Three legendary Group 44 racers will unite in tribute to Bob Tullius alongside a much-followed Mark 2 restoration, a beautifully understated V8 XJ and an adventurous XFR-S on the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club stand at this year’s NEC Classic Motor Show, from 13–15 November.
From American racing success to the satisfaction of restoring a treasured classic and the pleasure of driving a Jaguar far beyond familiar roads, our six-car display celebrates the cars and people who make the marque so special. Join us in Hall 1, Stand 310 to discover their stories and meet fellow enthusiasts.
At the heart of the display is a landmark gathering: for the first time at a public motor show, the Group 44 E-type, XJ-S and XJR-5 will appear together, bringing three defining chapters of Jaguar’s American racing story side by side in tribute to the late Bob Tullius.
Bob, who passed away in March aged 95, was much more than a gifted racing driver. As Group 44’s co-founder and driving force, he combined fierce competitiveness with immaculate preparation and a pioneering understanding of sponsorship and presentation. His instantly recognisable white-and-green cars became powerful ambassadors for British engineering, helping Jaguar prove its performance credentials in the hugely important American market.
The Series 3 V12 E-type began Group 44’s Jaguar story, taking Bob to the 1975 SCCA B Production national championship. Seven victories that season gave the E-type a glorious late-career flourish and demonstrated the racing potential of Jaguar’s refined V12.
The XJ-S carried that momentum forward, transforming Jaguar’s luxurious grand tourer into a formidable Trans-Am contender. Group 44’s programme delivered drivers’ titles for Bob in 1977 and 1978, along with the manufacturers’ crown for Jaguar in 1978, establishing the model’s sporting reputation years before TWR’s European victories.
With the XJR-5, the ambition grew again. This purpose-built, mid-engined V12 prototype brought Jaguar victories in American IMSA racing, while the programme returned the marque to Le Mans in 1984, followed by a GTP class victory in 1985. It represents a crucial chapter in Jaguar’s return to international endurance racing and a lasting expression of Bob’s determination.
Seeing these three cars together offers a rare opportunity to appreciate that journey and remember the man whose vision helped make it possible. Alongside them, three very different saloons celebrate the enthusiasm that continues to bring Jaguars into workshops, onto circuits and out on the open road.
For readers of our Compact Saloons Model Section, the 3.8-litre Mark 2, FMP 100, will be a familiar sight. Roland Stoate has documented its restoration in Jaguar Enthusiast Magazine, sharing the practical challenges, occasional frustrations and satisfying breakthroughs along the way.
Now visitors can see the car behind those articles. Refinished in its original Opalescent Bronze, it represents countless hours of patient work, from body repairs and mechanical recommissioning to the intricate business of restoring its interior. Hearing the engine run again after nearly 30 years standing was a particularly special milestone. Fellow members have contributed parts and practical help, making this a lovely illustration of the knowledge and friendship that Club membership brings.
The X308 XJ8 celebrates another chapter of Jaguar saloon history. This fine example is owned by our X308 Model Section Coordinator, Graham Reece.
Introduced in 1997, the X308 combined the familiar, flowing XJ shape with Jaguar’s new AJ-V8 engine and a refreshed interior. Its blend of wood, leather, refinement and effortless performance remains deeply appealing: a modern classic that captures so much of what enthusiasts love about a traditional Jaguar saloon.
Completing the line-up is the XFR-S, whose dramatic appearance is matched by an equally engaging life on the road. This example has enjoyed Club TrackSport events and European touring, including a journey to the Arctic Circle. Behind the performance lies remarkable versatility: a Jaguar capable of entertaining on a circuit while remaining a comfortable companion for a much longer adventure.
Together, these six cars tell a story of ambition, craftsmanship and enjoyment, connecting Jaguar’s competition achievements with the enthusiasm of the people who own, restore and drive its cars today.
Come and join us in Hall 1, Stand 310, at Birmingham’s NEC from 13–15 November. Whether you have followed the Mark 2 restoration in the magazine, admire the quiet elegance of an XJ or want to experience the presence of three extraordinary Group 44 racers together, we look forward to welcoming you.
Book your tickets at necclassicmotorshow.com, using Club code CCJAGECN6 for the JEC members’ advance ticket discount.
