That event set four world records and saw the XK 120 fhc, LWK 707, average 100.31 mph for seven days. Truly a performance worth commemorating!

The album itself contains 149 black and white prints on 17 pages of photographic paper. They cover many aspects of the run including the celebrations at the end. One full page shows that iconic photo of the car running high on the Montlhéry banking as dawn breaks over the circuit. This was taken by one of the staff photographers from “Vachon Photographe” the Parisian agency appointed as official photographers to the event. This photo was Roy Nockolds’ inspiration for his striking Jaguar showroom poster of the event.

These albums were presented at a special ”Montlhéry Reunion Dinner” held at the Hyde Park Hotel in London on 27 October 1952. I have handled three of these albums, including Joe’s. Adding up all the unique signatures, they total 34. Assuming some did not sign, for whatever reason, I would therefore calculate that there were probably around 40 hosts and guests at the table. In other words, only around 4 copies of these superb albums exist.

Joe’s album contains 26 signatures – 15 I can read and 11 that are indecipherable! It will be a long time before you see such a collection of Jaguar-related signatures for this golden era. William Lyons heads the list (the knighthood came later), followed by the drivers – Stirling Moss, Jack Fairman and Leslie Johnson. I can’t spot Bert Hadley’s signature, but it may be one of those I could not decipher.

Then come the rest of the Jaguar team – Bill Heynes, Arthur Whittaker, Ernest Rankin, Mortimer Morris-Goodall, Phil Weaver, Joe Thompson (two signatures – one for each bottle?), Bob Berry, and Harry Weslake. Two guests from the Paris dealership that organised the record run – Christian Delecroix (the dealer) and Gerard Levecque. Other signatures include guests Bryan Turle of Shell and Desmond Scannell, Secretary of the BRDC, plus those I have not been able to identify, which will be a nice research project for the weekends!

This lot also contains Joe’s engraved invitation to the Reunion Dinner from the Chairman and Directors of Jaguar Cars Ltd. Plus a copy of the menu for the dinner and a photo of the Jaguar support team with Joe in the centre, instantly recognisable in his flat hat and glasses!

Three books are also included, one of which is. “Omnibus of Speed” ed by Beaumont and Nolan. Stirling Moss contributed one chapter on record-breaking in which he mentions the sort of pranks the team got up to at Montlhéry to relieve the boredom. On one occasion, as he rounded down from the banking, he saw the other three drivers plus a mechanic (possibly Joe), sat at a table on the track straight. As he streaked past, feet away, he saw they were playing cards!

The album is in fine condition with the soft leather binding fresh and unmarked. The photographs show little sign of any age-related deterioration. The album has been protected by its own specially-made cloth-bound solander box that has the same cover imprint as the album. This box shows some internal spotting and sl external wear, but has done an excellent job of protecting the album for the past 71 years!

This splendid opening Lot for the auction offers a superb and very rare item commemorating a milestone event in the creation of the Jaguar Legend, along with a stunning collection of some of the most desirable Jaguar and Jaguar-related signatures of the era This is only the third of these albums I have handled. The first was Sir William’s own coy, which sold for £16,600 in 2013. The second sold for ££9,500 and prices have slipped since, so Joe’s copy is offered at £6000-6500.

Joe was a keen and very effective amateur photographer. He took his camera into the pits and track-side at many meetings when Jaguar fielded C-types during the first half of the 1950s. These included including – Le Mans 1951, 1952, 1953 and 1954, Dundrod 1951, Reims 1952 and Goodwood 1953. Those with a better eye for tracks than me, will be able to identify other meetings. In terms of the cars, by far the majority show C-types – in the pits or on the tracks. Another exceptional aspect of Joe’s photography is the way in which he focusses on the people as well as the cars. These include the drivers, of course, but also his fellow mechanics and other Jaguar players and visitors in the pits. Joe’s photos are also supplemented by some from his fellow race-mechanic, Frank Rainbird (especially those showing Joe in the pits), as well as some agency photos.

All his means that future generations have been left a unique and quite extraordinary record of Jaguar’s racing exploits across these years, which are presented in the album that comprises this Lot. There are over 100 photos in total – 81 in the album plus another 11 loose inside the front cover. A further 14 are in a separate folder and include photos taken at various functions in Joe’s retirement. Most of the photos are either VG or Fine, with only a small number that are Good. The race photos range in size from 7×5 to 7×9 with a much smaller number snap-shot size. Others are a mixture

It would take most of this catalogue to describe in detail each individual photo – the cars, the events, the people and the activities! Therefore, if you require more details on the photos before you bid, please do not hesitate to mail me using the contact forms here within my website. One caveat – no requests for copies of photos please!

“Unique” is a much over-used word these days (on eBay, it simply means “I haven’t seen one before!”). However, in the truest sense of the word, this album is a genuinely unique and a very important slice of Jaguar’s history.

It is signed “Here’s to ’53 Joe. Stirling.” Plus, two other cards – one from Dick Jeffery of Dunlop’s Racing Division and one from Richard Cresswell, a Jaguar engineer, test driver and club racer. Fine and VG.

20-page booklet produced by Jaguar to celebrate the Walker/Whitehead victory at Le Mans in 1951. Excellent photography throughout, including several by Klemantaski. Cover rubbed o/w. VG. Rare.

Card has facsimile signature of Sir William and includes a roneoed letter awarding Joe a “Merit Bonus.” The letter bears Sir William’s personal signature, which is not seen very often. VG.

Copies no 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Club magazine “Racing Mechanic”. Two of Joe’s BRMC ties. BRMC windscreen stick and Jaguar licence holder. VG to Fine.

I’ve checked the contents against the XJ220 Parts List and all are present and correct, including the chamois leather. A very rare item and I’ve only handled two previously, the last in 2017 and neither had the chamois leather. Wallet – Fine. Tools – Mint.

Owner’s Handbook, Service Record and Warranty, European Emergency Assistance, Sales & Service Directory and Audio System booklet These are rare items individually and this is only the fourth full set I have ever handled. All these booklets have seen use and are Good/VG.

However Car number 4 was allocated to Prince Jefri of Brunei. Numbered keys are rare and this one is in Fine condition.

This one is specific to the XJ220 engine and comprises – electronic pack, both cables and the all-important floppy disc, which is so often missing. Not clear from the photo, but the electronic pack is inscribed with the number – 5M 3159 SPD 1039. If you google the heading to this Lot, you will find much detail on this kit. Untested. Very rare.

In the correct JaguarSport folder and embargoed to 10.30 am on 14 December 1989. Six pages including mention of – styling by Geoff Lawson and Keith Helfet, initial build of 220 with increase to 350 if required, application procedure, allocation on “first come-first served” basis and three pages of specs. Also 3 x 35mm slides. A historic moment in the life of the car – and for Jaguars too. Seldom seen, especially with the slides. Fine.

28-page A4 booklet dated May 1992 with four Sections – 1. Intro, 2. Conditions, 3. Policy & Procedures. 4. Claim preparation, submission, credit, material recovery. Guidance for dealers and an intriguing insight to the admin back-up for XJ220 sales. Rare. Fine nr Mint.

All unused. All Fine.

Unused Application Form – 4-page carbons. Photocopy of Mick Jagger’s application form. Copy of 2-page Vehicle Maintenance Sheet, copy of Paint Report. Interesting. Unusual. All VG or Fine.

This is one of the rarest and most sought-after post-war Jaguar brochures. A small number of brochures were produced before the decision was taken to run with the V6 turbocharged engine. Most were then destroyed but a tiny number escaped into the wild. I last sold a copy in 2020 and that fetched £1400 This copy comes from Mike Moreton’s collection and has been very well protected by its envelope that bears a note in Mike’s hand – “Original 220A V12 Jaguar engine “. A standard brochure from Mike’s archive is included for comparison. Both brochures are Fine very near Mint.

At the 20th anniversary gathering of the XJ220 team at Weston Park, Mike’s colleagues presented him with this appreciation. This has been entered by Helen Moreton, Mike’s widow, who hopes it will return to an XJ220 team member. Fine. Unique.

This book is Mike’s own copy and is accompanied by an extensive portfolio of Mike’s notes, photos, sketches and diagrams that he drew on while drafting the book. These include – JaguarSport press release, Wykham Mill site layout, production line flow, organisation chart, correspondence with publishers, many photos annotated in Mike’s own hand for locating in the book, over 80 x 35mm slides and much more. This is truly a unique and historic portfolio that expands the XJ220 story beyond the book. If you require more details, just mail me.

Large, full-colour brochure covering the full range of services offered by the TWR group with a specific focus on competition work. This brochure is from the mid-1990s and the Silk Cut Jaguar racers created by TWR feature heavily throughout, with the XJ220, XJ220S and XJR-15 also covered. The JaguarSport versions of the XJS and XJ40 gain a mention. 14 x 11. 16pp with two at the back double-sized. Wire-bound in heavy card cover. Targeted at the trade and media rather than retail customers, these are seldom seen and of particular interest to fans of the pivotal role TWR played in the renaissance of Jaguar. Fine.

One with slip-case and one without. 12pp. 4 x 11. Individual full-colour photos on every page that illustrate the full range of activities handled by the Group. Fine nr Mint.

Housed in the correct embossed card folder and protected by a transparent sheet with the annotation in Mike’s own hand “XJ220. Certificate for each Production Car” and probably unique thus. Fine nr Mint.

Centrepiece is Stuart Spencer’s superb XJ220 cut-away, surrounded by full-colour photos of car details. Outline specs on the back. Fine.

In original envelope annotated in Mike’s hand “Press Announcement for 350 cars”. Fine brochure in VG envelope.

Mike’s own account of his 23 years at Fords and an extraordinary story it is spanning the RS Escorts, Capris, Granadas and Sierras, with all the many variants. Covers Mike’s early encounters with Tom Walkinshaw, which started when Tom was test driving the Escort RS200. He describes Tom as “a very quick and competitive touring car driver!” It was these early contacts that eventually led to Tom head-hunting Mike from Ford to manage the XJ220 Project. The front end-paper shows Ford designer John Hartnell’s artwork of the RS200 interior. A real bonus of this lot is that John’s original artwork is included. So, if you own an RS200, this is for you! Fine book and Fine artwork.

Labelled in Mike’s hand – “XJ220 Texas. Sep 92” – “XJ220 Top Gear Oct 92” and XJ220 Nürburgring”. All transferred to a UK standard DVD.

Loose-leaf 4-ring binder. 429 pages printed on high-grade coated paper. Contents are Introduction and 15 Sections. VG near Fine.

Loose-leaf 4-ring binder. 390 pages printed on high-grade coated paper. Introduction and 16 Sections covering all aspects of the car and the line drawings are in themselves an education into the complexity of the vehicle. VG near Fine.

Sections include: Introduction; Instruments; In-car Facilities; Driving; Vehicle Care and Servicing; and one section of Specs. This is a rare book in Fine condition.

Osprey Automotive, 1994. Black cloth binding in black cloth slip-case. Philip’s well-crafted and informed words are neatly complemented by Peter Burn’s fine images. Protected by its original mailing box. Fine book and slip-case in VG box.

Size – Large. These were not available to the public. This one is exceptionally well-padded, so will be ideal for when winter closes in around us! Has seen some wear but is still VG.

Size not too clear on the label, but looks like “medium.” Has seem wear but still VG.

Unique. Fine.

Unused. Fine.

Large, full-colour brochure covering the full range of services offered by the TWR group with a specific focus on competition work. This brochure is the same basic format as Lot 18 above but significantly revised and updated for the group’s 25th anniversary in 2001. In its original box, so well-protected. Also, the slim complimentary brochure that is, in effect, a potted version of its big brother. Finally, a copy of a brochure for the Swedish company AutoNova, a member of the TWR Group. All Fine. All rare.

The official Jaguar factory calendar for 1992. Very dramatic full-page shots of this most photogenic of cars. Still in its original box. Mint.

Superb high-definition photography. Two copies both in their original black card tubes. Mint.

Both unused. Both Fine.

This was distributed with the Motor Show edition of Autocar & Motor in the launch year of 1992. All those copies and others circulated in the likes of press packs, were diminished by being heavily folded and creased, usually mechanically. This unfolded framed and glazed copy is 23 x 17 and used to hang in the Chief Engineer’s office at Bloxham! Mint.

Plus two wheel badges and one wheel badge holder. All VG or Fine.

VG.

16-page booklet with metallic silver cover. Contains a very unusual selection of photographs of the development of the XJ220 bodywork, which was handled by Descartes – some of which I have not seen before. Fine. Rare.

An intriguing over-view of the Groups activities. Includes mention of – move to Leafield, DB 7 Volante, Volvo 850 racing, AutoNova joins the Group, F1 shift from Ligier to Arrows – and that’s just in the Summer ’96 issue! Fascinating! All have seen wear and are Good to VG. Not seen very often.

Rare, probably unique. Fine.

Fine and VG.

All VG.

1996. This is the comprehensive brochure with the silver-grey car on the front – a massive 42 pages, some doubled. 12 x 12. Superb photography throughout. VG.

Note the ‘ring’ on the top of the cap – this was so the Le Mans ‘plombeur’’ could thread his wire seal through once refuelling had been completed.

These were the first badges produced by the Club. It was well respected and RAC affiliated, with ‘Lofty’ England as the first President.

Signed by Sir William Lyons, Bill Haynes and Andrew. All three sadly no longer with us. This is a copy from the 1980 edition specially printed for Jaguar Cars. These can be identified by the “growler” at the foot of the spine. Accompanied by two Coventry Evening Telegraph tributes to “Wally” Hassan on his death in 1996. A unique set all VG.

Presented to Jim on his retirement, this is one of the titanium connecting rods intended for the 1960 3 litre Le Mans engine fitted to E2A. Only a very small number of these were procured and they proved fragile on the test bed. Jim experienced two failures but he managed to avoid the ‘shrapnel’ as the engines self-destructed when the rods fractured! The piston crown is also from the 3 litre engine.