My grandfather flew a Mk Vb Spitfire back in WWII.

Meet Marion :



She was built in Castle Bromwich, UK. See http://www.warbirdfoundation.org

I've just learned that my '04 S-type was also built in Castle Bromwich.

Can anyone confirm this for me so i can keep my $hit eating grin on my face?

Cheers!
Rob

 

Rob, that would be a neat cowinkiedink!! If not proven I would keep the grin on your face.

 

Rob,

Take a look here - https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...light=spitfire




SIXTY Years ago, building work started on a ‘shadow’ factory at Castle Bromwich which was to cost £4.6 million and take 18 months to complete. The priority was to produce a fighter plane – the Spitfire – an aircraft which would carve a unique place in aviation history.

The initial planning concept for the factory layout was revolutionary because it utilised motor industry assembly line methods pioneered by car makers. The man in charge, Lord Nuffield, wanted to simplify construction as much as possible. However, despite his best intentions, there were still no completed aeroplanes by May 1940.

Lord Beaverbrook, the newly appointed minister responsible for aircraft production, was keen to make his mark. He promptly demanded an explanation from Nuffield about the lack of progress; Nuffield made the mistake of suggesting that perhaps Beaverbrook would like to take control. The canny newspaper baron accepted the challenge immediately and with considerable speed relocated managers and skilled labour from the Vickers Armstrong Supermarine factory in Southampton. The first Spitfires took off within weeks of the changeover – in time to take part in the ‘Battle of Britain.’

In the immediate post-war years Fisher & Ludlow undertook body pressings for some of the most famous cars of the day, including the Standard Vanguard, Standard 8 and 10, Morris Minor saloon and the razor-edged Triumph Mayflower. Body production continued with a broader range of pressings once Fisher & Ludlow became part of the British Motor Corporation – BMC. Famous marques such as Wolseley, Riley and Austin were added as customers. Besides automotive work, the site also produced washing machines, sinks, vending machines, bicycles, plastic products and central heating radiators.

In 1966, a two-year series of mergers began which involved Jaguar, BMC and subsequently the Leyland Group; the result was the birth of the British Leyland Motor Corporation. Fisher & Ludlow then became Pressed Steel Fisher in the same period.

One outcome of these changes meant that bodyshells for the Jaguar XJ6 and XJS models were pressed alongside those for some Austin and Rover ranges. Jaguar took control of the site in 1980 when all resources were concentrated on body assembly and painting of XJ saloons and XJS sportscars, before delivery to Browns Lane for final assembly. Substantial investment to support the introduction of the XK8 was made in 1996.

The 105 acre site has seen many changes since the first Spitfire left the factory 58 years ago. Now the eagerly awaited S-TYPE is about to emerge with the same sense of immense pride.

A Spitfire production line at Castle Bromwich, where todays Jaguar S-Types are produced:
Last edited by Stirling on Sat Jul 28, 2007 6:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The future is dark, the present burdensome; only the past, dead and finished, bears contemplation. Those who look upon it have survived it: they are its product and its victors. No wonder, therefore, that men concern themselves with history.

 

norri, very interesting read. Thank you for sharing!

 

And that my friends, is about the coolest thing on earth to me!

 

cheers to you Rob!

 

Yes indeed Norri, I enjoyed reading your stuff, and the picture. That Spitfire engine made 2,500horsepower at the end with supercharging and water injection -- way ahead of its time.
Now you reminded me of the Standard Vanguard Vignale (Luxury Six) I used to own back in 1968. Never went wrong and did 25mpg. all day. It was so smooth and quiet my passengers used to fall asleep after 15mins. or so. I also had the little Triumph Mayflower razor edge saloon which was a real slug. I was in London at thetime and my workmates called it 'Fred's mini-Bentley'.I remember taking it for its "10-year test" as it was then called (around 1965) and the tester tested the brakes by getting in and pressing the brake pedal. I said "aren't you going to take it out and drive it?". To which he replied, "once you've got these rolling, you really don't WANT to stop them". Cheeky. He passed it and charged me 10 shillings. That 50p for you youngsters!