Following the enormous success of Philip Porter’s Jaguar Round Britain Coastal Drive in 2016, a second event catering for all XK models has been announced, which will take place from 12-29 June 2017.
The inaugural RBCD was driven by E-type Jaguars and raised more than £60,000 to help fight prostate cancer, and it’s hoped that same success can be replicated during the second event. More than 120 cars are expected to take part, with participants set to be flagged off by none other than Murray Walker.
“Though this is not a race, it sounds to me like a great event,” said Walker. “I wish Philip Porter and the other crews a really enjoyable drive. May they be blessed with much publicity for this important cause. Go, Go, Go!”
In addition to gaining support from Murray Walker and a number of high-profile Jaguar specialists, London-based XK enthusiast Patrick Hanratty is set to speak of his cancer experience at a series of group dinners held during the tour. Hanratty will be driving his British Racing Green XK150 Drophead Coupe on all 18 sections of the rally, echoing the achievement of Philip Porter who completed every section of the 4000-mile inaugural event in his Italian Job E-type.
Philip Porter said: “I urge all XK owners to take part. Not only will they be supporting a very important cause but, as I know from experience, the drive is absolutely superb. Our XKs were designed for driving and that, for many of us, is the real pleasure of ownership.”
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC