MWK 28G: The Superlative Jaguar XJ (English language version)

Описание: The Series 1 Jaguar XJ was of pivotal importance to the fortunes of Jaguar. The last model whose development was personally overseen by Sir William Lyons, it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful saloon cars ever made and was acknowledged as a marvel of engineering (largely thanks to the efforts of Technical Director, Bill Heynes) from the day of its launch. This is the incredible story of MWK 28G, an especially early Series 1 - 'Chassis No. 19', the nineteenth of twenty 'development cars' that were hand-built prior to commencement of mainline production. Jonathan Heynes was one of the team of young apprentices who built the development cars; son of Bill Heynes, he himself would spend a quarter of a century at Brown's Lane and his automotive career went on to include chairmanship of Reliant. MWK 28G became the first Jaguar XJ ever to be road-registered, on 1 August 1968, and was used by Jaguar as both a publicity car ('Press Car One') and as a test car by the research and development team. The highlight of its illustrious publicity career was a photoshoot in Spain, in the summer of 1968, with Veruschka von Lehndorff - the pre-eminent supermodel of the era - and her photographer boyfriend Franco Rubartelli. As a test car it was driven at the MIRA track, and extensively on the continent, by Norman Dewis' test driver team: notably Jim Graham, who drove the car prior to its official launch (and hence in cardboard camouflage) down to northern Spain for the press event with Veruschka. Development cars were different to the production cars that would follow in a number of subtle ways. Despite this, and despite 20,000 miles hard usage with the press and test teams, in the autumn of 1969 Jaguar prepared MWK 28G for sale into private ownership - a new 2.8 litre engine being fitted in September of that year, the engine that the car still retains (with its original gearbox). In the intervening half-century the car has had 5 further private owners, all of whom were aware of it's unique significance to the Jaguar marque and who have striven to maintain its originality. In 2004 the Daily Telegraph described MWK 28G as 'possibly a more important Jaguar than any Le Mans winner', such was the importance of the Series 1 XJ to the subsequent success of the brand. It has now covered 280,000 miles, has been on the road longer than any other XJ, and according to Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust no older XJ remains on the road: quite a feat for the car that also had the accolade of being the first to be used on the road, and which has led the extraordinary life that it has. For more information see the car's website (at www.mwk28g.co.uk), Facebook page (search for 'worldsoldestxj'), or email [email protected]. In particular if you have any archive footage, photos, or other history relating to the car - please get in touch!