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HomeCar CultureMy Classic CarMy Classic Car: Frank’s Jaguar E-types

My Classic Car: Frank’s Jaguar E-types

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Frank's daughter stands next to his whitewalled Jaguar | Frank Ligon photos
Frank’s daughter stands next to his whitewalled Jaguar | Frank Ligon photos

Growing up in Detroit my dad would take me to the Sport Cars in Review show at the Henry Ford Museum. One year there was a D-type Jaguar on display. Jags had won Le Mans and the D-type was the hit of the show.

For me, it was love at first site.

Frank and the D-type
Frank and the D-type

A few years later the show featured the Jaguar E-type. It was black with a red interior and wide whitewalls. I promised myself one day I’m going to own one of those! I shared my promised with my dad. He just smiled.

Years later I came across a rusting 1969 E-type and purchased it. After a full restoration the (red) car won its class at numerous JCNA Concours, but I still remembered that promise of the covered headlights and wide whitewall tires.

A few years ago I kept that promise to myself and bought a 1964 Jaguar E-type. I restored it and it has been a national JCNA champion. I know my dad would be proud.

— Frank Ligon, Detroit

Frank's first E-type, which he restored and turned into an award-winner
Frank’s first E-type, which he restored and turned into an award-winner
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Reader Stories
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  1. Reading this and noting what words like “restore” mean to me. Nothing gains greater understanding of a car and it’s manufacturer than that process. Cars that I loved I could never criticize but the manufacturers I would curse for short-changing such beautiful machinery by failing to rust proof key parts. Even cheaper cars, I would forgive their foibles, such as cheap upholstery material and focus only on the righteous aspects of their design. “Restored” by my definition means “had a great love affair with.”

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