THIS 1979 XJ6 Jaguar once made for iconic newlywed photographs in its past life as a feature bridal vehicle.
Owner Bill Fielding purchased the vehicle almost two years ago, complete with a custom-installed 350 Chevrolet twin-carburettor motor.
“From what I know, it was used as a wedding car in Perth and then somehow made its way to Mount Gambier,” he said.
“It goes like the clappers when you put your foot down.”
Mr Fielding said he owned another Jaguar model but preferred the X6 design.
“I am attempting to swap its blue velour upholstery at the moment to eventually leather,” he said.
“I like the shape of this model and I think it looks mean from the front.
“The body is long, sleek and when you drive it you feel as though you are riding softly on the road.”
Mr Fielding said the vehicle was registered to allow him to drive it 90 days a year.
“I like to pick my days and head down to the Glenelg River and through to Port MacDonnell but once it warms up a bit we will do some more trips,” he said.
“The old girl can drink a fair bit of fuel but I put up with it because I like the car.”
Mr Fielding said he installed a wooden steering wheel to match the car’s interior.
“I bought an RAA badge when travelling the United Kingdom last year and installed it to the vehicle,” he said.
“I am now tracing the history of the vehicle through the RAA to see when it was issued and who it was issued to.
“Hopefully I will be able to find out a bit more about it.”
Mr Fielding said he recently changed the 20-inch wheel rims over because he did not like the others.
“They are old Commodore rims which certainly sets it off a bit I think,” he said.
“It has a few small bits of rust as you can but I will gradually keep working on it a few bits at a time and when I can afford it.
“I do not have any plans of modifying it further, I want to leave it the way it is as much as possible.”
