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SDJC
Stories
XJ 4 RJ
by Bob Celli
submitted 4-28-2008
I’ll never forget the time I first fell in love. I was about 12 or so and sleeping in on a lazy Saturday morning. I hadn’t a care in the world until I heard that truck. The rumbling of its large engine...the clanking and slamming of its rear cargo doors opening...the screeching of a hand cart in desperate need of some WD40. I stretched, rubbed my eyes, and crawled back under the covers. The clattering continued outside. It won. I stepped over to the window and slowly opened the shutters to see what was responsible for bringing a dismal end to a morning that had barely just begun. Bekins. I had forgotten that my wonderful next-door neighbors had to move to L.A. for their careers and were renting their home to a young couple. Bekins made sure I remembered, loud and clear! I scanned the goings-on through the slat in the shutters when a sparkle caught my eye. Chrome, and lots of it! When the moving men stepped out of the way, I saw my first love – a brand-new Jaguar sat in the driveway next door. I had never seen one, save a sad, old beater that a playmate’s father in my old neighborhood swore he’d fix “some day.” But there it was...long...low...sleek...pure art. Pure beauty. I had to meet the new neighbors!
“Hi, I’m Bobby!” “Nice to meet you, Bobby. I’m Ray and this is Marie.” “I LOVE your car! Can I look at it! “Sure thing!” They directed me over to what I learned was Marie’s car – a shiny new Mercedes 450SL convertible. “No no, not this car, that car!” Marie looked a little irked and Ray lit up. “That’s my new baby! Want to sit in the driver’s seat?” I have never smelled such a scent...that combination of leather, wood, and well, new Britishness! From that day forward, my dream was to own my very own “baby” one day, just like Ray.
I had fleeting affairs with other Jaguars as I grew up. While vacationing in Hawaii, my friend, who walked to work in Waikiki each day, handed me and my friends the keys to his new 1999 XJ8, Platinum with Ivory leather–ours to drive all over Oahu for an entire week! Yes, there were great mai tais around. Priceless Hawaiian sunsets. Diamond Head framing the ultimate view from The Royal Hawaiian. But my mind was with my love...that amazing cat. I was more determined than ever: I will own a Jaguar one day. An XJ8 in Platinum with Ivory leather.
It’s funny what happens when we reach the age of 40, which I did in August of 2006. We celebrate; we say we don’t feel any older, that 40 ain’t so bad. But in the back of our minds, we focus not only on what we have achieved in four decades, but what we haven’t. The parties faded into the heat of summer and life continued on until I went to the auto show that December. There in front of me was the Jaguar section. Everything else disappeared. I decided it was time to get that “baby” I had dreamed of ever since that morning way back when. But it couldn’t be just any XJ8. I prefer the sleeker style of the 1998 - 2003 XJ8 over the new, bigger style. I also prefer the price! I searched the internet, I drove all over the Southland, and I nearly gave up. Then in February of 2007 I stopped into Bauer Jaguar in Orange County, nearly beaten by a day of disappointment. I told the dapper salesman that I would be in sheer heaven if I found a 2003 XJ8 Sovereign. None was on the lot. “Wait, wait,” he encouraged, looking over a list of inventory cars. “I think we have one that just came in yesterday. Would you like me to have it driven over for you to see?” “Sure,” I said, trying not to get my hopes up. As we waited, and waited, and w-a-i-t-e-d, he told me that the car had only about 9,000 miles on it because the owner rarely drives it. Seems she lives on Oahu and keeps a car here for her visits to the mainland. I had a hard time swallowing that. Then it arrived. Platinum. Ivory interior. Sovereign. Mint. The smell of new Britishness. “And guess what,” noted the salesman, popping his head into the car, “I lied. She only has 5,000 miles on her!”
My dream has come true, thanks to Bekins, some new neighbors, and a magical place in Coventry, England. Just the other day I was buffing off a second coat of wax in the garage when I noticed that some of the young neighbor kids were playing in the street. I’d say they’re about 12 or so. As I continued to polish, admiring every curve of my baby, I heard one of them say quietly to the other, “When I get to be Bob’s age, I’ll have a Jaguar just like his.”
About the Author: Bob Celli is a new member of the SDJC. He is a writer specializing in creating unique copy for websites, marketing materials, advertising, brochures and more.
This article was previously published in the Jaguar Tracks, Feburary 2008 by the same title and the Jaguar Journal March/April 2008 titled An XJ Love Affair. Photos are of the author's 2003 XJ8 Sovereign.
THE
FUN WE HAD
By
Suzanne Stofer
Cats
and Birds loose in the same house and no fatalities?? Not even a fight??
That's exactly what happened when 44 Jaguar owners and 22 T-Bird owners
gathered at Steven Bernstein's fabulous Mission Hills home for a potluck
dinner on Sat, June 21. This was so much fun we're already plotting
another joint event. One very interesting note....several T-Bird owners
also own a Jaguar. Hugh and Rochell Samuels have a classic '55 T-Bird,
but also have their 4th Jag, her '03 S-type. Bruce and Ann Mortland
have a '57 T-Bird and a '67 XKE! Nedra Rummell, our ever-friendly membership
chairman, was busy getting addresses to send out Jaguar Club membership
packets to three potential new members, including Maggie DeCaro, who
saw a blurb about the party in the paper and "crashed"! Nedra
and Grant came to this event in their '89 XK8, but Nedra fondly reminisced
about driving around in a baby blue '57 T-Bird with her friends when
she was in school.
Steven
sent invitations to his neighbors near Presidio Park to come by and
view all the "birds and cats" parked around his house. Many
took advantage of the opportunity to see these marvelous cars, some
walking their dogs. The dogs seemed to like the Jaguars best. Steven
has his two toned '67 Jag 420G and his lime green T-Bird in the driveway.
Steven
graciously allowed everyone to wander through his gorgeous home which
was recently featured on the ASID tour and photographed for Home and
Garden Magazine. We were all fascinated by the living room walls that
completely open to the view terrace and to the pool area, and by the
finger of the pool that extends into the master bedroom for easy access
for those midnight swims. Very classy. There were even show tunes playing
on a magnificent baby grand piano. Jan Burton looked right in place
in her spiffy pink and black ensemble complete with black hat.
The
decorations throughout the house were ingenious. Lots of nooks and crannies...Jane
and Bob Anderson found a delightful spot by the ferns near the pool
to relax and reflect on their recent three week trip to London. Hazel
Beck and Suzanne Stofer found a game area complete with a chess set
which they turned into a checkers game. Hazel won, Suzanne lost. And
speaking of losing, Steve Boyle was devilishly pleased with himself
for besting Lou Lepis in the driver class at the recent Concours in
Fullerton. Lou might be regretting telling Steve that one of Steve's
taillights was out at 7 AM as they drove to the event; Steve called
an auto shop, bought 14 bulbs hoping one would fit. The fifth one he
tried did the trick, elevating Steve right past Lou and into first place!
We
had fun talking to the T-Bird owners and hearing their stories about
how they had located their cars. They are as car crazy as we are! One
couple, Jerry and Bernette Hill, own eight cars and have to stay together
as they can't split up the cars!
We
had a chance to catch up with new and long time members. Chuck and Julie
Brass, who have a '94 XJS coupe, told us about being in England and
touring the Jaguar factory.
Rod
Sornson, who came to the Shakespear pub as his first event, brought
his wife Lynn this time, in their '02 X-type. He rightly said that Jag
Club people are great! Jacquelin and David Guenlee had to come sans
their '74 C as it is in the shop, but Jacquelin wore black and white
to commemorate the colors of their missing Jag.
Nancy
Stanworth and Pat Wrolson arrived in an XJR. Nancy's first event was
the Churchill Pub dinner. Sammie and Wayne Nelson, who first met us
at Churchills and were busy arguing then about whether their '90 Sabre
is brown or red have found peace in their family and now call it browish
red. Patsy Millard drove in her '91 Vanden Plus, and David Ousley in
his black XJS coupe. Dan and Jorgene Jenson, who participated in the
Acorn rally last year enjoyed the evening as well. As usual, it was
great to have a chance to chat with Ginny and Dick Cavicke, who have
been members since 1985. Dick is busy teaching us how to judge Jags
for Concours events, and we appreciate his time! I didn't get a chance
to talk to everyone there, including a stylish couple in tux and evening
gown, but hopefully at the next event I'll catch up with the rest!
All
in all, it was a wonderful event, and we have nothing but praise and
thanks to Steven, for being the "Host with the Most", and
to Maryann Sandhull, President of the T-Bird club, and to everyone who
brought such outstanding food, and to our own Hazel Beck, for organizing
it perfectly. Hopefully we'll get copies of the photos that T-Bird member
Ed O'Hara took, and extra thanks to his wife Maria Elena who made all
those enchiladas!
FUN
IN THE PHOENIX SUN
By Suzanne Stofer
The thought
of five days relaxing in Phoenix, snoozing by the pool, was so appealing
that twelve of us from the San Diego Jaguar Club went over to the JCNA
Challenge Championship in May. We all had the greatest of times, but
no relaxing. They kept us busy, busy, busy, and had the best caterer
do all of the events, so we were constantly well fed. On opening day
was a swap meet, fashion show, trip to the Land Rover dealership complete
with test drives, and a dinner at a jewelers! Friday was the big rally
from Phoenix to Sedona; all of the San Diego drivers did the beautiful
route in perfect time. Alas, due to some snafu, there was no one at
the final check-in point, so we had to have a gentlemanly (gentlewomanly?)
agreement to share first place equally between all of us! We enjoyed
a barbeque dinner trip to a ghost town that night.
Saturday
the fun continued with a slalom, which involved helmets and car safety
checks....Hazel Beck, accompanied by Suzanne Stofer as "navigator",
won first prize in the XJ8 category and was awarded with a fine trophy.
Although allowed three runs on the course, Hazel managed to win with
just one try! Later we were allowed to run the race course track in
a convoy led by a Porche lead car...what a thrill! The day ended with
a cocktail party and story swapping.
Sunday
was the Concours which the SDJC dominated! Dick and Ginny Cavicke won
second place in the Class CO2 with their '53 XK120SE. Tom and Diane
Krefetz had TWO winners: they took first place in Class CO9 with his
'65 3.8S Saloon, and third place with their '64 E-Type Roadster in Class
CO5. Lou Lepis received the second place trophy for his '67 E-Type FHC
in Class DO2, and Steve Boyle got his for a third place finish in Class
DO2 with his '61 OTS. Bob and Barbara Anderson won third place in Class
DO7 with their 1989 Saloon VDP.
Another
honor worth celebrating at the Awards Banquet that night was the announcement
that Bob and Barbara Anderson's XJ-40 was commandeered by Jaguar Cars
for their press conference and photo op at Sedona for the new XJ-8.
Unfortunately, the photo shoot took place under some big shade trees
that dropped sticky golden pollen all over their car!
Randy and
Marilyn Prine joined in all the festivities as well, and we all returned
to San Diego safe and sound, and happy that we had the chance to participate
in this fun event.
Pat & Dave Lokensgard's XJ40s
Dave
has been a Jaguar owner since 1967 when he bought a used XK140
which is now undergoing a second restoration in Dave's garage. When
Pat and Dave moved to Poway from San Jose in 1995 they had the XK140
and two other cars. After a year or two Pat's car needed replacement.
Just for fun Dave suggested that she get a Jaguar sedan as compensation
for putting up with his "old car thing" for so long. They
looked at the ads in the local papers and found that Jaguars could be
had for ridiculosly low prices. Soon Pat had her car. It is a Burgundy
1990 XJ6 Sovereign that she named PATZCAT.
This
XJ6 model is referred to as an "XJ40" after the name of the
Jaguar development design project for a successor to the Series III
XJ6. It has an inline 4.0L 6 cylinder aluminum engine; computer controlled
four speed automatic transmission and microprocessors to run just about
all of the electrics in the car. One of the best features is an onboard
diagnostic computer, "Vehicle Condition Monitor" that allows
the owner to read and interpret engine error codes. The Jaguar Lovers
website has provided a wealth of information on repair and maintenance
making carcare simple and straightforward despite the sophistication
of this Jaguar. PATZCAT has proven to be reliable and economical
transportation in additon to grace , pace , and style.
Dave
works in La Jolla and commutes about 40 miles a day. His ride became
more and more uncomfortable in relation to PATZCAT. With confidence
in his ability to care for an XJ40 he began his search for a special
version of the same car. This would make the commute more enjoyable
and provide equality both in and out of the garage. The car was to be
the Jaguar Vanden Plas Majestic which had been produced in 1989,
1990, and 1992. The VDPM special equipment model was marketed
in the United States only in 1990 and 1992. Only 803 were sold in 1989
and 1990. And 263 in 1992 according to Jaguar USA. All VDPMs in 89 and
90 were painted in Regency Red with alloy lattice wheels in the same
color. Rear badges have Van den Plas on the left and Majeestic on the
right with gold script lettering on red enamel. The word "Jaguar"
only appears on the front section of the side trim strip. The interior
of the 89 and 90 is trimmed in Magnolia Connolly leather with red piping.
The gearshift knob, surround, steering wheel rim, and center section
are also in Magnolia. Carpets are red with matching red lambswool mats.
These cars cost $60,0000 when new, about $5,000 more than the standard
Van den Plas. The 1992 model has a black cherry color with creme interior.
It also has a creme panel between the rear lights and different wheels.
Dave
decided on the 1990 model and went shopping. Fortunately, Southern California
is the home of a large numger of these cars. After looking at six or
seven examples he found his dream car in Redondo Beach. DAVZCAT is
now his daily driver.
Pat
and Dave's neighbors get a kick out of seeing these two cars side by
side in the garage and often wave as they go on our way. They both enjoy
driving such fine examples of the JAGUAR MARQUE and the consistant
reward of glancing over the shoulder after parking the cars. With three
Jags they have more than their share!
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