Jean-Jacques His: “F1 operates in isolation and lives only on secrets”

It is neither a Ferrari, nor a Renault coming out of the garage...

This Jaguar XK120 is a friend of 32 years, assembled in 1953! I didn't take care of the engine, I took it to a specialized workshop, because there was a problem in the cylinder head when my wife and I purchased it. When starting from cold, you should not rely on 2nd gear... It is entirely original and I keep it that way, with its faults.

At least we enjoy its beautiful melody!

Along with the look, it's one of the two reasons that pushed me to purchase. My guilty pleasure is accelerating in tunnels! Damn, I was looking for the 5th gear, but there isn't one... I'm a little apprehensive each time I overtake, because the only rear-view mirror, the central one, is basic. Its cruising speed is 110 km/h, but it reaches almost 200 km/h. It was the fastest model of its time. Even the Ferraris were beaten, because their displacement did not go beyond 2.5 liters. This one is a 3.5 liter, with lots of torque. Jaguar knows how to build simple things. If they want horsepower, they make a big engine, and it runs.

How did you dive into the world of automobiles?

Since I was a kid, I have been passionate about it. In the morning, I saw the buses go by to go to school, and that immediately interested me. For my first visit to the dentist, I negotiated to get a small car, but not just any small car: a 1954 Panhard Dyna. I held my ground. On the way out, my parents take me to the toy store. They buy the old model from 1953, which I already had in my collection. I was pissed. (Laughs)

You had a strong character!

Only when it came to cars. When I turned 18, it was