Camellia's Elegante de Jaguar

1976 Series II XJ12C

C (of course) is for Coupe and most appropriately for Camellia

It all started with:

"All you do is talk about the Jaguars you used to have"

when I would point out an exceptionally clean and elegant XJ6 or XJ12 Series III Saloon.

So, in June of 1995,

we stopped by the local Jaguar Dealership to look at some 'Bethesda Minimally Enjoyed' XJ6's in our price range, but alas for My Lady, none were to be found. There were some Elegant XJS Convertibles, but also none in our Price range.

However a week later I had a call asking me to come look at a very nice XJS V-12 Convert trade-in, and we did. I made a below wholesale offer (not including sales tax), stressing they wouldn't even have to advertise it. The next day I had a call saying my offer it was accepted. So We acquired our 1989 XJS Convertible.

In 1996, I spotted

my dream E-Type V-12 Coupe, but the asking price was more than I was willing to pay. The car was clean, the paint was fair, the interior very clean except for the carpets and worn armrest. The test ride proved the engine was smooth and powerful, but the brakes needed work and maybe the differential needed a rebuild. I had to pass.

A Year later, when the XK8's were introduced,

I felt the E-Types would only appreciate in value, and I might as well 'bite the bullet' for this Silver One. I called the owner, and he still had the car. He had serviced the brakes, the engine and transmission, installed a new U-joint, replaced the caropets and arm rest and he agreed to my previous offer. SO I acquired my "E-Type Series III V-12 FHC (Fixed Head Coupe)

During 1997 and 1998

Camellia and I also periodically discussed her desire for a Jaguar of her own.

This was all somewhat 'It would be nice to' context. After a few years of attending the Bowie All British meets, and the National Capital Jaguar Owners Club's (NCJOC) www.jagnet.com Concours de Elegance, and an 'incredibly harrowing Jaguar experience' which required her quick reflexes and rac car driver skills while driving my XJS convertible, she once again became determined to find 'A Jaguar of My Own'.

AND SHE FINALLY DID, BUT WHAT A STORY!

CLICK HERE FOR CAMELLIA'S STORY