Tag Archives: Wellands

In Keen Anticipation – Owen Special

From the mid 1950’s to the mid 70’s Freddie Owen and his wife Pam lived in Esher Surrey, where Peter was the proprietor of Wellands Coach Builders.

Owen Special, Peter Newman, Chateau Impney

Alongside his business interests Freddie built a couple of Jaguar powered specials including today’s featured car which is powered by a six cylinder 3.4 litre / 210 cui XK140 motor.

Owen Special, Peter Newman, Chateau Impney

The Owen Special first registered on the road in 1962 is believed to have been built between 1959 and 1960 with a space frame chassis and aluminium body that anticipates the E-Type Jaguar launched in 1961.

Owen Special, Peter Newman, Chateau Impney

After used the car in competition into the 1970’s before he retired to the Isle of White, while the car disappeared to Belgium from whence mechanical aficionado Pete Waterman appears to have bought the car and had it restored by renowned Jaguar specialists Lynx.

Owen Special, Peter Newman, Chateau Impney

The Owen Special is seen in these photographs being driven by current owner Peter Newman, at last years Chateau Impney Hillclimb, who is keen to here from anyone who can shed any further light on the car, please do not hesitate to chime in below if you can oblige.

Thanks for joining me on this “In Keen Anticipation” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be looking at another Dakar Rally challenger. Don’t forget to come back now !

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