The XK150 was one of the most beautiful cars ever produced in the history of the road vehicle. And the genuine original XK150S 3.8 litre drophead we'd put through a complete chassis-off restoration was no exception.
This particular XK150S lacked much of its lustre and was in average condition when we first started working with it. But once we'd fully restored it to the complete original specification and finished it in indigo blue (precision matched to the original paint codes) we knew we had something special.
Not long afterwards, one of our customers from Scotland saw it in our showroom. He fell in love with its sumptuous lines, style and power and took delivery in April 2007.
He was so delighted, he bought a further two cars from us. Which was incredibly satisfying and more than we could have wished for. So that (as we thought) was that.
But it wasn't.
Just a few weeks later in mid May, our client decided to take his XK150S to the Dean Park Classics Car Show at Dean Castle, Kilmarnock. Although the Ayrshire Classic Car Club's annual show is still in its infancy, a large, knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd turned out to see a stream of sumptuous classics, each one primed and ready for viewing.
Clearly our client hadn't prepared his XK150 for show. We had no idea he was there and so hadn't provided our usual concours preparation service. But the Scottish Jaguar Drivers' Club (who were attending the event) had spotted his Jaguar. Impressed, they asked him to enter his car into the ring. Flattered to be invited but not expecting anything, our client agreed.
So imagine his astonishment when he won Best of Show! Our client had merely expected a pleasant day relaxing with one of his recreational cars. What he got was a prestigious trophy, as well as a specially commissioned watercolour of his prize-winning classic, which arrived some time later. And that amazing feeling you get when life conspires to give you so much more than you'd bargained for.
To say he was elated doesn't begin to cover it!
“We make a point of telling all our clients that to get results they and their peers can be truly proud of, work with the best and rarest original stock,” said JD Classics' managing director, Derek Hood. “Thankfully, our customers have taken our advice and are reaping the benefits emotionally, financially and in awards time and time again.”