A LOVE AFFAIR…!

By Orlando Burgos

For me, this love affair started in the early 70’s and I’m ashamed to admit that it.continues to this date… Only, please, don’t blame me until you read this.1970 Santa Monica- I remember this nice clear crisp morning. I was starting a new job.Nerves and anticipation had started to creep into me and as I came around the corner,there it was, the object of my future passion.

By the curb, alone- curvaceous, sensual and clad in midnight blue- the sun accentuating.every line and detail of this glorious creation. I was in a trance and just couldn’t keep my eyes off of this marvelous discovery. From that moment on, I new I was goner and therewould be nothing that I could do about it. Throughout the day, all I could do was look out the window and stare at this sexy thing.It didn’t take long for the opportunity to get closer to my beauty; and like a shy lover knocking at new conquest’s door- I prepared…!

I went to see my friend at Vilem B.Haan and bought a pair of soft vented black driving gloves with a bright snap on the side.Yes…! I wanted this experience to be just right! I was dropped off at the appointed meeting place (My boss’s house). Walking stylish and with a snappy flair, a la Bond, I took a key out my pocket and approached the love of my life. I ran my hand on her side and felt the chrome of the side mirrors. I got closer to the mascot gracing her bonnet and felt the muscular little figurine of the leaping jaguar. I took my time to enjoy that snappy grill and four headlights. The rounded Michelins with the unique tread pattern- All of it a work of art that I knew was about to be mine, if only for a little while. I sat- motionless in the driver’s seat and smelled the Connelly leather, touched the high gloss wood of the instrument panel, snapped up and down on the row of bold black switches that controlledthe several functions. Put my hand on the “T” handle on top of the gear shifting lever and ran my gloved finger on the chrome of the twin ashtrays. Everything was so complete, so beautiful. I turned the key in the ignition and the soft winning of the Lucas starter made the engine come to life and so did my soul. As I drove the four miles north on LincolnBoulevard, I felt like I owned the road- and that same feeling has lasted for over thirty years. Yes! It all started with the first sight and a drive of the then all new XJ6 Jaguar andthis love affair has been non-stop throughout the years. Many beauties have graced mygarage through the years- The XKE 6 cylinder and 12 cylinder, K120’s and 140’s, many XJ series, several XJS models, but these evil people at Jaguar have really done it now.

Since I started to work at the number one Jaguar dealer in the United States, I have beendrooling over the beautiful lines of the XKR convertible and can’t wait for the time I candrive one home, but now- and I think they have done this on purpose just to confuse me further- Jaguar introduces the magnificent and superlatively exotic XF model. …Man…! I’m supposed to be at the point of eternal enjoyment driving the XKR, not tossing about which car to get… The XKR or, the XF…? XF or, the XKR…? Exuberance sets in-maybe XKR and XF…? An executive decision is necessary here. Out comes the old cellular, Speed dialing, riiiinnnnggg- riiiinnnggg… Hello, momma, listen, I wasthinking….. (To be continued).

Orlando Burgos is a Jaguar Sales Consultant with Galpin Motors – Premier Auto Group