by Steve Williams: JDCQ Capricornia Register
The 2023 Jaguar National Rally was recently held at Hahndorf in Adelaide Hills, South Australia, and our decision to attend triggered some detailed itinerary planning and vehicle improvements that resulted in a highly enjoyable and reliable touring holiday.
Whilst our 1969 2+2 E-Type Jaguar has been dependable and undertaken several return trips between Gladstone and Brisbane, I still held concerns about the car’s ability to reliably complete a 6,500km journey.
Having removed the rear suspension to replace a failed front universal joint, I discovered that the entire rear suspension had been untouched in the car’s fifty-four-year life!
To ensure the car was able to complete the Hahndorf trip, a complete rebuild of the rear suspension was undertaken, including brakes.
Driver and passenger comfort were also considered essential for such a long trip, so a bespoke air conditioning system was fitted, along with a classic looking, modern sound system.
This trip was getting expensive, even before we left!
The 2+2 E Type is well suited to long-distance touring, as it provides a good amount of luggage space for a travelling couple.
Even fully loaded with luggage and some essential spare parts, oil and water, I was always able to see out the rear window.
My wife Vicki and I were pleased that we managed to leave space for a potential carton of wine.
A six-day touring itinerary was finalised, and we waved goodbye to the Gladstone family after Easter Sunday Breakfast.
On Friday afternoon, we arrived at the tree-lined streets of Hahndorf.
Upon registering, there were regalia to purchase, and the evening was spent socialising over dinner with Jaguar enthusiasts from all around Australia.
The National Rally is more than just enjoying Jaguar cars, with many other activities arranged.
Out of several Saturday options, we chose to visit the Monarto Safari Park, which boasts a wide variety of native Australian animals as well as an impressive 1,500 hectare African safari experience.
Sunday was the Jaguar National Display Day, held at The National Motor Museum in the town of Birdwood.
Early morning showers meant that our cars required several chamois drying sessions – they had to look their best!
More than 180 Jaguars were displayed, from pre-war SS models to the latest F Type, and everything in between.
On Monday, we chose the leisurely paddleboat lunch cruise on the Murray instead of the extremely tempting and more exciting option to drive the E Type on the racetrack at The Bend Motorsport Park – after all, we needed the car intact for the 3,000km northward journey.
The run home, with that carton of wine on board, saw some long days of driving, but the E-Type was in its element on good 110km/hr motorways through Victoria and New South Wales.
The 2024 National Jaguar Rally will be in Tasmania, and we plan to be there.