TRACE AN XK!

Always wondered what happened to an XK you remember? You can now log to www.xkdata.com to search for a car or group of cars and view statistics on an extensive database of XKs. The site is entirely run by volunteers and aims to keep track of over XK 120, 140 and 150, currently listing 1,676 XKs with a wide collection of photos. You don’t have to be an owner to participate, and if you have information on any of the cars you see, you can enter relevant data for it. A wonderful resource and an absolute must for XK fans.

STIRLING MOSS AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL

Written by renowned Jaguar author and XK Club co-founder Philip Porter, the Stirling Moss Scrapbook 1955, proved to be a star attraction at the Goodwood Revival in Sussex earlier this year. Hundreds of classic car owners, racing enthusiasts and gift-seekers flocked each day to buy the book and catch a glimpse of their hero (and XK Club patron) Sir Stirling Moss, who took time between vintage races to sign copies for his adoring fans.

The first in a series, the book charts an incredibly compelling collection of press cuttings, personal photographs and in-depth interviews covering the highs and lows of Sir Stirling’s remarkable racing year of 1955. The Scrapbook offers a wonderfully nostalgic glimpse into Moss’s enviable 1950s lifestyle, from winning Mille Miglia in his 300 SLR to the star-crossed successions of parties, dinners and balls he attended, not the mention the ladies!

Philip is currently working on the next in the series, 1961, which will chart the year in which Moss famously beat his contemporaries at Monaco and Nürburgring.

The Scrapbook 1955 is available to buy at £34.95 through our shop or visit www.stirlingmossbooks.com for more information. A limited-edition, leather-bound version is also available, priced £75.

CELEBRATIONS AT THE PALACE

The XK Club returned to the Palace of Westminster for its Annual Celebrations. The evening started with a specially organised guided tour of the House, allowing members a privileged peak into the corridors of power (normally you need to be a Countryside Alliance protester, or a member of Fathers for Justice to get this close to the business of government).

After the tour had been completed and aperitifs enjoyed in Strangers' Dining Room, festivities moved to the Members' Dining Room, which was filled to capacity with over 170 Club members, friends and specially invited guests. This year's honoured guests included the ever-effervescent Sir Sydney Chapman MP - the Club's genial sponsor at the House - new Jaguar MD Bibie, Jaguar Chairman and CEO Joe Greenwell and Club Patron, the legendry motor racing driver Sir Stirling Moss, who was accompanied by his vivacious wife Susie.

After the serious business of dinner had been completed, guests were treated to a privileged insight into Jaguar's future plans by Joe Greenwell. The optimistic tone of the briefing was very much welcomed by Club Members, after the well-documented troubles of the past six months. The promise of brand reinvigoration and of a totally new XK excited particular interest and enthusiasm among those assembled.

Stirling Moss's warm and incredibly frank reminiscences of his racing career followed and, as in previous years, he kept every single person spellbound and rocking with laughter. Listeners were transported back to the fifties, with all its exuberance, irreverence and irrepressible style.

The Club would like to extend a final 'thank you' to our long-time Sponsor Sir Sydney Chapman MP, who retires from active service this year.

XK CLUB DAY

The XK Club Day continues to be our headline event and this year we really have something to shout about, because the XK140 is 50! Over 100 XKs have made the journey to Hilltop Farm in Worcestershire in previous years and we hope to break all previous attendance records in 2004.

The Club Day Garden Party will once again be attended by all your favourite XK Specialists, who will be on hand to give you extra special technical advice and information. If you are looking to pick up something a little bit different, you can visit one of the craft stalls, or bid for a lot in the Promises Auction. Roy Norton's Jazzline will playing again to add even more atmosphere.

However, it is in the evening that Hilltop Farm really comes to life. This year, we will be recapturing the magic and glamour of the XK140 era by inviting you to a 1954 Night at the Oscars. .

If the sheer decadence of Club Day is all too much to take in, our Sunday run will provide you with the perfect opportunity to clear your head while exploring the leafy lanes of deepest Shropshire (the millennium county of the tractor!). After which, and in time honoured fashion, we will be 'going the whole hog' and rounding off the weekend with a pig roast lunch! What could be better!

For XK140 owners everywhere this event is a must! But, of course, 120 and 150s are equally welcome.