JAG TALK, 25 YEARS ON

The classic lines, the silky smoothness, classy finish, ambience, the smell of leather, the road holding - Ken Stout understands why his customers lust to own a Jaguar car.

For the past 25 years his North Shore business servicing, repairing and latterly selling pre-owned Jags has built up a solid client base of people from all over the North Island who share his passion for a quality motor vehicle.

He opted at 20, having qualified as an A grade mechanic, to gain experience in quality and performance cars. It was this vast wealth of accumulated knowledge that prompted him to establish Ken Stout Motors Ltd in Archers Road, Glenfield, in 1977, specialising in Jaguar, Daimler or European cars.

This month Ken reflects on the successful growth of his business over the past 25 years, its move to new premises in 113 Diana Drive, Glenfield, his entry into trading as well as servicing, and the steady rise in popularity of Jaguar as a prestige car.

Being Remuera bred probably had something to do with an early introduction to high performance engines. The local garage where he served his apprenticeship serviced the ‘odd’ Jag, and Ken was hooked. After completing his apprenticeship he bided him time until he could work for New Zealand champion racing driver Ross Jensen, and rub shoulders with Daimler, Alfa Romeo, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Renault.

Ken then opened his own workshop in a central city site but the ‘Black Budget’ of 1968 saw the bonnet close on that business, and he worked for a Jaguar specialist for the next three years. A further three years with a franchise dealer gave Ken a lot of experience with new Jags, and pre-delivery checks on the V 12 Series 3 E- roadsters were part of the job. A job offer lured Ken back to the Jag specialist with a more ‘hands-on’ experience at managing the workshop.

By 1977 he was ready for his own business and he was quickly sought out by Jaguar owners who had already appreciated his extensive mechanical knowledge. While his business grew steadily over the years, Ken had to navigate through an often complex route that could have invited a wrong turn. He was determined to stay with what he knew best – servicing and repairing fine cars.

In the 1980s Jaguar fortunes rose and fell, creating a difficult decade for Ken, but by 1995 he knew he was on the right track and indulged in a visit to Le Mans to watch the XJ 220 racing, eclipsed by McLaren and Ferrari, he rues. Shortly after he hit another crossroad - should he get involved in selling pre-owned Jags? It was a service his customers clearly wanted, and this time Ken knew he was making the right turn when he applied for his Motor Vehicle Dealer’s Licence.

A slight detour in his personal life saw divorce from the mother of his three children. Family is clearly important to Ken and he is very proud of their children and four grandchildren. He still holds his former wife in high regard, but found happiness with his second wife June who has encouraged him in recent years to achieve his goals and develop the business.

By the turn of the millennium business was burgeoning so Ken Stout Motors Ltd moved to much roomier premises in Diana Drive, where, for the first time in his working life, Ken actually had an office and customer waiting room - somewhere pleasant to talk to his customers.

Fine cars, nice premises, great customer base, but Ken knows the business success has only been possible because of the huge support from his workshop team. His three mechanics all served their apprenticeships with Ken, and include Ian Munford, who has worked with Ken for 15 years, Andrew MacKenzie (10 years) and Jamie Burns (3 years). While Ken focuses on selling cars he encourages customers to talk direct to the mechanics. He knows they share his confidence in the highly skilled team who all strive for high standards in customer service. Another team member working behind the scenes is office manager Helen Fincham who pops in on a part-time basis to keep accounts in order.

Ken shakes his head in awe at the number of people who come back again and again to upgrade their Jags, or entrust in him their pride and joy "The Jag." Time and again they demonstrate their respect for the service team at Ken Stout Motors by handing over the keys to their probably most valued personal possession, Ken reflects.

There are three XJR-S's in New Zealand - Ken has on-sold two of them. E-Types purr on into his showroom, and soon purr out to a new owner. His latest showroom addition, a soft top British Racing Green Jaguar XK8 which folds down to flash its deep, soft, ivory-white leather seats, takes pride of place in the showroom. Alongside sits a V8 500 SEL Mercedes, a Jaguar Sovereign, an XJ6, a couple of E Type V 12s, and a lovely old ‘golden sand’ 1967 Jaguar 3.8 S. Ken has about 20 cars available for immediate viewing, and a huge client database of fellow Jag owners pondering their next purchase.