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Thought I'd share my F-Type story. My Father was British and always wanted a Jag so when he retired 3 years ago he bought himself a 2011 XF Portfolio. I drove him to the dealer. A few months later I borrowed the car and had the Leaper installed as a Father's Day present cause he said a Jag isn't a Jag without a Leaper. I fell in love with the F-Type when it was introduced and we always talked about having father and son Jags together. I was going to purchase one when I lived in Dubai, but elected to return home to Texas when my folks got sick at end of 2014. I told my dad I'll still get it, might just take me a little longer. Sadly my dad passed away June 3, 2016 before I was able to purchase my Jag, but he made it happen a little sooner then I expected. So I have my 2016 F-Type V6S in Italian Racing Red with a 6MT. It's my place I can go be with my Dad every time I get behind the wheel. The license plate is a reference to were he is from, Stoke-on-Trent, England.
It's my place I can go be with my Dad every time I get behind the wheel. The license plate is a reference to were he is from, Stoke-on-Trent, England.[/QUOTE]
Nice story, and as a person who was a best of friend with my dad, since his passing, I never leave home without him! You articulated the relationship, car, and feelings in a nice way here!
Never would I ever put a Leaper on the F-Type, it does look good on my dads car tho.
I just returned from England this week. I did the Jaguar Factory Tour in Castle Bromwich. An amazing experience. The engineering and logistics behind the production line alone are just as amazing as the cars themselves.
If you ever find yourself in the U.K. it is definitely worth a trip. Thanks for the kind remarks. He certainly would have loved it.
It certainly brought a lump to my throat, I lost my Dad this March so I very much understand the emotion surrounding you writing it.
I became an F-Type owner this June.
My Dad would have loved the car I have absolutely no doubt about it.
My 'successful' Uncle had a Jag (a lovely XJ) back in the 70's and my Dad was very proud of him for owning it although my Dad never had one I believe he didn't see Jag's as a car for the 'likes of him' as we say in England!
When I was about 5 or 6 my Dad bought me a bright red toy E-Type. Guess what colour our F-Type is?
My sincerest condolences for the loss of your Dad, but what a wonderful way of remembering him.
Thought I'd share my F-Type story. My Father was British and always wanted a Jag so when he retired 3 years ago he bought himself a 2011 XF Portfolio. I drove him to the dealer. A few months later I borrowed the car and had the Leaper installed as a Father's Day present cause he said a Jag isn't a Jag without a Leaper. I fell in love with the F-Type when it was introduced and we always talked about having father and son Jags together. I was going to purchase one when I lived in Dubai, but elected to return home to Texas when my folks got sick at end of 2014. I told my dad I'll still get it, might just take me a little longer. Sadly my dad passed away June 3, 2016 before I was able to purchase my Jag, but he made it happen a little sooner then I expected. So I have my 2016 F-Type V6S in Italian Racing Red with a 6MT. It's my place I can go be with my Dad every time I get behind the wheel. The license plate is a reference to were he is from, Stoke-on-Trent, England.
Great story; sorry about your dad. Here is a little history on the "leaper." The factory did away with them in the late 1960's, but us 'mericans liked them, so cars slated for export to the US were fitted or dealers here put them on. On the new Jags, they on on the boot. I like the placement of the leaper on your dad's car; they got it right. On some cars I've seen them too far back or too large. With the modern designs, hood ornaments don't work like in the old days, but I've seen people stick them just about anywhere. But hey, some people like neon lights along the rocker panels and 26 inch rims on Hondas!
Nice F-type!!
That's a great story and beautiful car. I have a sentimental connection with one of my cars and my Dad as well. He bought a 68 Corvette convertible new from the dealer and it was in that car that I was brought home from the hospital when I was born. Throughout my life we worked on it and enjoyed it together so when he passed away I took possession and intend to pass it down to my son one day.
Thanks for sharing! I'm in McKinney if you ever want to get together and cruise a bit.
Thanks eusdawb. Nice rides. I usually go for a Sunday drive up around the McKinney airport and north of 380 towards New hope. Some good roads up there. You are always welcome to join. Always looking for car buddies.
Last edited by Canadairjet; Sep 8, 2016 at 01:33 PM.
just curious... did you inherit his 11 XF portfolio and if so have you been driving it around as well? I would think that would bring you even closer to your dad taking care of his baby!
I did inherit his XF. The plan is to sell it to recoup some of the cost of the F-Type, but that is turning out to be a little more difficult then I anticipated.
No Leaper for my F-Type. I did by another Leaper from my Dealer so I can replace the one a bought for my Dad on his XF. I had some professional pictures of the cars taken together on his favorite golf course(we even had his 'Celebration of Life' there). I'm going to take the pics and the leaper and have them framed together.
My F-Type Story
