get in a see it before its too late. Its free to get in as well.

Steve.

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