- Parade of 40 iconic Jaguar Land Rover models from both past and present marks historic opening of upgraded Solihull plant
- Sir Stirling Moss OBE leads the procession in one of Jaguar's most iconic heritage cars - the XK120
- Models spanning across up to eight decades of both Jaguar Land Rover heritage form part of parade including Jaguar SS1 Tourer and Land Rover Series l to present-day Jaguar XE and Range Rover Sport SVR
- Historic moment for the company as the first Jaguar XE rolls off the line at Solihull
- Milestone in Jaguar's history in its 80th year
Solihull, UK: A stunning procession of classic and iconic Jaguar and Land Rover models has kicked off the celebration of the opening of the newly upgraded Solihull plant and welcoming Jaguar production to the traditional home of Land Rover where the new XE saloon is now being made.
The 40 car parade was led by legendary British racing driver Sir Stirling Moss OBE in a Jaguar XK120 alongside Solihull Operations Director, Alan Volkaerts. They were joined by renowned Jaguar test driver, Norman Dewis OBE, well-known TV presenter - and Jaguar Land Rover aficionado - Quentin Willson, plus many other VIP guests and Jaguar Land Rover employees.
Models from Jaguar's illustrious 80-year history such as Jaguar's SS1 Tourer, XK120, and E-Type were lined up with the XE in a circuit of the new £500 million pound facility. They were joined by Land Rover's finest in the form of a Series l, 101 Forward Control and the newly launched Range Rover Sport SVR, marking the historic opening of this state of the art facility and the commencement of the first Jaguar to be made at the 'home of Land Rover'.
John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations commented: "It's wonderful to see great cars from both Jaguar and Land Rover's heritage helping us to celebrate the exciting new future at Solihull. Even more so when they are being joined by the future classics currently being made here such as the Jaguar XE."
Sir Stirling Moss said: "Cars like the Jaguar XK120 and E-type look as wonderful today as they did when they were new and it's brilliant that they are here, taking part in the celebration of a great new chapter in Jaguar's illustrious history."
The arrival of the XE at the Solihull manufacturing plant is significant for both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. Renowned for producing some of the world's most distinguishable saloon cars in history, the advent of XE production at Solihull marks a key milestone for Jaguar, this year celebrating its 80th birthday. For Land Rover, welcoming the Jaguar brand to its home is the latest in a string of significant developments, which have seen the site undergo a spectacular transformation in just five years.
ENDS