Azalea - by Bruce Brooks (Mark 1) We are the proud owners of a 1957 2.4 litre Mark 1 manual, who we call “Azalea”. Azalea was bought new by Mrs Michell [Michell wool] in 1957. In 1963, Mrs Michell upgraded to a new Mark 2 and the Mark 1 was purchased by my late aunt, Thelma Williams. In 2003, at the age of 85 years, and after a close encounter with a fence, Thelma decided to stop driving and we purchased Azalea. It was no surprise that it was hard for her to drive, worn tyres and no power steering. The brakes seized on a Bay to Birdwood and the exhaust fell off! We commenced restoration with a re-spray, re-chroming, woodwork revarnished, brakes replaced, new tyres, new exhaust and new windscreens. The engine is original, having done 99,714 miles and still going well. We are planning a celebration when she ticks over 100,000 miles. Azalea has been the perfect wedding car for family and friends. Last year she took the granddaughter of a close friend
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of Thelma’s, who had used Azalea for her wedding more than 50 years previously. At 100 years old Thelma still reminisced about the car. Azalea is a well-loved member of the family. We are her third owners - Mrs Michell then Thelma and now us. Bruce Brooks
Editor: You don’t hear of many 65 year old, low mileage three owner Jaguars with a known history these days. Bruce and Janette have been members of the JDCSA since 2003.
THE OFFICIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE JAGUAR DRIVERS CLUB OF SA
