Vintage Thing no.92 - Jaguar XK150 shooting brake

From the side the lines almost flow nicely

I went to the Goodwood Revival again this year and, despite the corporate hostility to the genuine enthusiast that's built into this event, still enjoyed myself tremendously. The racing was good the cars were amazing and there was a special dirtbike-heroes-of-yesteryear display, complete with classic scramblers and their riders. I particularly liked the way they had a burn up on the grass round the circuit.

But out of everything, this is pne of the machines that intrigued me - difficult when it comes to four wheeled vehicular contrivances I know but bear with me.

Parked by the entrance and exit, was this Jaguar XK150 shooting brake. As I'm sure you've guessed by now the rear end is Morris Minor Traveller.

I was fascinated by it. It's something I would never have thought of doing and makes a lot of sense. Many woodies were produced in Britain during the late forties due to material shortages and Government restrictions on sales of private cars. However, the XK150 came out in '57 so is too late for this. I think this is a more recent conversion that allows for high speed touring with a serious amount of luggage or some large doggie companions.

From here it's hinged in the middle and has too much rear overhang. It still looks like it's doing 100mph standing still, though, probably more than the original coupe, because of that horizontal continuation of the roofline.

The reaction among the public was universally negative.

"What the hell's that!" was the most polite outburst. It was said to be a travesty, an excuse for a good horse-whipping (I kid you not) and an aberration produced by a warped mind, even if said warped mind was good at woodwork.

One chap said it was an advert for disc brakes and when pressed further went on to say that it demonstrated the merits of the Jag's disc brakes at the expense of the Moggy's drum brakes and nobody could be blamed for the subsequent rear ending of the Jag except Issigonis himself.

The general feeling seemed to be that the constructor had ruined two of Britain's greatest classic cars.

And then they noticed the French registration plates, which sent them into xenophobic apoplexy and the dubious membership of UKIP (if they weren't members already).

The Drogo bread van Ferrari was also present that day and a lot of people didn't like that, either. But I do. It can't touch a 250 GTO in terms of beauty of line but it's purposeful and has an impact all its own.

And this Jag shooting brake is a classically styled 1950's version of the Reliant Scimitar GTE.

This is probably the least flattering angle so it's interesting from a styling point of view. There's a change in angle of the side windows, an abrupt end to the vertical surface that begins in the side door and the swoop of the rear wing doesn't match the boxiness of the Traveller's timber work. The line of the roof gutter over the cockpit to the load area is also inconsistent and it looks very tail heavy - but what estate car doesn't?

From some angles the join is too obvious. But it would not be beyond the wit of man to smooth these things out. It would be a lot more work and many more non-standard parts would need to be used. I also suspect the reaction would be the same.

As it is, I like it. I'm glad someone had the balls and wherewithal to build it.

But happened to the left over bits? Is there a Morris Minor Fixed Head Coupe somewhere sur le continent?