The supercharger came along on the straight six Jaguar engine for the DB 7, also a TWR design with Ian Callum's talent for body design. I had fun with finding an exhaust system and with the help of Bosal who had designed a catalyst system based on the prototype to replace the XJS, the design works very well.
My 1976 rhd Spider is listed as being sent to SA. Does that mean it was part of the last 300 rhd's constructed? I believe that the vehicles sent to SA were first built in Italy and then dismantled ready for reassembly in SA to lower import tax.
Dave Sutton’s Green Series-1 is a stunning car…one I’ve known for many years…it’s a superb ambassador for the type…
As Chris rightly says in his article, the Monza (& Royale Coupe’) were and still are, hugely overlooked due to badge snobbery…which is such a shame, as these cars are both superb to own and magnificent to travel in.
I Co-founded the Royale Monza O.C. and I’ve now owned eighteen of them in total, including my GSE - which I’ve owned since 1990 and my blue, 5sp manual S-Pack ‘79 3.0E…so you could say, I have a bit of a love-affair with them!
I must raise one point though, and that’s their prices now — whilst yes, you can buy a useable Monza for £4K, because of their rarity and the now totally enthusiast-based ownership, those £4K cars are the tail-end of the old, unloved, less cared-for cars that will now require plenty of ‘love lavishing upon them…
The properly ‘good’ cars are now very-much cherished, pampered & sort-after by their extremely enthusiastic owners — those who are happy to spend many thousands of pounds restoring and maintaining them to the highest standards…it follows therefore, that if somebody really wants a properly-good, well-sorted Monza, £8-£10k is a more realistic figure to expect to pay, (still an absolute bargain when compared to the BMW’s/ Audi’s & Mercedes of the time…or even Capri’s!) but with the VERY BEST cars considerably more than that!
Parts are available — body, mechanical/ electrical & interior, if you know who to ask or where to look…and with a hugely friendly & welcoming club following, Monza’s & Royales really are a hidden-gem of a useable, enjoyable and rewarding, modern classic-car to own!
Your article on the Rover P6B prototype (Solihull Secret) reminded me of spring 1967, when I was working in the London office of Pirelli which bought a 3500S prototype car from Rover for tyre testing. When I later joined the technical department, I became aware of its reputation for speed and ability to rip the front bearing and oil seal out of its ZF five-speed manual gearbox at frequent intervals, about 3000 miles as I recall. The engine was basically Buick, I think, but maybe souped up.
Around 1967 a member of the public wrote to Motor or Autocar and said, ‘I was driving up the M1 in my 2000TC and was overtaken by another 2000TC. It was lefthand drive, green, had Solihull plates and was driven with spirit. I took my car to over 100mph and then the other driver waved, changed up a gear, and shot off over the horizon. There is clearly a new Rover in development’. I understand Rover was furious. I was granted a test drive in 1970. The test drivers advised, ‘If you’re in a hurry, try first, third and fifth gears; otherwise second and fifth is fine. There is so much torque you wouldn't believe it!’ I drove off from Burton on Trent onto the A38 slip road and booted it. Wow, what an effect. There was barely time for gear changes.
It was one of about five of equivalent specification. They were left-hand drive with glassfibre radiator cowls. One other went to a competitor tyre company. I turned down the opportunity to buy the car because it was dubious regarding spares. I think it went to the Measham car auction and made about £200. When the production P6B came up for sale I expressed an interest but the senior executive to whom I reported was not eligible for a V8, so he prevented one of his managers (me) from buying it.
I have owned my Alpina B3 cabriolet for 8 years now and I concur entirely with the above article. I have owned in the past, several BMWs, Jaguars and have driven various performance cars owned by friends, but none provide the pleasure of sitting behind the wheel of my Alpina.
However, I can tell you what we currently know about Porsche's plans for electric cars and their approach to interior design.
Porsche has been making moves towards electric cars, with the introduction of the Taycan in 2019, which is an all-electric sports car. In addition, they have also announced plans for an all-electric Macan SUV in the future.
As for the interior, Porsche has always been known for its high-quality and luxurious interiors, and this is likely to continue with their electric cars. The Taycan, for example, has a minimalist and modern interior with a large curved display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Porsche has also emphasized the importance of sustainability and eco-friendliness in their production processes, and this is likely to be reflected in the materials and design choices for the interior of their future electric cars.
Overall, while we can't know for sure what Porsche's all-new electric car and interior will look like in 2030, we can expect it to reflect their commitment to luxury, performance, and sustainability.
That being said, based on current trends and advancements in automotive technology, it's possible that the 2026 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Hybrid Race 992.2 could feature a hybrid powertrain, combining a high-output gasoline engine with an electric motor for added performance and efficiency.
In terms of power output, it's likely that the car could produce 700 horsepower or more, given that the current Porsche 911 GT2 RS already produces 700 horsepower with a traditional gasoline engine.
Other technological advancements that could be featured in the 992.2 version of the car could include improved aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Overall, the 2026 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Hybrid Race could represent a significant leap forward in performance and technology for Porsche's flagship sports car, but until official information is released, it's impossible to say for certain what features the car will have.
The Jaguar XJ-S/XJ-S is a luxury grand tourer produced by Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996. Here is a brief history of the XJS:
Development: The XJS was developed as a replacement for the Jaguar E-Type/XKE, which ended production in 1975. The XJS was based on the XJ sedan platform and was designed by Malcolm Sayer, who also designed the E-Type.
Introduction: The XJS was introduced in 1975 as a 1976 model. It was initially only available as a coupe, with a V12 engine and automatic transmission. The car was well received, although some critics felt that it did not live up to the styling of the E-Type.
Evolution: Over the years, the XJS underwent a number of changes and improvements. In 1983, a convertible version was introduced, which proved to be very popular. In 1988, the car received a facelift, with new bumpers, revised tail lights, and other changes. The interior was also updated with a new dashboard and other improvements.
Engines: The XJS was available with a variety of engines over the years, including the original V12, a six-cylinder engine, and a V8 engine. The V12 engine was eventually dropped in 1992, and the car was only available with a six-cylinder or V8 engine after that.
Legacy: The XJS was a popular car, although it did not achieve the iconic status of the E-Type/XKE. The car's long production run is a testament to its durability and popularity. The XJS is now considered a classic car, and is appreciated for its unique styling and luxurious features.
Successor: The XJS was succeeded by the Jaguar XK8 X100 in 1996, which was also a grand tourer but had a more modern design.
The Rover P6 was a series of mid-sized luxury saloon cars produced by British car manufacturer Rover between 1963 and 1977. The P6 was marketed as the Rover 2000 and Rover 3500, with the latter being the more powerful version.
The Rover P6 was known for its innovative design, which included a unitary body construction, a De Dion rear suspension system, and disc brakes all round. The P6 was also one of the first cars to feature a safety glass windscreen.
The Rover 2000 had a 2.0-liter engine that produced 90 horsepower, while the Rover 3500 had a 3.5-liter V8 engine that produced 155 horsepower. The car also featured a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, the Rover P6 was a capable and comfortable car. The Rover 3500 Automatic could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds and had a top speed of 118 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
Overall, the Rover P6 was a well-regarded car that offered a comfortable and luxurious driving experience. Its innovative design and advanced features made it popular among car enthusiasts, and it remains a classic car today.
I do not have access to information about future developments or plans of Porsche beyond what has been publicly announced. However, it's possible to speculate on what the future of Porsche might look like in 2030 based on current trends and technologies.
It's likely that Porsche will continue to focus on developing electric and hybrid vehicles, as the industry shifts away from traditional gasoline engines. The company has already released several electric models, such as the Taycan, and has plans to continue expanding its electric lineup.
In terms of design, Porsche is known for its sleek and sporty aesthetic, and it's likely that this will continue to be a defining characteristic of the brand. It's also possible that Porsche will incorporate more advanced autonomous driving features into its vehicles as this technology continues to evolve.
Additionally, Porsche has been investing in alternative fuel technologies such as synthetic fuels, which are made from renewable energy sources and can be used in existing combustion engines without major modifications. It's possible that by 2030, Porsche could be producing vehicles that run on these fuels, offering a greener option for those who still prefer the feel and sound of a traditional engine.
Overall, while it's impossible to predict the future with certainty, it's likely that Porsche will continue to innovate and push the boundaries of automotive technology and design, while also adapting to the changing demands of consumers and the industry as a whole.
It’s hard to believe sometimes that something which started off so unremarkably and was almost cancelled has turned into such an automotive titan. We’ll certainly be celebrating this milestone in the Corvette’s history, so watch out for some very special features coming up soon! We kick things off this month with a trip to the Bowling Green facility with none other than Mike Buchanan of the Classic Corvette Club UK.
Corvette – America’s sports car − is celebrating its 70th year of production in 2023. Production started at Flint, Michigan in 1953 with the first 300 cars – all white 1953 model year cars − being built by hand. Production proper started in 1954 at the St Louis plant and continued there until 1981 when production moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky which is still where all Corvettes are built to this day. The first two years of Corvettes produced all featured a ‘blue flame’ inline six-cylinder engine which was replaced with a V8 from the 1955 model year; to this day all Corvettes have always featured this iconic engine configuration. From the beginning in 1953 until the end of the C7 model production in 2019 all Corvettes featured a front engine rear-wheel-drive configuration. The current C8 model launched in 2020 features a midmounted V8 and from the 2022 model year the cars are also available in right-hand drive direct from the factory – a first for Corvette. This year sees the launch of the C8 Z06 model featuring a 5.5L LT6 flat-plane DOHC V8 producing an impressive 670hp which will propel this latest Corvette to 0-60 miles per hour in just 2.6 seconds! A 70th Anniversary Edition package is also available to order in 2023 which provides two exclusive colours – White Pearl or Carbon Flash Metallic Black. The Classic Corvette Club UK welcomes all Corvette owners or potential owners and we can provide a wealth of knowledge about the history of the cars and also practical know-how when it comes to maintenance, insurance and the day-to-day running of these iconic cars. Please feel free to contact me should you require any additional information.
as many people will know this chancer Chris Earle is well skilled at taking customers money and giving them nothing back — or their car recovered with zero work done and rare parts missing. Hopefully google search will help save people getting ripped off again by Chris Earle savage works restoration (ripp pff Merchant motors) aka the Dolomite bandit.
Thank you for this superb recounting of the history of a remarkable early XK-120SE OTS, License Plate PPE101. The article is beautifully written and the accompanying photo images are spectacular. As a subscriber/contributor to www.jag-lovers.com ( my source to your article ) I am pleased that this wonderfully historic data becomes an important addition to the preservation of the history of the early Jaguar XK-Series. Jack Richards in Chesterfield, Missouri, USA.
The supercharger came along on the straight six Jaguar engine for the DB 7, also a TWR design with Ian Callum's talent for body design. I had fun with finding an exhaust system and with the help of Bosal who had designed a catalyst system based on the prototype to replace the XJS, the design works very well.
Anthony Moss
Nice story
My 1976 rhd Spider is listed as being sent to SA. Does that mean it was part of the last 300 rhd's constructed? I believe that the vehicles sent to SA were first built in Italy and then dismantled ready for reassembly in SA to lower import tax.
Dave Sutton’s Green Series-1 is a stunning car…one I’ve known for many years…it’s a superb ambassador for the type…
As Chris rightly says in his article, the Monza (& Royale Coupe’) were and still are, hugely overlooked due to badge snobbery…which is such a shame, as these cars are both superb to own and magnificent to travel in.
I Co-founded the Royale Monza O.C. and I’ve now owned eighteen of them in total, including my GSE - which I’ve owned since 1990 and my blue, 5sp manual S-Pack ‘79 3.0E…so you could say, I have a bit of a love-affair with them!
I must raise one point though, and that’s their prices now — whilst yes, you can buy a useable Monza for £4K, because of their rarity and the now totally enthusiast-based ownership, those £4K cars are the tail-end of the old, unloved, less cared-for cars that will now require plenty of ‘love lavishing upon them…
The properly ‘good’ cars are now very-much cherished, pampered & sort-after by their extremely enthusiastic owners — those who are happy to spend many thousands of pounds restoring and maintaining them to the highest standards…it follows therefore, that if somebody really wants a properly-good, well-sorted Monza, £8-£10k is a more realistic figure to expect to pay, (still an absolute bargain when compared to the BMW’s/ Audi’s & Mercedes of the time…or even Capri’s!) but with the VERY BEST cars considerably more than that!
Parts are available — body, mechanical/ electrical & interior, if you know who to ask or where to look…and with a hugely friendly & welcoming club following, Monza’s & Royales really are a hidden-gem of a useable, enjoyable and rewarding, modern classic-car to own!
Go and try one!
P6B prototype recalled
Your article on the Rover P6B prototype (Solihull Secret) reminded me of spring 1967, when I was working in the London office of Pirelli which bought a 3500S prototype car from Rover for tyre testing. When I later joined the technical department, I became aware of its reputation for speed and ability to rip the front bearing and oil seal out of its ZF five-speed manual gearbox at frequent intervals, about 3000 miles as I recall. The engine was basically Buick, I think, but maybe souped up.
Around 1967 a member of the public wrote to Motor or Autocar and said, ‘I was driving up the M1 in my 2000TC and was overtaken by another 2000TC. It was lefthand drive, green, had Solihull plates and was driven with spirit. I took my car to over 100mph and then the other driver waved, changed up a gear, and shot off over the horizon. There is clearly a new Rover in development’. I understand Rover was furious. I was granted a test drive in 1970. The test drivers advised, ‘If you’re in a hurry, try first, third and fifth gears; otherwise second and fifth is fine. There is so much torque you wouldn't believe it!’ I drove off from Burton on Trent onto the A38 slip road and booted it. Wow, what an effect. There was barely time for gear changes.
It was one of about five of equivalent specification. They were left-hand drive with glassfibre radiator cowls. One other went to a competitor tyre company. I turned down the opportunity to buy the car because it was dubious regarding spares. I think it went to the Measham car auction and made about £200. When the production P6B came up for sale I expressed an interest but the senior executive to whom I reported was not eligible for a V8, so he prevented one of his managers (me) from buying it.
Mk4 — front grille
It's NOT a Mk4 genius.
I have owned my Alpina B3 cabriolet for 8 years now and I concur entirely with the above article. I have owned in the past, several BMWs, Jaguars and have driven various performance cars owned by friends, but none provide the pleasure of sitting behind the wheel of my Alpina.
I believe, if purchased in Pennsylvania, we were the first owners right out of the showroom at Lindsey Cadillac. I have never seen another like it.
Beautiful car, nearly 70 years on, all the style of a pre war Bugatti, with the practically of a much more modern car.
William Lyons was a genius
And what about that new engine? Here's the facts, just released from Lamborghini headquarters:
youtu.be/Jc5U2Xc8aaA
Very cool old Fiesta Slipper
However, I can tell you what we currently know about Porsche's plans for electric cars and their approach to interior design.
Porsche has been making moves towards electric cars, with the introduction of the Taycan in 2019, which is an all-electric sports car. In addition, they have also announced plans for an all-electric Macan SUV in the future.
As for the interior, Porsche has always been known for its high-quality and luxurious interiors, and this is likely to continue with their electric cars. The Taycan, for example, has a minimalist and modern interior with a large curved display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Porsche has also emphasized the importance of sustainability and eco-friendliness in their production processes, and this is likely to be reflected in the materials and design choices for the interior of their future electric cars.
Overall, while we can't know for sure what Porsche's all-new electric car and interior will look like in 2030, we can expect it to reflect their commitment to luxury, performance, and sustainability.
That being said, based on current trends and advancements in automotive technology, it's possible that the 2026 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Hybrid Race 992.2 could feature a hybrid powertrain, combining a high-output gasoline engine with an electric motor for added performance and efficiency.
In terms of power output, it's likely that the car could produce 700 horsepower or more, given that the current Porsche 911 GT2 RS already produces 700 horsepower with a traditional gasoline engine.
Other technological advancements that could be featured in the 992.2 version of the car could include improved aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Overall, the 2026 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Hybrid Race could represent a significant leap forward in performance and technology for Porsche's flagship sports car, but until official information is released, it's impossible to say for certain what features the car will have.
The Jaguar XJ-S/XJ-S is a luxury grand tourer produced by Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996. Here is a brief history of the XJS:
The Rover P6 was a series of mid-sized luxury saloon cars produced by British car manufacturer Rover between 1963 and 1977. The P6 was marketed as the Rover 2000 and Rover 3500, with the latter being the more powerful version.
The Rover P6 was known for its innovative design, which included a unitary body construction, a De Dion rear suspension system, and disc brakes all round. The P6 was also one of the first cars to feature a safety glass windscreen.
The Rover 2000 had a 2.0-liter engine that produced 90 horsepower, while the Rover 3500 had a 3.5-liter V8 engine that produced 155 horsepower. The car also featured a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, the Rover P6 was a capable and comfortable car. The Rover 3500 Automatic could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds and had a top speed of 118 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
Overall, the Rover P6 was a well-regarded car that offered a comfortable and luxurious driving experience. Its innovative design and advanced features made it popular among car enthusiasts, and it remains a classic car today.
I do not have access to information about future developments or plans of Porsche beyond what has been publicly announced. However, it's possible to speculate on what the future of Porsche might look like in 2030 based on current trends and technologies.
It's likely that Porsche will continue to focus on developing electric and hybrid vehicles, as the industry shifts away from traditional gasoline engines. The company has already released several electric models, such as the Taycan, and has plans to continue expanding its electric lineup.
In terms of design, Porsche is known for its sleek and sporty aesthetic, and it's likely that this will continue to be a defining characteristic of the brand. It's also possible that Porsche will incorporate more advanced autonomous driving features into its vehicles as this technology continues to evolve.
Additionally, Porsche has been investing in alternative fuel technologies such as synthetic fuels, which are made from renewable energy sources and can be used in existing combustion engines without major modifications. It's possible that by 2030, Porsche could be producing vehicles that run on these fuels, offering a greener option for those who still prefer the feel and sound of a traditional engine.
Overall, while it's impossible to predict the future with certainty, it's likely that Porsche will continue to innovate and push the boundaries of automotive technology and design, while also adapting to the changing demands of consumers and the industry as a whole.
It’s hard to believe sometimes that something which started off so unremarkably and was almost cancelled has turned into such an automotive titan. We’ll certainly be celebrating this milestone in the Corvette’s history, so watch out for some very special features coming up soon! We kick things off this month with a trip to the Bowling Green facility with none other than Mike Buchanan of the Classic Corvette Club UK.
Celebrating 70 years of Corvette
Corvette – America’s sports car − is celebrating its 70th year of production in 2023. Production started at Flint, Michigan in 1953 with the first 300 cars – all white 1953 model year cars − being built by hand. Production proper started in 1954 at the St Louis plant and continued there until 1981 when production moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky which is still where all Corvettes are built to this day. The first two years of Corvettes produced all featured a ‘blue flame’ inline six-cylinder engine which was replaced with a V8 from the 1955 model year; to this day all Corvettes have always featured this iconic engine configuration. From the beginning in 1953 until the end of the C7 model production in 2019 all Corvettes featured a front engine rear-wheel-drive configuration. The current C8 model launched in 2020 features a midmounted V8 and from the 2022 model year the cars are also available in right-hand drive direct from the factory – a first for Corvette. This year sees the launch of the C8 Z06 model featuring a 5.5L LT6 flat-plane DOHC V8 producing an impressive 670hp which will propel this latest Corvette to 0-60 miles per hour in just 2.6 seconds! A 70th Anniversary Edition package is also available to order in 2023 which provides two exclusive colours – White Pearl or Carbon Flash Metallic Black. The Classic Corvette Club UK welcomes all Corvette owners or potential owners and we can provide a wealth of knowledge about the history of the cars and also practical know-how when it comes to maintenance, insurance and the day-to-day running of these iconic cars. Please feel free to contact me should you require any additional information.
Classic Corvette Club UK
as many people will know this chancer Chris Earle is well skilled at taking customers money and giving them nothing back — or their car recovered with zero work done and rare parts missing. Hopefully google search will help save people getting ripped off again by Chris Earle savage works restoration (ripp pff Merchant motors) aka the Dolomite bandit.
Thank you for this superb recounting of the history of a remarkable early XK-120SE OTS, License Plate PPE101. The article is beautifully written and the accompanying photo images are spectacular. As a subscriber/contributor to www.jag-lovers.com ( my source to your article ) I am pleased that this wonderfully historic data becomes an important addition to the preservation of the history of the early Jaguar XK-Series. Jack Richards in Chesterfield, Missouri, USA.