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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 lost my Grandfather this past February. I still find myself struggling with the words to express this feeling of loss, he was just shy of his 100th Birthday. My Grandfather, aka “Papa”, was a brilliant, strong, proud and humble man; he never liked to be the center of attention. He was such an influential and confident man who took pride in working hard for what he had. He was never your typical “car guy”. However, he had an appreciation for nice cars. For as long as I can remember my Papa always owned a Jaguar. I remember growing up, I always looked forward to seeing the Jaguar, going for rides, to sit in them, the smell of the leather interior, the way he drove it, and the music he played while driving. Through all the years, this was something I came to love and cherish. It was who my Papa was. In a way these Jaguars were such a large part of my childhood. One thing I looked VERY forward to was finally turning 16 and being able to drive his Jaguar, with him in the car as well, obviously!
My Papa’s last Jaguar was sold out of the family without my knowledge, so I contacted the person who had bought it. The current owners informed me that they were going to sell it in another year or so and would let me know first. I was surprised to hear that since our communication this past March, they decided to sell it much sooner. This process was now expedited, and I had 2 weeks’ notice as someone else in their family wanted the car. They honored my request to be first in line, so I pulled the trigger and now this car is back in the family where it belongs. I have many fond memories of my Papa surrounding this exact car, and all the Jaguars that came before it. So, to own his last Jaguar is bitter sweet. I am so relieved, happy, thrilled, and sad to have it. With me it will be kept safe, cared for, and I will enjoy it; but, would trade it in a heartbeat to be able to spend more time with him. I will cherish this car forever and not a moment will go by that I don’t think of him when I drive it and all the wonderful memories I have. My Papa was my hero, my mentor, my role model, a great friend, and most importantly my Grandfather. Your guidance and love will carry me through to the end of my days.
The car car is a 2004 XJ8 Vanden Plas Edition. I’m looking to see what you could offer for advice and things to look for. The car is basically mint condition and has 53k miles on it. I appreciate any and all advice and help you can offer.
Good to have you with us and thanks for a splendid Intro post.
The events that shape our lives - my first vehicle memory is being taken for a ride in my grandfather's new Jaguar Mk VII when I was four years old. The gleaming red paint, deep gloss wood dash and smell of the cream leather all defined my choices over the past fifty years of vehicle ownership. How amazing that you were able to re-unite with your Papa's VdP. It looks in superb condition so the interim custodian must also have cherished it.
I can see you've already found your way to the X350 forum so there's no need for a link to it from me. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.
Please add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.
Hello, James,
I'm sorry for your loss of your Papa. He sounds like a Very special person indeed. Kudos to the other family member(s) who kept their word and let you have first chance to have his last Jaguar. There's not a lot of that kind of integrity left these days.
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
Thank you everyone so much for all of the kind words!!! I am a member on other forums for my other cars and love all the people who share such similar passion. I can see this forum is no different. Excited to be a member and look forward to all the great communication amongst fellow Jag owners!!
I believe the OP's post resonates with many of us. When I was young my Grandmother had a MK-VII-M and then a MK IX. The seeds DO get planted... I still find myself looking at Hemmings for a MK-VII to MK-IX as an addition to the stable. In the interim, my S-type will have to do.
New Jaguar - 2004 XJ8 Vanden Plas
