The XJ220 had been planned for a limited life, Jaguar with a half-share in Bloxham was now owned by Ford, so the pieces of the jigsaw fitted. Aston Martin (Oxford) was formed, with Ian Callum in charge of the DB7’s style and Jackie Stewart on the board to ensure its sporting pedigree. A consultant to Ford since his racing days, Stewart protested. 'I don't work for Aston Martin.' Walter Hayes' was in charge. His reply was succinct. 'You do now.'
Read MoreMorgan Plus 8
The Guardian was an unlikely medium for a sports car feature. In 1969 I was its motor racing correspondent, a contributor to its motoring column and now that Morgan has made its last V8, here is what I wrote about its first. I drove to Malvern to try out the first demo Plus 8, along with Autocar’s Eoin Young. I don’t expect The Guardian, or me would write about “a masculine car” any more. This was half a century ago.
Read MoreDutch Grand Prix 1967
I asked Facebook and Twitter about this picture. That’s me behind Jim Clark’s Lotus photographing its new engine during practice at Zandvoort. I started commenting on it then mis-keyed and couldn’t find where it came from, but delving into my photographic archive I was pleased to find the pictures I was taking that day (below - Jim Clark’s legs on the right) in front of the Lotus pit.
Read MoreAston Martin recreates Le Mans
Every year the Pebble Beach Concours highlights a classic make. First time I went, in 1989, Aston Martin was celebrating the 30th anniversary of a memorable victory at Le Mans and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) International Championship for Makes, the world sports car championship. Winning drivers reunited with their cars. Aston Martin caretakers Victor Gauntlett and Peter Livanos brought former owner, octogenarian Sir David Brown, together with six drivers for a week-end reunion
Read MoreEric Dymock driving Jaguars
I’ve written a million words on Jaguar. 120,000 in each edition of The Jaguar File, three or four re-writes and up-dates of its digital equivalent, road tests and features over sixty years. So, a Jaguar expert? Maybe not. Driving an F-type last weekend I had to admit I have to look up my own books for things. More a Jaguar student than a know-all.
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