Lindsay Smith

Lindsay is one of the longest standing members of our club. He has held several executive positions including president for three years.

Cars Owned:

Favourite car: Bentley Continental GT

Most memorable Jaguar moment:

100mph in the E Type on the way through the beautiful Cam Valley. The faster you go the quieter the exhaust sounds it the car just settles beautifully.

Worst Jaguar experience:

Unfortunately two

a)    Back in 1982 after having the E Type tuned I took it for a run. Changed down to first and blipped the throttle. The engine died. The spline drive on a camshaft had given up the ghost resulting in a bank of bent valves. Ouch!

b)    On a club trip up North the wire wheel splines gave up the ghost. Every time I hit the brakes the spinner would loosen. Luckily when they came off they overtook the slowing car bouncing down the road. This helped enormously with finding the missing spinner. This resulted in leaving the E Type in Nabiac until it could be retrieved.

I’m glad I …….

Bought the E Type back in 1982 before the prices went up. It only cost as much as a new Holden at the time.

I’m sorry I …….

Took it to the wrong reputable restoration company. After four and a half years it had been disassembled, I had stripped the paint, and it was pushed outside. The result was lost parts and an expensive lesson. And he is still in business. Luckily I didn’t make the same mistake with the MkII.

What is your Jaguar ambition?

Finish the MkII

Current restoration situation.

Bodywork restored and painted.

New Upholstery, hood lining and carpets installed.

Next is start on the mechanicals.

    Rebuild 4.2lt engine

    Install Series 1 xj6 4 speed gearbox with electric overdrive

    Convert to power steering

    Install air conditioning, central locking and power windows.