The D-type is on display in Duns. TKF9’s place is secure. Autocar featured XKD517 E2026-9 in its original pastel green at Oulton Park. Champion recalled it in white when the “pirates de la frontière” bought it for Jim Clark. Michael Cooper photographed me at the wheel on the memorable test day.
Read MoreClassic Jaguar: Ecurie Ecosse
The 1844 North British Railway Company was ambitious. Like its rival The Caledonian Railway, it wanted to operate south of Berwick-on-Tweed. By railways’ 1923 amalgamation it was fifth largest in the UK so was absorbed into the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) yet its hotel above Waverley Station remained, steadfastly The NB. “North British”. Earnest Scot Nats could scarcely contain their delight in 1991, when it was reopened by (soon-to-be Sir) Thomas Sean Connery, and renamed The Balmoral.
Read MoreForce majeure: Cold night in a D-type
Jim Clark’s first race with the Jaguar TKF9 was on an airfield circuit at Full Sutton in Yorkshire earning him an early place in the record books. He was the first sports car driver to lap a British circuit at over 100mph. The contrast with bumpy Charterhall was profound. Full Sutton had a long 3.2 mile lap and was in perfect condition. The American Air Force had just spent a quarter of a million pounds - a lot of money in 1958 - resurfacing it.
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