Luxury Car Enthusiast Kemp Neal and His Jaguar Collection
Luxury cars have a way of bringing people together, even if they’ve never officially met. This was the case for Ezra Dyer, who found himself intrigued by his neighbor Kemp Neal’s impressive collection of Jaguars. As someone who had the privilege of test-driving the latest Jaguar F-type convertible, Dyer was keen to explore the world of classic British luxury cars that Kemp had amassed over the years.
A Jaguar Enthusiast’s Paradise
Kemp Neal’s driveway was a sight to behold, resembling a Jaguar-themed Cars & Coffee event with an array of classic models, including a 1997 XK8 coupe, a 1998 XK8 convertible, a 2005 S-type R, a 2004 XJR, and an early-’60s Mark 2. These cars were not just vehicles to Kemp; they were a part of his family’s heritage. With a garage that housed an XJ coupe he had owned for 40 years, Kemp’s passion for Jaguars ran deep.
Embracing the Quirks of Old Jaguars
As Dyer delved deeper into Kemp’s world of Jaguars, he discovered the quirks and challenges that came with owning these classic cars. From cutting a hole in the floorboard to fix a transmission to resorting to unconventional methods to open a stuck trunk, Kemp had seen it all. Despite the issues that arose with his Jaguars, Kemp’s love for these cars remained unwavering.
While Kemp appreciated the modern touches in the new Jaguar F-type, such as the curves reminiscent of the iconic E-type and the powerful supercharged V-8 engine, he couldn’t help but express skepticism about the motorized HVAC ductwork. Having experienced his fair share of broken components in older Jaguars, Kemp was cautious about investing in a new model that came with a hefty price tag.
The Future of Jaguar
As Dyer and Kemp discussed the future of Jaguar, the conversation turned to the brand’s upcoming models and the direction it was heading in. While the new Type 00 concept car left Kemp unimpressed, both he and his brother John agreed that Jaguar needed to make significant changes to stay relevant in the ever-evolving luxury car market.
Despite their affinity for classic Jaguars, Kemp and John acknowledged the need for Jaguar to innovate and adapt to the changing automotive landscape. As they reflected on their collection of aging Jaguars, they recognized that the brand’s future offerings might not align with their preferences, paving the way for a new era of luxury cars that would appeal to a different generation.
As Dyer bid farewell to Kemp and his impressive collection of Jaguars, he couldn’t help but marvel at the passion and dedication that Kemp exhibited towards his beloved cars. While the days of supercharged V-8 engines in Jaguars might be numbered, the legacy of classic British luxury cars would live on through enthusiasts like Kemp Neal, who cherished every moment behind the wheel of his beloved Jaguars.
Ezra Dyer, a senior editor and columnist at Car and Driver, had the privilege of delving into Kemp Neal’s world of Jaguars and experiencing firsthand the allure of classic luxury cars. As he drove away in the last new Jaguar he would test, Dyer couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for Kemp’s unwavering passion for these timeless automotive icons.
