Seven heaven

I ONCE ATTENDED a party where a grandmother in the corner was quietly talking about her grandchildren and how clever they were. My friend, Paul, suggested that I whisper into her ear and mention Riley. It was like a magical switch. All thoughts of the traditional family went, the years drifted away and we were plummeted into a world of racing and rallying pre-war cars, Riley in particular. Before settling down into a world of domestic bliss – or obligation – this genteel lady had lived life in the fast lane, where risk and excitement were all that mattered.

Jaguar’s Mk Vll is the grandmother of its stately saloons. Serene and refined, it is elegance personified and, for most owners, either when the cars were new or now with classic status, that was always the attraction. But, just like our real-life party-going grandmother, it has another side.