Jaguar service

Sir.

Recen1ly I bought a 1955 Mark VIIM Jaguar from O Kingsbury and Son, Ltd, of Station Road, Hampton, Middlesex. The car was in superlative condition, having only done 28,000-odd miles, being supplied by Kingsbury’s and with service records back to nil mileage.

I paid a reasonable but not extortionate price for a car in this condition and drove it away. Everything worked, and no guarantee was -implied or even mentioned by either party.

Two day : after I took delivery the speedometer failed, only to the extent of a swinging needle, but Kingsbury’s fitted a replacement speedometer at their own suggestion, sending specially into Kingston for it so that the job should not necessitate a further visit. Whilst there, another minor fault was rectified.

A fortnight later I was unfortunate enough to have a steel petrol pipe wear through by rubbing against the chassis. Also, the brake master cylinder started leaking fluid. I took the car to Kingsbury’s and asked them to repair at my expense. Once again they went to great trouble to obtain a new pipe and a replacement master cylinder, and they telephoned me to say the car was ready the day after I took it in.

When I collected the car and asked for the bill I was told that there was no bill; they were meeting the cost and their only regret was that I had been inconvenienced ! My plea to be allowed to meet part of the cost was met by a stern refusal.

Such extraordinary service and, indeed, generosity, merits airing and I hope it is possible for you to mention the matter in your journal, as I have often noticed in Motor Sport your wish to acknowledge such high-principled actions. Needless to say, I have no connection with Kingsbury’s, nor with the motor trade, apart from an interest in good motoring.

I am, Yours, etc.,

FD Murray. Lightwater.