The JDHT published a tribute expressing that they were saddened to share that Patricia Quinn (nee Lyons, Sir William Lyons’ first child) passed away on October 11th on her farm, aged 98.
She was an extraordinary woman and we were lucky to have met her in person. She was always helpful and supportive of the Trust and generously shared her memories and insights which greatly enhanced our work.
She told us how much she loved rallying, as a welcome antidote to the restrictions of post war Coventry. She commented with typical wry humour that she was somewhat annoyed to be the only woman to arrive at the post rally, riviera events with a neck up only suntan.
In March 2024, she invited us to her home to collect a beautiful Norman Hartnell gown belonging to her mother, Greta, Lady Lyons which she kindly loaned to us for an exhibition.
Pat was welcoming and engaging and our time with her flew past as we chatted about everything from her memories of her parents, her visits to the factory and the current thinking on Bovine Tuberculosis.
Her sharp intellect, courage and spirit of adventure were evident in her many achievements and this was complimented by her warm, generous character.
Pat will be a much-missed friend of the Trust. Jaguar Enthusiast Magazine’s November 2025 edition will feature tributes from both Paul Skilleter, who wrote the biography of Sir William Lyons with her help, and also her son, Michael Quinn.
4 Responses
A wonderful woman , the likes we shall never see again.
To Michael and the entire family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gtjoey1314
My very sincere condolences to Michael and the rest of his family on the death of his mother.
Patricia had the courage and spirit of both her parents. A remarkable lady.
What a lady – taking on the men in that era and excelling, and carried on doing that. She was a trail blazer. I have the painting of NUB 120 on my office wall, so think of her every day.
My thoughts are wife the family at this sad time. It is the memories that make you smile are the ones to hold on to.
Such sad news. I recall how helpful she was when Paul Skilleter and I wrote the Sir William Lyons biography some years ago. It was also wonderful to have her as a guest of honour at our XK Club XK70 event at Shelsley Walsh where I interviewed her. The audience found her recollections of rallying with her first husband, Ian Appleyard, absolutely fascinating. Between them they did so much to promote Jaguar Cars and the XK 120 in the early ’50s. A wonderful lady who will be much missed. Heartfelt condolences to my great friend Michael and the rest of the family.