JAGUAR XK CLUB 2017 ROUND BRITAIN COASTAL DRIVE, SUPPORTING PROSTATE CANCER UK”
Unique 18-day event, from June 12 to 29, 2017
Murray Walker, OBE, to flag cars away
Support confirmed from specialist Jaguar companies
Raising funds to fight prostate cancer
Driver Patrick Hanratty to speak of his cancer experience
Glorious scenery and memorable driving
Participants in the Round Britain Coastal Drive (RBCD) will raise crucial awareness of prostate cancer, which kills more than 10,000 men in Britain every year. London-based XK Club member Patrick Hanratty, who will take part in all 18 stages of the RBCD in his British Racing Green XK 150 Drop Head Coupé, understands the importance of this more than most. Having recently come through bowel cancer, he is now being treated for prostate cancer, and will speak of his experiences after some group dinners during RBCD. Few men even know where their prostate gland is, so encouraging them to learn and check will save lives.
Long-time XK Club friend and supporter, the great Murray Walker OBE, will be flagging the cars away from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Murray is an absolute legend in the world of motorsport, his fame extending far beyond the roar of engines and the squeal of tyres on a start-line.
Murray says 'Though this is not a race, it sounds to me like a great event. I wish Philip Porter and the other crews a really enjoyable drive. May they be blessed with much publicity for this important cause. Go, Go, Go!'. He is a true enthusiast and an absolute gentleman.
The inaugural RBCD was driven by E-type Jaguars in September 2016 and raised more than £60,000 against a target of £50,000. It is hoped that the XK drive will beat even that success. 'Our crews, our sponsors, our VIPs, my hard-working colleagues and the media all pulled together,' states Philip Porter, founder of the drive and a survivor himself from prostate cancer. 'It was very moving but also tremendous fun.’
'I urge all XK owners to take part,' says Porter, who completed the 2016 drive in his E-type, star of the film The Italian Job. 'Not only will they be supporting a very important cause but, as I know from experience, the driving is absolutely superb. Our XKs were designed for driving and that, for many of us, is the real pleasure of ownership.
'So, if you like driving, this tour is for you.'
Technical support is vital for a drive featuring 60-year-old cars, so leading parts supplier SNG Barratt will provide an expert mechanic to accompany participants for all 18 days. Further support, in various ways, comes from Classic Fabs, manufacturers of high-quality Jaguar exhausts; Jaguar restorers J. D. Classics, who will host participants at their showroom in Essex; Hampshire Jaguar specialists Twyford Moors; and Vintage Tyres, suppliers of original-equipment tyres for classic cars.
With several drivers already committed to completing all 18 days and more than 120 cars taking part, the Jaguar XK Round Britain Coastal Drive looks set to be a triumph, in more ways than one.
The International XK Club – formed in 1997 by motoring author and publisher Philip Porter and his wife Julie, the Club has members in over 50 countries and an exceptional magazine. With the emphasis on driving, the Club's mantra is: no concours, no committees and no politics!
Philip Porter – the award-winning author, he has written 30 books on motoring (around a dozen on Jaguars) and motor racing, including four with Sir Stirling Moss, one with Murray Walker and one with Martin Brundle. In 2005, he formed Porter Press which is now one of the world's leading motoring publishers. He has owned his XKs for 44 years. He is Prostate Cancer UK's Motoring Ambassador.
Jaguar XK Facts
The XK 120 was launched in 1948 at the Earl's Court Motor Show and stole the Show
The name was based on the 120mph top speed and it was the fastest production car in the world
The XK 120 offered racing car performance on the road and had a futuristic body design of great beauty
XK 120s were owned by Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart and Tyrone Power
The XK 120 won its first race and countless races in the States
The XK 120 helped Jaguar become Europe's leading dollar earner until overtaken by VW
The XK 120 won international rallies and was used for record-breaking by Stirling Moss who had one as his road car
The XK 120 was offered in three forms: Roadster (officially known as the Open Two-Seater Super Sports), the Fixed Head Coupé and the Drop Head Coupé (convertible). The XK 140 succeeded the 120 in 1954 and XK 150 was introduced in 1957. They were also offered in three versions.
Some 60% of XKs were exported
The XK 120C (aka the C-type) was closely based on the XK 120 and won the Le Mans 24-Hour Race in 1951 and 1953.
The amazingly versatile XK engine powered the Le Mans-winning C-types and D-types, the compact and luxury saloons of the '50s, fire engines, armoured vehicles, record-breaking power boats, the iconic '60s E-types and silent executive saloons in the '70s.
Celebrity Quotes from 2016
'If, like me, you're a man who thrills at the prospect of handsome E-type Jaguars from all over the world making a historic round Britain trip, then please pause and consider the purpose of this extraordinary event. It's to remind us to be aware of, and get checked for, prostate cancer. Please allow your thoughts to return to the beautiful motor cars on their great mission. A talented and modest man, who brilliantly runs our Club, with his team, has provided all with a way to do some good with our cars - Philip Porter.
'From a lifelong Jaguar fan, whose life will hopefully be a bit longer because of prostate cancer awareness.' Jools Holland
'What a fantastic adventure Philip Porter and the E-Type Club have embarked on, a round Britain coastal drive and all for Prostate Cancer UK. I wish all the drivers and their beautiful machines the very best of luck. I can only imagine the wonderful sight of that many cats together with that marvellous growl. I know you will raise a lot of money for this wonderful cause, and for that we should all thank you.' Brian Johnson
'As a Jaguar E-type owner I am delighted to be a Supporter of this unique event for a very good cause.' Martin Brundle
Prostate Cancer UK: www.prostatecanceruk.org
Prostate Cancer UK works to get men in all areas of the country the early detection, effective diagnosis and better treatments that will beat this disease.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. More than 10,000 men die every year from this male-only disease, and 250,000 men are living with prostate cancer in the UK.
Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or via the online Live chat, instant messaging service from website.
