Jaguar Exhibit at the Petersen Museum

Jaguar Owners Club · January 7, 2014

Jaguar has taken the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, CA by storm displaying some of the automakers most successful designs. From now until February 16, 2014 five iconic Jags will be displayed, each with a unique history. From the very early 1937 SS100 to the all-new 2014 F-Type V8S, each has a story to tell.

Dana Williamson, Collection Manager commented on the exhibit: "Originally we partnered with Jaguar for the LA Auto Show. And after the show we decided to do an exhibit with them showing the evolution of Jaguar."

Below you will find each of the Jaguars displayed in order from oldest to newest.

1937 SS100

The 1937 SS100 is one of the first Jaguars to boast the automakers name with all cars prior to 1935 known as Standard Swallows or "SS." The reason for the "100" in the cars name is that this particular model could reach a top speed of 100mph. This car was owned by entertainer Mel Torme who claimed it to be one of his all-time favorite vintage cars.

1950 XK120

The 1950 XK120 is known as one of the most well liked sports car in post-war America. Like the SS100, the "120" in the model name symbolizes the cars top speed of 120mph - making it the world's fastest regular production car at the time. While making a run at Le Mans in 1950 is a big deal, this particular XK120 was driven by actress Emma Stone (playing Grace Faraday) in the 2013 movie Gangster Squad. This XK120 now resides in the collection of Creighton and Susan Turner.

1956 XKSS

The most rare of the collection is this stunning 1956 XKSS, derived from the Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type racing car, modified for street use. Originally owned by Riverside Raceway designer James Edward Petersen, it was then sold to TV personality Bill Leyden before ending up in the hands of actor Steve McQueen until his death. With only 16 examples built, this is the rarest road-going production Jaguar ever produced and now resides in the Petersen collection.

1965 E-Type

The E-Type Jaguar is undoubtedly the most recognized and possibly the most loved Jaguar ever produced. With sleek and seductive lines, this cat offered those at the time an advanced and attractive package.

This particular E was used on the popular television series Mad Men where actor Jon Hamm (playing Don Draper) drove the car. It is also particularly special because it is currently owned by my father, Ron Avery who wanted to have one of his own after his father had two when they were new. My grandfather, Sid Avery, was also a car nut and a well-known Hollywood photographer who shot the image you see behind the KXSS of Steve McQueen.

Avery commented on owning this iconic car: "My dad used to drive me around in his E-Type on Mulholland when I was a kid and I wanted one ever since. When it was time to buy one I entered the market at the perfect time and found this nice driver. After a terrible accident it was fully restored to the condition you see it in now. This car has opened all kinds of doors for us; being able to meet the cast of my favorite show Mad Men, having the car used twice by Jaguar during the Monterey Car Week, and best of all sharing the car with my daughter, Toni. That was one of the main reasons for purchasing the car, so that I can create and share the same memories with my daughter as I did with my dad."

2014 F-Type V8S

Last but not least is the all-new 2014 Jaguar F-Type V8S. Known as the long awaited successor to the E-Type, the F-Type is the first true sports car the automaker has produced since the E. Recently the Coupe version of the F was debuted at the LA Auto Show giving an even more significant nudge towards the E-Type. With this car being displayed, it completes the successful and beautiful Jaguar lineage.

With a little over a month until the exhibit ends, if you have never been to the famous Los Angeles museum, now is the time to go. Jaguar has earned its ways back in the sports car realm with the F-Type Convertible and Coupe. But to truly admire and understand the automaker you must become familiar with its history.