Photographing a beautiful old lady …
… ready to cruise proudly into the sunset.
For the last few weeks I’ve been driving past this old car, which finds herself standing lonely in a local car dealership. Finally I stopped to try to capture something of her old-world charm and former glory. It turns out she is a Jaguar 3.8 Mk2 saloon, dating back to the late 1950s, early 1960s. I love her lines, her beautifully-crafted interior, her grace …
In its heyday the Mk2 was capable of going from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.5 seconds and could reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). According to a British website dedicated to the 3.8 “Mk2s were popular with high-speed drivers who frequented either side of the legal divide – beloved of bank robbers and underworld hoods due to its useful pace and agility, the police could only follow suit in stripped 3.8s, to give themselves half a chance in keeping up with the bad lads.”
But here this one stands waiting for someone to buy her, pamper her, show her off and appreciate her for who she was created to be all those years ago.
106 Comments on “Photographing a beautiful old lady …”
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They called me weed
I have been blogging here since around April 2011 - my little place on the blogosphere to express myself creatively. As a teenager I used to write a diary - in fact, as a 17-year-old living in Belgium, I wrote religiously every day. Fortunately the Internet didn't exist back then because my ramblings as a teenager were ever-so-slightly dark, cynical and depressing. You won't find much of that here. Also, mostly, I try not to get too deep or philosophical in this forum - I'd like my photography to uplift and inspire, and, where I can, I try to bring a bit of humour into my writing too. I've been fortunate enough to travel extensively and have made many friends across the globe. This is my spot to keep in touch with them.
Doesn’t even have loads of wrinkles!
…but she sure has a gorgeous mustache… gggrrrr
i like the different angles and perspectives. always loved the jaguar!
Well done! A fabulous photo tribute to a beautiful car! A great choice for FP Congrats!!!! Looking forward to exploring your blog more!
Yes, she is beautiful.
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful car! I especially enjoy the interior shot.
not quite what I thought I’d see clicking through, but still well done!
You take such spectacular detail shots — incredible work reflecting an incredible “old lady”!
♥
The description of the cops and robbers history of this car reminded me of a book I was REALLY taken with as a lad. It was exactly about that and the car played a central role. As an American youth it amazed me that the bad guys never used guns. They just carried clubs and no one messed with them. I wish I could remember the name of it! I just remember being struck by the brutal simplicity of the crooks and the role of radio dispatch in trying to catch them. I was in elementary school and the book was probably a bit above my age. I’d love to read it again.
God, what a beautiful car…
Great photography!
Thank you for sharing!
…following your blog…
The car was already a work of art. Your photos only make it more beautiful.
She is definitely beautiful and classy…
I was hoping it would give me something to aspire to, but alas, it was just another with great
headlights, and shiny grillwork! Can’t compete with that! hahahah
She is a beauty, isn’t she? For some reason, though, I couldn’t help but think James May from BBC’s Top Gear when I read this post.
Beautiful car
I’ve tried to take photos of old cars a million time but I never succeed. Do you have any tips?
I love the close ups of the details! Have to try that!
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Tips? Love what you do. Try to see things from a different perspective. Look for finer details. Change your angles… Not sure if that’s helpful, but it’s what I do!
Wonderful shots. They really capture the car’s spirit.
That old lady is f-i-n-e!
I really love the way you have got in close for these images they are so nice. It certainly is a beautiful old lady.
She’s a beaut!
Beautiful close-ups! Looks like a 1960 Jaguar MK II: http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z2385/Jaguar-MK-II.aspx.aspx
I do believe you may be right. Thank you for the link …
I have a fond memory of an old x6 from Jamaica…we were getting repairs on our boat and were stuck for 5 days…until Tony came by with his for hire Jag with himself as driver for $20/day Jamaican (1970′s…we got 3 for 1 blackmarket…don’t tell anyone) So, Tony made sure we had more weed than we could possibly smoke without making a bonfire and then took us all over the island on what seemed to be the wrong side of the road at breakneck speeds which no one dared calculate for fear of realizing the danger…thank you Tony! Nice car!!! Must admit…I’ve had a few crushes on XKE’s but I don’t remember ever even sitting in one…they always seem like they’re for someone “special”….I wish I were special….
Hilarious story – thanks for sharing it!
These are beautiful photos!
I am a WordPress photographer too!
Great job.
lovely! makes me wish i were a car buff to appreciate even that much more. i’d take one if i had to
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Great photos!
A truly beautiful machine.
gorgeous car
that selective shot of the jaguar emblem and logo and grill is a stunning piece of design and colour contrast (on your part) – seeing the car itself could be a let-down. But probably not. Such graceful lines.
love the view over the seats to the dashboard. color is stunning!
Cool to be chosen. Nice series and a beautiful old lady is right on! Congrats.
Keep up the good work.
Jaguar – you know, I probably would’ve loved these pictures more if I hadn’t just taken a 1999 XK8 convertible (USA) to my local garage yesterday.
The top was stuck in the “up” position & I was told: “We’re so sorry, sir, but this requires proprietary knowledge and tools. You will need to visit a Jaguar dealership.”
Yikes.
I think it looks good with the top permanently “up”…
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I love the lines of the older model Jaguars!
Love the inside and the steering wheel, swoon. Take me to a drive-in.
Absolutely amazing
Old but still beauty.
not a single wrinkle- she managed to stay young so well. simply put–amazing
Interested in the equipment you used . . . beautiful shots!
I used the Nikkor 60mm Micro lens for this one (on the D7000 body).
Thanks so much for letting me know! Great results! Just getting into the digital photography world, and when I see great shots like these I am always curious about equipment! You are very talented!
Very sexy !
Liked the pictures .. Loved the car !
Thumbs up for your lady!! and you too ^_^
take me for a ride, will you?
She is lovely, indeed.
Well done. Your photos present her beautifully.
A classic Jag. Thanks for sharing these photos!
This is very cool. I love cars and somehow you took something that is already a work of art in itself and made it more beautiful and enchanting.
Very nice! But alas, her electrics are Lucas. There’s a reason that Sir Lucas is also known as the Prince of Darkness.
And Jaguars, up until Ford bought them, are known for being tinkerers cars. Now they’re owned by an Indian firm, Tata Motors and have retained some of the Ford improvements so they’re no longer tinkerer cars.
BTW, my favorite Jaguar is the E-Type:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1963_Jaguar_XK-E_Roadster.jpg
Lindas Fotos!!!!
the “old lady” doesn’t even have wrinkles, nice shots!
She’s more than a Cougar….she’s a JAGUAR!
Beautiful colors and blur.
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Give me another 20 years and you can photograph me next!
Ha ha ha, that’s hilarious. Yep, just give me a shout in twenty years or so.
Nice….
I think vintage cars are more aesthetically designed than modern cars. The attention to details is just exemplary. I would love to drive cars like this in my own city. (^_^)
this is superb.i really likes your old car.this old lady don’t have any wrinkles.so much beautiful…
Congratulations on being freshly pressed.
And beautiful detail shots and interesting back story regarding this Jaguar 3.8…
That’s not a beautiful old woman. That’s a HOT older women!
Loooking at these I could almost feel the smell of the inside of the car…mmm..
Very beautiful, really.
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Awesome photographs, you really captured her beauty!
I love old cars – check out that dashboard! Beautiful photos!
Very very nice! Beautiful, nice combination of pictures and story! Funny that it was beloved by bank robbers and underworld hoods.. After reading the story and scroll through the images I can imagine the car back in it’s day… being polished and driven with class and style! The angles and perspective give each picture a unique touch,…
great photographs……
What a beautiful and iconic car! Can’t beat a fine Jag.
Many’s the freezing days and nights I spent out on the driveway helping my then boyfriend do the necessary on a MkII 3.4 and later an XK140 – welding, major surgery and more. If the boyfriend had lavished as much love on me as he did his cars and BSA bikes, we might still be together! They have great lines, a distinctive note and you don’t forget them.
Congrats on being freshly pressed. I really enjoyed your photos and the colours are wonderful.
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I love this car….this is my dream car.
I just can’t walk by an old car without looking at it. Evidently, a photo of one either. Nice work. Congrats!
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If I could, I’d give her a home in a heartbeat.
Nice Jag and shots. Come to South Bend in Indiana next time you’re in the States to see the collection at the Studebaker Museum. Then visit Belgian Town in Mishawaka, the city next door; home to America’s biggest concentration of Belgians.
One old grand dame who never needed a facelift.
That is a lovely car!
wow such an amazing car! Here in India I’m trying to get thos old look style too…
Visit my blog and leave me a comment!!! thanksss
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Wauw …. These are a-some… Gotta convince my dad to take the Morgan out tomorrow.
You need to meet my dad. he has the same car and more old Jags. I took some pictures of his cars. I should post them once a while. I am sending this link to him. He is going to love it. He has all these stories about where his cars come from. It’s cute.
perfect photos! and amazing car..
Gorgeous
Great photos! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Love these car pics! We are having a “Proudest Photo” contest. I’d love for you to enter one of your beautiful pictures! Here’s a link with the details: https://www.facebook.com/DSLRfairytale?sk=app_176217385757369 and here’s a link to last week’s gallery on the blog: http://dslrfairytale.com/photo-of-the-week-gallery/1090-2/
I am not a car person, at all, but I enjoy a good design. Your photos are lovely and so is that Jaguar.
SOLD!! I would buy that on the spot – nice and clean. great pics!!
A truly beautiful automobile. The fellas over at Top Gear would love this beauty, I’m sure. Thanks so much for sharing her with us, and congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Amazing motor, I like the rear view mirror pic “made in England”.
I used to have a 1956 Daimler 104—another grand lady of a car with acres of walnut and leather. Still one of my favourite cars, although not as practical as the Land Rover Defender I drive now.
Congrats on being freshly pressed, Robin! Fantastic photos and I love the title of this particular post!
Very nice!
Love this
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I love the photo taken from the backseat into the front seat. Beautiful lighting!
wow…i love vintage
Beautiful pics!
Truly a car that ages well, like a good wine…
Excellent photos. I think the fact that the Kray Twins ‘motor of choice’ was the MKII sums up it’s credentials as a gangsters car.
I once had the enjoyment of driving one to a Rolling Stones gig in London, which no doubt didn’t make me look quite as threatening but was an excellent experience.
Such a beautiful Jaguar. Love the wood trim and the interior. Wouldn’t it be fun to take it for a ride.
wow! that’s clasic
great photos!
Brilliant photographs!
wow it’s so cool picture . tell the secret please
Beautiful photos – and that’s one gorgeous car.
classic vintage. love to drive one of those.
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Very nice!
Also congrats on being famous now
What a beautiful car…and pics! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
The MKII and SERIES III were the best looking Jags ever, and amongst the best looking cars ever. I fear we have lost much of the romance that was once in all cars. New cars seems so soulless and vacant.
Lovely photos! Congrats Rob.