XJC.COM.AU - Greg Jones Coupe Story

  The Website dedicated to the XJC -
  Jaguar and Daimler XJ Coupes


Greg Jones - My Coupe  - 1977 Jaguar 5.3C

COLOUR: Signal Red with Factory Black Vinyl Roof.
INTERIOR TRIM: Biscuit Leather.
CHASSIS No: 2G1413BW
BODY No: 5G2461
ENGINE No: 7P33369SB
GEARBOX No: 77ZA1288
Click all pictures for a larger view.


HISTORY:
 My coupe was manufactured in Coventry, England UK on 5 May 1977. Later that month it was despatched to Bryson's Industries, Melbourne Australia. It was then sold new from Bryson Industries in Melbourne, on 11 August 1977 to a Doctor from Shepparton in country Victoria. The coupe was affectionately known to the Shepparton townsfolk as 'Red Pepper' because of its colour and hot looks. The good Doctor kept the car for eight years before selling it to a car enthusiast from Adelaide in July 1985.

I purchased the vehicle in March 1986 and shipped it home to Newcastle in New South Wales. Although the coupe was in fairly good condition, minor detailing was required to bring the vehicle to Concours standard. The vehicle is predominantly original and not restored as such. Original parts have been either reconditioned or replaced with new parts as and where necessary over time. The engine is original with just over 100,000 on the speedo. Interior seats, woodwork and most of the trim are all original. Transmission, vinyl roof, body parts, wheels etc are all factory original.

'Red Pepper' entered in her first Concours d'Elegance at the Jaguar Drivers Club of  Australia's Display Day at Penrith Fire Museum in 1987. We took out Class and Outright honours. This was a forerunner of multi awards from 1987 to present day in Concours events. See list of awards below.

 

Concours d'Elegance Awards & Credits:

  • Supreme Overall Champion Award, 2000 Classic Car Concours Sanctuary Cove, QLD.

  • First in British Car Class 1960-1980, 2000 Classic Car Concours Sanctuary Cove QLD

  • Gold Award 2000 National Jaguar Rally Concours d'Elegance, Sydney, NSW.

  • Andrew Whyte Award, Most Desirable Car, 2000 National Jaguar Rally, Sydney, NSW.

  • Outright Winner 1997 NSW State Jaguar Concours d'Elegance, Sydney, NSW.

  • Class Winner 1997 Darling Harbour Concours, Sydney International Motor Show, NSW.

  • Grand Champion 1997 Darling Harbour Concours, Sydney International Motor Show, NSW.

  • Gold Award 1997 National Jaguar Rally Concours d'Elegance, Shepparton, Vic.

  • Andrew Whyte Award, Most Desirable Car, 1997 National Jaguar Rally, Shepparton, Vic.

  • Second Outright 1997 National Jaguar Rally Concours d'Elegance, Shepparton, Vic.

  • Class Winner 1997 CVVTMC Concours d'Elegance, Eastern Creek, NSW.

  • Grand Champion 1997 CVVTMC Concours d'Elegance, Eastern Creek, NSW.

  • Gold Award XJ Class 1997 NSW State Jaguar Concours d'Elegance, Sydney, NSW.

  • Winner Best XJ-XJS 1997 NSW State Jaguar Concours d'Elegance, Sydney, NSW.

  • Gold Award 1996 NSW State Jaguar Concours d'Elegance, Sydney, NSW.

  • Gold Award 1996 National Jaguar Rally Concours d'Elegance, Canberra, ACT.

  • Winner XJ Class 1992 NSW State Jaguar Concours d'Elegance, Sydney, NSW.

  • Grand Champion 1990 Hunter Region Motorists Appreciation Day, Morpeth, NSW.

  • Second Outright 1989 National Jaguar Rally Concours d'Elegance, Canberra, ACT.

  • Outright Winner 1989 NSW State Jaguar Concours d'Elegance, Sydney, NSW.

  • Outright Winner 1987 NSW State Jaguar Concours d'Elegance, Sydney, NSW.

 

Although I have won a few awards, the coupe is not all show - it was driven to each Concours event in Sydney and Canberra from 1987 to 1999. This is arguably Australia's best XJC.

Many thanks for taking the time to share your XJC story with us Greg. We cannot think of anybody who would argue that it isn't Australia's best XJC; it certainly is a sensational coupe from any angle and fully deserved all of the above awards.