An Enduring Legend: The Original Jaguar XKE 120 Dual Cam Roadster

With much of Western Europe in ruins, automobile and engineering companies specializing in all kinds of sports car and motorcycles shifted their focus to America at the end of World War 2. This mass exodus included famous named like Austin-Cooper, Lotus, Austin-Healey, Mini-Cooper, Triumph, MG, Triumph bikes, Norton, Greeves, and British motorcycles. One name that stands out from this era of high-tech engineering and exotic European performance vehicles is the legendary Jaguar XKE roadster.

Although the Jaguar Automotive Company was active in the manufacture of high performance sports cars prior to World War 2, it is only in the post war period that the company went from a local British brand to an internationally acclaimed icon. Jaguar was going strong in pre-war Britain with standouts like the Jaguar Roadster SS-100, but the war soon brought an end to the good times for the small British manufacturer. A weak post-war economy combined with rationing lead to a huge decline in sales in Britain and Europe. Luckily there was an emerging market for premium performance vehicles over the Atlantic in the United States and Canada.

To tap this vibrant new market for their vehicles Jaguar's designers, engineers, and even the co-founder set out to launch a new, more stylish and sporty. This new model was seen as the saviour of the company - it was meant to raise demand for Jaguar vehicles abroad and ensure the company's continued existence in a difficult home market.

To this end they fitted out the new model with a then very powerful engine that achieved max power at 5,000 rpms. This was a huge innovation at the time as such power back then could only be found in specialized racing cars and not normal production vehicles. Another huge innovation for the time was the introduction of twin overhead camshafts, something else not found in many cars of the era. The original XKE roadster used a 3/4 litre inline six engine with a bulky crankshaft and 7 main bearings powering a long engine stroke. The 5200 rpm gave this car 160 horse power, making the original XKE an agile yet refined beast on the highways and byways of America.

It is interesting to note that the unique twin over head cam setup was not proposed for production models of the jaguar Roadster, but for the Jaguar Sedan instead. The cam setup was installed as a temporary fix for the engine during the testing phase of the Roadster, but due to positive market approval and high customer approval they decided to stick to it for final production. Although the Jaguar Sedan Mark VII models released in 1951 featured the same engine, the Jaguar Roadster XK120 model had it three years earlier in 1948.

The Jaguar XK120 was launched to rave reviews for its elegant look, beautiful styling, high performance engine and impressive speed and handling. With its stylish contours and top speed of 120 miles per hour the Jaguar XK120 lived up to its namesake of a sleek and agile hunter. It seems quaint when you consider that the Roadster's price back then was a modest 2,500 US Dollars.

The original Jaguar XKE120 roadster holds the distinction of being one of the best cars ever designed. Even in to the profusion of high-end European cars that thrived in US markets after the war, the Jaguar XKE120 held its own, and is still regarded as an all time classic.

Looking for information on Jaguar XKE?

Click to http://www.jaguarxke.com/, the ultimate website for Jaguar XKE fans and enthusiasts.

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Oakland Roadster Classic Car Show

The Oakland Roadster Show has reached its sixty-two years of active showcasing. It was recently held from 28th to 30th January, 2011 at the Fairplex in Pomona. It is well known as the world longest running indoor car show. It is still organized at the Fairplex in Pomona after 8 successive years. Oakland Roadster Show is actually named the Grand National Roadster Show. However, many people including the media call it the Oakland Roadster Show, possibly because it was originally held at the Oakland Exhibition Hall, Tenth & Fallon St. The first show was held in the year 1950 in Oakland, California. It was promoted by Al Slonaker. It was later held at the Oakland Coliseum until the year 1997. The year of 1997 was the last year where the show was held in Oakland. In 1998, the Oakland Roadster Show was held at the Concourse in a warehouse that was converted for this car show. It is a building with age and wood beams can be seen around the building.

The building is carpeted too. However, it has a leaking roof and inconvenient parking and these problems caused the show to be relocated. After that, this car show was held at various places across the Bay. In 1999, it was held at the Cow Palace, where the fifth event was held in that year. From year 2001 to 2003, Oakland Roadster Show moved back to San Mateo Fairgrounds, and the former manager of Show Promotions returned to Oakland. A new show named The Oakland Rod and Custom Show was formed. However, this show did not last long because of the high prices set. From then onwards, there were a series of change in location. In 2004, the show was held at the Cow Palace. It was called the San Francisco Rod & Custom Show.

After that, the Grand National Roadster Show moved to Los Angeles Fairplex from San Mateo. For the 55th Annual Grand show, it was held at the Fairground in Pomona. Some of the fans insisted of being loyal to the original show while some became loyal to the new Oakland show. In this fantastic car show, there are more than five hundred show cars competing for the awards. The event will definitely succeed in bringing the the spectators back to the days of custom cars. It is a large gathering event for the authentic 40', 50' and 60' customs. There is also a section for cars that recently won awards. All the participating cars are carefully selected to be showed in a specially designed building. To be chosen, the car will be judged on its quality, condition, safety, creativity and detail. Do ensure that the judge knows where to turn the switch to turn your car around.

You should also raise your car's hood higher enough if you want the judge to look at your engine. Otherwise, the judge cannot evaluate it. List your vehicle's modifications in the Judges Information Book, and place the book on your display for the judges to review it. The good news is that you can get a supply of stanchions and rope without paying a cent. You can also rent the carpet for your cars by mentioning it in your entry application. A standard space for your cars is 10'x 20'; remember to get approval in the application if you need a bigger space. It is a must to display your show card during the whole show including the set up day. There are so many great car shows out there, don't limit yourself to just one showing.

Be sure to check out the cars at carlisle show as well as the Sema and Pebble Beach shows that occur every year! Forty seven awards will be given away during awards ceremony. The awards include Outstanding Individual Displays, Outstanding Group Displays, Outstanding Detail, Outstanding Engineering, Outstanding Color Design, Outstanding Engine, Outstanding Interior, Sweepstakes, America's Most Beautiful Roadster, Al Slonaker Memorial Award, Brizio Family Award, Blackie Gejeian Award and so on. In conclusion, this car show is one that you don't want to miss. There is sufficient seating for a good view, and some of the vehicles will also be cruising around during this event for you to get a good look at them.

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