International Jaguar Spares Day, whats the appeal?
Twice a year at the beginning and end of the year this show packs into a large hall at Stoneleigh NAEC perfect for getting the project out from under covers in the spring or at the end of the classic season to keep the pride and joy in top condition. Spares Day is not all about the parts though, on hand you have some of the most knowledgeable Jaguar specialists in the UK as well as a busy cars for sale section if you fancy a new project.
JEC Raffle Car
March is traditionally the month that the Club launches its raffle car so Spares Day was the first location that the car was on show and what a car, the colour is simply beautiful in the flesh (Spectrum Blue) complimented wonderfully with the black interior. It was also a sunny day, no scraping snow off it this year! With the roof down and parked in the foyer along side the JEC Gift Shop the sales were encouraging as well as plenty of new members signed up.
Something for everyone
The spares day has parts covering Jaguars of all ages from early XK120 parts to bonnets for XF on sale, it is difficult to not find the part you are looking for, or at worst find the contact you need to get the part you are after. The mix of traders such as SNG Barratt and Sturgess Jaguar with people selling the contents of their garage usually after a long restoration means there is a big mix of parts available. Personally I found the contact I needed for a good Series 2 XJ bonnet, without the holes caused by fitting a leaper!
You also had a great choice of cars for sale, from an SS100 replica, C-Type replica to a delightful X-Type a couple of XK8's and a few X350's. There was even a project Daimler SP250. It is fair to say this event has something for anyone who needs a Jaguar "fix" in their lives.
When is the next one?
The International Jaguar Spares Day happens twice a year and the next one is penciled in for October 2017, date to be confirmed, but one thing is for sure. You have plenty of time to get your shopping list ready by then.