A rare piece of automotive history is drawing visitors to the Body Shop News Africa stand 2K2 at this year's Automechanika Johannesburg, where a fully restored 1968 Jaguar Type S is proudly on display.
The classic saloon, affectionately known as 'Greenie', is valued at approximately R370 000 and represents a remarkable restoration journey that transformed a neglected farm find into a show-quality vehicle.
Owner Frik Botha discovered the Jaguar in a faded and rusting condition on a farm near Schweizer-Reneke. Recognising its potential, he purchased the vehicle for R15 000 and began planning its revival.
The restoration project commenced in October 2021 and was completed four years later in November 2025.
Returning Greenie to her former glory was no small task. The project required two engines, a donor car and numerous imported components sourced specifically for the rebuild.
British Sports Cars South Africa, based in Brentwood Park, carried out a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration. The vehicle was stripped and rebuilt from the chassis upward, with every detail carefully restored to maintain authenticity and quality.
As part of the refurbishment, the Jaguar was resprayed in its elegant Willow Green finish, a colour that perfectly complements the timeless design of the classic British saloon.
Today, Greenie drives as beautifully as she looks, combining classic styling with the satisfaction of a painstakingly completed restoration.
The journey to completion was not entirely without incident. One memorable moment occurred while the vehicle was attending a matric farewell function, when the bonnet unexpectedly attempted to become the centre of attention and nearly turned itself into a fashion accessory.
Despite a few challenges and humorous setbacks along the way, the completed Jaguar stands as a testament to dedication, craftsmanship and a passion for preserving automotive heritage.
Visitors attending Automechanika Johannesburg are encouraged to stop by stand 2K2 in Hall 2 to see the remarkable restoration for themselves.
Automechanika Johannesburg opened on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at Gallagher Convention Centre and will continue until 29 October 2026, with exhibition hours running daily from 09:00 to 16:00.
