Last night I had the distinct honor of being one of the people presented with a pewter plate by Norman Dewis for my car winning in its class in the JCNA Western States AGM concours event.
Norman is a a true legend in the development and racing of Jaguar cars. He was the chief test developer/driver for Jaguar for 33 years. He rode with Sir Stirling Moss in a C-Type in the 1952 Mille Miglia; set a 172.412 MPH production car record with a modified XK120, helped develop the Dunlop disc brake that helped Jaguar win Le Mans in 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957, and was responsible for testing and signing off on 26 Jaguar models, including the XK 140 and 150, the E-type, the Mk VII series, Mk 1 and Mk 2, Mk X, XJ6/12 and XJ-S.
The man is legendary and still fresh as a daisy at 91 years old, an amazing insipration. For me, meeting him and especially being presented a trophy by him was a moment I shall treasure for the rest of my life.

 

Congratulations! That's quite the recognition for your car's fine condition, and a great way to be awarded! What's your secret to keeping your wheels clean?

Bruce

 

That's cool. Congrats!!

 

Thanks Bruce!
Yeah its true the wheels are the hardest part to keep clean and take the longest to prep.

The only short cut I know is to use ceramic pads as you don't get brake dust. You also get better braking. It boggles my mind why Jag don't fit ceramic pads as standard. I still have regular pads on my car (as I only got it a few weeks ago) but will definitely switch to ceramics the first time I have to replace the pads.

On my old car (2000 XKR) after I switched to ceramic pads, I was amazed to discover (by its sudden absence) that practically all the dirt you collect on your wheels during everyday driving is actually brake dust.

The only other hint I have is that Autozone make a great brush for lug nuts. I think it cost like $9. I picked one up last time I was there and it turns out it works amazingly easily, quickly, and well. I Can't reccomend it enough.

Cleaning your lug nuts may sound obsessive but even though your eye doesn't really notice dirty lug-nut holes (as everyones are dirty), you really see the contrast after they're clean.

Niz.

 

Congrats! I was recently invited to put my XK in a local car show, but never recieved the honors you did. Great news!

 

Photos?

 

Would it help if I said "Please"?

V
(Congrats BTW)

 

Nice going.

 

Congrats, thanks for posting this topic

 

Congratulations.
Must have been a good night.

 

Very cool honor. Congratulations, please do post some pics and any advice on cleaning the car up so nicely. I have lots of stuff for keeping my car kept but I got it all when I had my old car. Any specifics of keeping the Jag looking good are appreciated.

 

Congrats, exciting for you. Did you happen to notice an E type with Washington plates?......Hank Snider, not sure which one he took (yellow Coupe or Black OTS)!

Cheers, Adrian

 

Sounds like your car is in incredible condition, sound like you've been honoured for an amazing job, sounds like your car's gorgeous, but........we'll obviously never know as you haven't posted pics??????????

If you have em......post em for gods sake man