Jaguar E-Type. 1970s Britain Meets The Middle East

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Matthew is smiling as we pull up, amused by my loss of nerve. The warning light actually turns out to be a temperamental bulb, but it’s enough to hammer the fragility of classic cars home to me.

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“You have to understand that these models require constant upkeep. She’s in great condition but next week a pump or a handle might go, or you might press and button that could fall off! It just goes with the territory of any classic car really.”

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Safely back on the pavement where I can’t break anything, we’re both back to ogling the Mark III. It’s hypnotic. I’m very grateful to Matthew for allowing me to realise a dream and take the E-Type for a spin, but I can’t say I’d have enjoyed my afternoon any less if all we’d done was look at it.

“There seems to be two groups of people. One group is fairly indifferent to the Jag and don’t look twice, and others are fascinated. People who grow up with them and appreciate them often come over for a chat, and I think that’s nice. I rarely go to the Mall in it but if I do then I pay extra for the valet area, and people are just swarming all over it!

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“I think people buy nice cars for different reasons, but I didn’t buy the car to be seen in it. I bought it because I love E-Types. And clearly I’m not the only one.”

*Original post date: NOVEMBER 2012

NB. Technical specifications reference Mark III Jaguar E-Types as of 1973