Introducing the owner
I thought I would provide a bit of background about myself just to give some perspective to my Jaguar XKR web pages.
This was my third collectible Jaguar, the first was an amazing 1976 Jaguar XJC V12 Coupe (view details at Jaguar XJC web site) and my second Jag was a beautiful 1972 E-Type V12 Coupe (see details at E-Type web site).
In 1982, while racing Super-Karts I had a serious accident. I badly injured my back and spinal cord which left me a paraplegic. Using a wheelchair for my mobility didn’t slow me down much, and over the years I undertook a number of projects in my “Man Cave”.
Being a bit more mature, with no kids at home and a bit of spare cash burning a hole in my pocket I decided it was time to indulge in the classic cars that I had admired for years. I had been to the car shows, concourses and show & shines and I had read all the relevant magazines from cover to cover since before I could drive.
It was time to follow my passion for classic/collectible cars. Something that I could be proud of - not just everyday transport but a car to be admired and saved for future generations that would only come out of the garage on sunny weekends.
First off, I went down the restoration path. I qualified as a Panel Beater in the 70’s but hadn't worked in the trade for over 25 years. The skills were still there, and I had the enthusiasm for a minor restoration or repaint. Working from the wheelchair made it a bit more difficult to handle some of the large, heavy, or awkward items but I could still handle most of it - although generally at a reduced pace.
The final decision to undertake a restoration project was made when a good friend put up his hand to help with the more difficult aspects of the work. Malcolm is a car and motorcycle enthusiast and had restored a 1970’s Suzuki 500 motorcycle and was also restoring a Mk2 Jaguar. I must admit that without Malcolm’s help the E-Type and XJC Jaguar restorations would not have been possible.
First of all I purchased and restored the Jaguar XJC V12 and after gaining experience of Jaguars with that magnificent vehicle I decided to take the plunge and obtain my long dreamed of car - an E-Type Jaguar. After restoring and driving the E-Type for five years I sold it and changed direction with my hobby car and that's when my garage gained the more modern 2000 Jaguar XKR that is the subject of this web site.
It was time to move from an older classic into a more modern supercar with all the power and refinement that a modern Jaguar could provide. In time I am sure that the XKR will become a true classic in its own right - just like the gorgeous E-Type classic of the 60’s and 70’s.
I hope your visit to this site is informative and entertaining. Feel free to E-mail me with any comments, suggestions, or questions.
Don Lewis
Proud ex-Jaguar XKR-R owner
(Melbourne, Australia)
