In 1948, Jaguar created what would become one of the most famous badges in the world, as the all-new and highly advanced XK engine made its debut in the revered XK120 sports car.
To mark this milestone the Jaguar XK Club in conjunction with the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club have arranged a series of fantastic events that will culminate in the XK60 Diamond Celebrations taking place over the weekend of 8-10 August 2008.
The scale of the event means activities, which include an auction, competitions, trophies, historic exhibitions, star guests, track action and demonstrations, will encompass two spectacular locations: Goodwood – the spiritual home of historic motor sport and nearby Cowdray Park.
Motor racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss, and Formula 1 commentator, Murray Walker, will both attend the celebrations.
The event is expected to attract perhaps the finest array of Jaguar sports racing cars, such as C-types and D-types, XK120s, 140s and 150s ever gathered and seen in action – over 600 to celebrate 60 years of the car’s heritage.
The feature-packed XK60 event will include a major sale of Jaguars and related automobilia by leading auction house, Bonhams.
The event will also feature parades and demonstrations on the famous Goodwood track, an open XK clinic, a show of rare and historic models and a fantastic display of Ecurie Ecosse cars.
Specialist Jaguar and lifestyle exhibitors will also be present, as will a purpose-built XK village providing hospitality, live music and a fabulous fifties fashion show. A selection of rare cars from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust will be on display as well as the latest cars in the Jaguar range including the XKR-S which can be seen at the Jaguar stand.
Discussing the XK60 Diamond Celebrations, Jaguar XK Club co-founder, Philip Porter said: “We are really excited to be organising this landmark event. The XK is one of the automotive triumphs of the 20th-century: the immense success of the original car and its groundbreaking engine is demonstrated by the survival of the XK brand into the modern age.
We look forward to working with Jaguar Cars to organise the scale of celebration this level of achievement deserves.” Nigel Thorley of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club added to Porter’s sentiments by saying: “It is fitting that we celebrate its anniversary with such a major weekend of activities.”
Managing Director of Jaguar in the UK, Geoff Cousins said: “The work that Philip Porter and his team have put into this series of events is nothing short of incredible.
The XK in its various guises really does represent beautiful fast cars so it’s fitting that owners from all over the world can come together to celebrate the remarkable impact that the XK has had not only on the automotive landscape but on wider popular culture. The XK has always been ground breaking from the XK120 that held the title of the fastest production car in the world, to the XKR-S, the fastest XK ever built.”
The 60th anniversary of the XK is a milestone well worth celebrating, and the XK60 Diamond celebrations will be a phenomenal series of events that Jaguar is proud to support.
The International Jaguar XK Club was founded by Jaguar author Philip Porter and his wife Julie in 1997 and today has almost 1400 members spread across 40 countries worldwide! At the heart of the Club is its professionally produced and edited monthly magazine, the XK Gazette. In addition to informing and supporting its members, the Club organises numerous events, from technical seminars to track days, informal dinners to large-scale tours.
