Original Jaguar E-type

Displaying an enthusiasm for old cars from the age of three, Malcolm McKay graduated from St Andrews University with a degree in Mediaeval History, but also as founding President of the University Motor Club and a member of several classic car clubs. Inspired by Jaguars his father drove, Malcolm had already owned his first (a Series 2 SWB XJ6) and his growing classic car collection would soon include more.

The dream to own an E-type finally came true in 2015 when Malcolm purchased a Series 1 2+2 from the USA in long-disused condition, spending a happy winter with his wife Helena recommissioning the car in 2017/18. Still very much a work-in-progress, the E-type covered 7,000 miles in 2019 and is a much-loved member of the family, proudly referred to by two-year old daughter Fiona as “Fifi’s car”.

Malcolm joined Classic Cars magazine as Clubs Editor in 1989 and was soon appointed Deputy Editor, a role he held until going freelance in 1998. He has since contributed to classic car magazines worldwide, as well as national newspapers, and was appointed Editor of The E-type, magazine of the E-type Club, in 2006 – a role he would hold for 11 years. He was delighted when Philip Porter invited him to write an all-new Original Jaguar E-type book, though he acknowledges it as a daunting task, as it has to be correct in every detail to become the E-type ‘bible’ he believes it should be.