Chris Smith

Chris has been a member since 1998 though he has awned a Jaguar since 1993. At 15 he became a panel beater, gaining most of his training a Moore’s Motor Body Works. In those days the trade was what we call traditional with more repair and less replace. So he learnt the skills of file finishing which are a great asset to any Jaguar owner.  One of his job at Moore’s was building the truck bodies for the Arnott’s biscuit trucks. 

Why did you become interested in Jags?

At first I wasn’t interested in Jags, just E Types. My interest in other Jaguars grew out of owning the E Type. Since then I have owned and sold a Series 3 XJ6, a Mk10 and a XJ8.

Cars owned 

E Type 1967  Series 11/2 fixed head coupe 

Daimler 1963  V8 saloon

Favourite Jaguar 

Naturally the E Type

Favourite Car 

Ford Escort with a factory Lotus twin cam. It had lots of power and was lots of fun.

Most memorable Jaguar moment

As you would expect buying the E Type and driving it home from the Central Coast.

Worst Jaguar experience

After buying the Daimler Julie and I were going on a lovely picnic to Nelsons Bay. The picnic basket and esky were in the boot and we were looking forward to a lovely day.

5 kms out of Nelsons Bay the engine blew a welch plug. Not a good feeling. The plug had been driven in crooked and the leak had been sealed with silicone. After a bit of thought the esky was filled with water and the hole in the block was plugged with a tea towel torn into strips. The water in the esky was used to top things up every 10 kms.

I’m glad I …….

Married Julie in 2000..

I’m sorry I …….

Didn’t get to meet Norman Dewis when he visited the club in 1998.