New Member’s Story - Craig Larkin (cont)

But in September 2022 a solid-looking Series 1 4.2 FHC came online at what I considered was a good price. So, after a few calls, it was off to Hobart to have a look. Just a look mind. Only had a small garage after all.

Yeah. I bought it. And then cleared out said small garage. It fits. Just.

British Racing Green with a beige interior. Originally LHD, it was restored (from the photos I received more like resurrected) and converted in SA midlate 2000’s before heading to the Apple Isle around 2015. It’s not quite matching numbers as it has a different head, although from the same series.

It’s not concourse. I wasn’t looking for concourse. I wanted something I could fang through the hills and enjoy without worrying too much about the next stone chip. It’s got a few of those which I want to get fixed just to tidy it up. New headlining is on order too.

It’s just so much fun to drive. The bark from the exhaust on acceleration and snap-crackle-and-pop on over-run sound fantastic.

The looks, the waves, the thumbs-up as I drive by.

It is really cool owning a piece of motoring history. I like to think I’m more of a custodian though. Someone else will undoubtedly own it one day.

In the meantime, my role is to keep it alive. Maintain it so that it will still be driven in 20, 30 years’ time.

Oh, and drive it.

So now, on to the garage. Definitely need a bigger garage. I quite like the idea of a classic British convertible as well…

Of course, I wouldn’t be in this predicament if it wasn’t for a mate with some cars that needed to be driven in the first place.

Thank you, Andrew. You know who you are.

Craig Larkin

Editor. Thank you for the very interesting story and photos Craig. Fortunately, most Australians have never driven a Jaguar, otherwise there wouldn’t be any left for us to buy. The E, F & GT Register are a friendly and active group, so hopefully you can catch up with some of their events and we can get to see the car.

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