Classic Jaguars from Around the World to Invade Australia

Ricardo with his wife Encarnita.

Classic car buffs are about to experience a once-in-a-lifetime treat, with 20 iconic Jaguars from the 1950s and 1960s embarking on a unique tour of Australia’s south-east.

The largest contingent of XK and E-type Jaguars from overseas ever to tour Australia will depart Sydney on February 12 for a 27-day journey through NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia that will raise money for Plan.

Classic Jaguar Touring proprietor Ricardo Galvani said the annual tour had been running since 2009, but this was the first time it had visited Australia.

"I've been involved in motorsport for more than 20 years, and have been organising various tours for more than a decade," said Mr Galvani.

"My wife Encarnita and I used this experience to develop Classic Jaguar Touring. We’ve taken the tour to Argentina, Ireland and Spain, and we’re excited to be coming to Australia.

"We're going to be joined by cars and drivers from Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Spain and the USA, along with an Australian couple, John and Jan Nixon from Queensland, who are driving a Concours Series One E-type Jaguar."

Mr Galvani said the tour was an opportunity to combine a love of classic Jaguars with exploring great destinations and to raise money for important causes at the same time.

"It’s such a privilege to be able to drive these fantastic cars through some of the world’s most amazing scenery, and we don't take that for granted," said Mr Galvani.

"Over the past five years we have raised more than £100,000 (almost $A150,000) for charities, particularly for our main charity, Plan, who we'll be raising money for on this Australian tour as well."

Plan's Chief Executive Ian Wishart said support from events such as the Classic Jaguar Tour made a big difference to Plan's work with children and their communities around the world.

"The money that is raised by the tour will be used for Plan's life-saving work with children in disasters around the world, along with supporting our work with children and their families to help them lift themselves out of poverty and give their children a better future," he said.

"I hope Australian car lovers along the tour route take the time to see this unique gathering of classic cars, and contribute to Plan’s work with children at the same time."

Editor’s notes

• For interviews with Ricardo Galvani or to organise photo opportunities, contact Ricardo on his UK mobile: +44 7831 282 424.

• To speak to Ian Wishart from Plan International Australia, contact David Cook: 0448 816 900, david.cook@plan.org.au

• ‘Classic Jaguar Touring - Australia 2012’ is being supported by Tourism Australia, Jaguar Cars Australia, Nixon Communications, and Avis Rent a Car.

• View a detailed itinerary

• Twitter: @MediaAtPlan