Lot 28: Jaguar Dunsmore Special

When Bill Hines set out to build a car that reflected his taste for nostalgia, it was natural that he should draw on his family's long involvement with the motor trade.  In the 1920s, his father had been offered a job at Riley by fellow London resident, Percy McClure, one of the Works Drivers.  On a Monday morning the two would set out from Marble Arch at 6am and, 100 miles later, would clock-in at Riley's Coventry factory just before 8am, having negotiated heavy traffic on the A5.  Bill's father was a keen enthusiast and loyal Riley employee and travelled everywhere with the Works Team.  Hence the topic of conversation at the family home often turned to motor sport and the motor industry. Bill himself ran a JAP-engined Cooper in hill climbs and a Jaguar-engined Marendaz tourer, plus another fearsome cable braked Jaguar special, before settling down to establish his own motor repair business.    Following a move to Dunsmore Heath between Coventry and Rugby, he once again had the time to pursue his passion, and the first 'Dunsmore Special' was born of a £500 Vauxhall VX4/90.  Subsequent cars with both Vauxhall Ventora and Jaguar XK engines were built, each as if it were Bill's own, and finished with an external brake lever, beam axles, cycle wings and aero screens to give that Vintage feel.This example  the original donor car having been an early 420 Jaguar Saloon  is powered by a triple carburettor 4.2-litre unit to E-Type specification.  Finished in a dark red with cream leather trimmed seats, it is of very good appearance.  The quality of the original build shows through, with components fitting nicely and no excessively awkward braketry spoiling the looks. The wire wheels have recently been treated to a set of Blockley tyres and, when driven, the grip and handling are 'old fashioned' but sure, with confidence in the car's ability gained throughout the experience, while the Jaguar engine provides more than enough motive power.Representing a rare opportunity, as Dunsmores rarely change hands, this example is supplied with a V5C document and a current MOT certificate.