We take every driver around a short block to give the chance to get used to the controls and understand the foibles of each of our cars.
Each car goes out on hire with a comprehensive information pack and this includes an instruction sheet of how to operate the controls.
Details for our Jaguar Mark2 are shown below and can be printed off in PDF form by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page.
To Start:
Doors: Close the doors by pulling the Chrome Handles only, the armrests are only armrests and not door pulls. Pulling them will rip them off the doors and the customer will be liable for costs of repair.
When cold: Insert the ignition key and turn on the electrics. Wait until the fuel pump has stopped clicking. The car has a switch to override the automatic choke. This is to the right of the steering wheel under the dashboard. Set the switch to the down position. Press the starter button and then press the accelerator as the engine fires. Switch the choke off after one minute or so.
When warm: Turn key and press the starter until it fires, then press accelerator. There is no need to use the choke.
Controls:
Speed/revs Please respect the age of this car. It develops peak torque between 3,000 and 4,000 revs, but it has so much torque it can be driven with very few gear changes.
Gears: Gear layout is standard for a Four-speed gearbox. There is NO synchromesh on 1st gear. Reverse is to the left of 1st. Gear changes are best achieved using a slow, steady but firm touch. The car is fitted with Overdrive on 4th gear, which is engaged using the switch on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel.
Handbrake: The handbrake lever is to the right of the driver’s seat. Make sure handbrake lever is fully down and the warning light is turned off before moving off. Always park in gear.
Wheels: The car is fitted with bolt on pressed steel wheels with 205/70R15 tyres.
Punctures: In the event of a puncture the spare wheel is under the boot floor. The jack and wheel brace are attached to the rear wall of the boot by spring clips. The jacking points are under the sills.
Lights: The rotary light switch is in the centre of the dashboard marked OSHF. Off, Side, Head and Fog (although there are no fog lights). The Dip/Main Beam switch is on the floor to the left of the clutch pedal.
Horn: The horn is operated by pressing the chrome ring on the steering wheel.
Fuel tank: Fill with Premium95Unleaded Petrol. Capacity is 12 gallons (50 litres). At around 20 - 22 mpg a full tank should be enough to cover 150 to 200 miles.
Boot: The boot is opened by pressing the button under the bootlid. It is spring-loaded so will stay up of is own accord but needs a light slam to close it.
Spares: There are a number of spare parts stored under the boot floor. A list is in the glove box. These are to enable a breakdown service to make minor repairs or replace consumable items (distributor cap, rotor arm, condensor, clutch seals etc). No tools are included and the hirer should not attempt any repairs.
Picnic: If ordered, this is in the boot with a waterproof rug.
Before you hire our Jaguar Mk2 for a day on The Open Road, have a quick look at this BBC Prime film clip of Richard Hammond reviewing the Mk2 and comparing it with the other cars of the day and coming to the conclusion that it is "the definitive Jaguar saloon".
