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New Member Area - Intro a MUSTNew to Jaguar Forums? Drop in and tell us about you, your ride and location. This is your chance to introduce yourself to the forum.
I'm TJ Noto. I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I'm a life long gearhead, thanks to my father. A couple years before I was born (in the early 60s) he bought a junkyard XK 120 and spent the next 25 years of his life restoring it. My father was a mechanic for United Airlines, and a lover of British airplanes and cars. As the son of a Sicilian immigrant, he grew up in Philadelphia during WWII, and later served in the Air Force in San Angelo, Texas, where he served as a crew chief of the AT-6 "Texan". He gained a love for the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, as well as Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and, Jaguars.
My father was a blue collar guy, who appreciated the mechanical beauty and craftsmanship of all cars, not just Jaguars. He especially Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, Hispano Suiza, and pre-war American cars (Stutz, Duesenberg, Packard). When it came to the cars he would devote his life to, however, it was those of Coventry. Our family's garage featured the 120, a 420, and a Series II E-Type Coupe.
My father is almost 92, and does not drive anymore. He has now entrusted me with ownership and preservation of his beloved XK 120. It's largely non-original. He restored and built the car entirely by himself, including paint, upholstery, and all mechanical assembly. It does not have the original engine, although it is a period correct Jaguar power plant . The paint, upholstery, and many other details are non-original and "incorrect." He built it the way he wanted. Every time I see it, sit in it, or drive it, I am reminded of my father's commitment to doing things the right way, and to the skills he taught me, as I restore and maintain my own cars (all Alfa Romeos).
The car has not been driven much in the past few years, and I will need to do some regular maintenance to get her 100% roadworthy, starting with the brakes. I'll be looking forward to sharing my journey as well as contributing to, and benefitting from the collective wisdom of this forum.
-tj in the Cruz Mtns
My father and I on a recent drive, in front of my childhood home, in Cupertino, CA
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Hello, TJ,
What a Wonderful story!
I bet I would like your dad a Lot! He sounds like a guy who Gets Things Done.
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')
If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help
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