Big cats enjoy the sun at Beaulieu's Simply Jaguar

The 415 Jaguars present for this year's Simply Jaguar rally is a 47 percent increase from last year. The number of participants also rose by 35 percent to 860, as crowds were treated to glorious sunshine and a superb selection of revered sports cars and saloons, including a 1949 Jaguar 3.5-litre Mk V, the classic XK120, XK140, XK150, E-type and latest F-PACE sports utility vehicle.

A stunning replica of a racing C-type was a highlight for many enthusiasts, taking pride of place alongside first-class examples of the F-TYPE, XK8 and XJ-S sports cars, as well as a Jaguar XJ saloon that had been modified to race-track specification.

The iconic Mk II saloon and its Mk I predecessor also joined the display, along with classic and modern-day versions of the S-type. Throughout the event on Sunday, 8^th July, show-goers voted for their favourite car of the show in the People's Choice Award.

The winner was Jim Bradford, from Barton-on-Sea, with his 2014 Jaguar XF R-S Sportbrake. In the four years that Jim has owned the eye-catching Ultra Blue road-burner, he has lowered the suspension by 35mm, uprated the braking system and fitted a sports exhaust system. He was presented with a commemorative trophy and Autoglym bodywork care kit by Beaulieu's Managing Director Russell Bowman.

Runners-up were Tom Moon, from High Wycombe, and Malcolm Watson, from Hordle in Hampshire. Tom has owned his 2005 Jaguar S-type R for three years and, aside from refurbishing the wheels, he has just enjoyed the car's comfortable ride.

Malcolm's 1963 Jaguar E-type is an impressive replica of the special Lightweight version raced by Peter Lindner and has been completely restored during his 10-year ownership.

Both Tom and Malcolm were presented with Autoglym bodywork care kits.

The Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club was well-represented by several of its area branches, with club stands showcasing their members' cars.

Visitors browsed a selection of motoring-themed trade stands before enjoying all the features of the Beaulieu attraction, including the 1962 Jaguar E-type and 1960 Jaguar XK150 in the National Motor Museum. The rally continues Beaulieu's season of Simply events, which has seen record car numbers at Simply Ford, Simply Porsche and Simply Land Rover, as well as a strong start for the new event, Simply Audi.