Jags a lifelong love affair
Engineers are known for their innate interest in the most complex machinery, and you won’t find a finer example than a Jaguar. Colene McKessick speaks to one fan of the famous cars who knows their inner workings better than most
Published:
THOUGH many young people will idolise cars from afar, Henry Riddoch was able to get a lot closer to his dream car as a student.
“I trained as an engineer and did some development work for Jaguar in their braking systems at the Jaguar designs factory,” said Henry, 62, an engineering consultant.
“The XJ6 had just come out and I thought it was a fantastic car. Although there was no way I could afford it, I got to drive it round the track, and I thought it was brilliant. I did eventually get one, and it was just as good as I imagined.”
Henry then went on to build a career as an engineer with a large Japanese computer firm, with his work taking him all over the world. Over the years, he accumulated a nice list of Jaguars.
“I rebuilt a Triumph TR6 but decided I needed more power, so I bought a V12 XJS to use,” said Henry.
“Then I bought an E-Type, which I began restoring, but due to ill-health I decided to sell it on to another enthusiast.
“I drove an S-Type for many years. It was a lovely car, but when I was travelling to Hong Kong, or Singapore, the poor thing would be left sitting in airport car parks most of the time. I only sold it when I moved to Inverurie from the west coast in 2004 because I realised a 4x4 would be more practical.”
A life without a Jaguar just wouldn’t be the same for Henry, though, so a year ago he bought a stunning 1960 Mk2 Jaguar to feed his habit.
“For me, the Mk2 is the ultimate Jaguar,” he said.
“It’s the bank robber’s car from movies, and Inspector Morse’s car. With the 3.8-litre engine, it was one of the fastest Jaguars ever made, and it’s the one I always wanted.
“My one was in pretty good condition when I bought it ... not concours, but very good. It’s British Racing Green, of course, and its dashboard is just gleaming. It has also had an engine rebuild so it runs well.”
After years of leaving cars in airport car parks, Henry is determined to use the Mk2 as much as he can.
“I will take it out in the rain, but not snow or ice. I just like to use it whenever it’s possible,” he said.
“After all, these cars were made to be used and enjoyed. It gets used every other week, and I take it to shows, too.
“Of course, it’s very different from today’s cars; it’s not nearly as refined as a modern Jaguar. That said, it’s a very sure-footed car and you can really throw it into corners. And it does have a tremendous grunt about it.”
Of course, a car of this calibre attracts attention no matter where it goes.
“I love driving through Blackburn in it on my way home from town as you can see all the schoolchildren stopping, turning around and saying ‘wow’ as soon as they hear the exhaust,” said Henry.
“I once nipped into Halfords to get some parts and the young gentleman behind the counter was oohing and aahing about the car for a very long time. It actually took me a while just to get out of the shop.
“I suppose he’s more used to modified modern cars being driven by young folk occupying the spaces outside, not an Inspector Morse car.”
Henry is an active member of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club in the north-east, taking part in many of its various events throughout the year.
“We really are a rather sociable bunch,” he said.
“We’re definitely one of the more active owners clubs up north, with about 150 members. Not all of them are active members, mind you, but we’re always amazed at how many crawl out of the woodwork for events.
“We had one of the founders of the club come up for a talk, and over 70 people showed up. It was a fantastic turnout. The members come and go, but it really is an excellent, well run club. We have a ladies’ day each year and, of course, our annual meet through which we always try to do our bit for charity.”
As someone who has admired the Jaguar marque for more than 40 years, Henry has finally settled on a model and has no plans of replacing it.
“This is definitely a long-term deal now. It’s there to be used and I shall use it as much as I can,” he said.
“I don’t really want to go down the route of rebuilds now, though I am helping a friend build a Jaguar SS100 replica and I have a workshop at my house for any jobs I do need to do.
“You know, I like to keep my hand in. I’m still an engineer at heart, and we’re awfully fond of Jaguars.”
The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club Grampian Region is holding its annual gathering at Milton Exhibition Fields, Milton of Crathes, near Banchory, from noon until 4pm on Sunday, with all proceeds going to the RNLI. Entry costs £2 for adults and £1 for children, or £5 for a family ticket.
