XJ40 Register, Birmingham (2026)

18/09/2026

Day 9

Not very many photos from me today, it was a busy day welcoming so many of our guests to the event.

Lots of photos come tomorrow.

It has been incredible to see how many new people have made friends here today.

Tonight we had our welcome buffet and as I type this I am about to fall asleep.

Tomorrow is the big route drive and important stops, followed by the meal and speeches.

So I will close by saying this - THANK YOU to the wonderful people for so far bringing the XJ40 spirit and friendship!

See tomorrow!

17/09/2026

Day 8

The first cars and guests are here, the drinks are flowing and the celebrations have started.

31 additional XJ40’s arriving tomorrow, it’s going to be busy!

16/09/2026

Day 6 & Day 7
Lippstadt Tourist Day & Lippstadt to Billerbeck

As planned, Day 6 was a wonderful day with Madeleine and Ralf Hillebrand exploring Lippstadt, starting off with a guided tour of Peter’s Chocolate Factory. As someone who is addicted to chocolate, this place ticked all the boxes for me, and yes, the samples were consumed with no hesitation. We then went to explore the historic 500 year old Wewelsburg Fort, and then on to a war museum. We finished our day with an excellent meal near the Mohnesee Dam. Minty stayed at the hotel, and I enjoyed my day as a passenger in Madeleine’s XF.

Today, Day 7, I checked out of my hotel in Lippstadt and made the journey to the final hotel where I would be spending my final 5 days, the location where we are holding XJ40 at 40 Part 2. The 82 mile drive in Minty was great, I set Google Nav to avoid motorways again so I could see more of this part of Germany on my journey.

On arriving at the hotel, the place is even better than I remembered it from my stay last year, the man on the reception even saying “you’re the Scottish guy from last year”. I don’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing….

I have unpacked, set up my room, and the first guests are due to arrive tonight, some more tomorrow and the rest on Friday. I have turned half my room in to the German HQ for XJ40 and 40 and the preparations to welcome the dedicated people coming to celebrate has begun.

*****TO ALL GUESTS - I will be here to welcome all of you over the next 3 days. We are all going to be parked together and I will be here to assist you 24/7. I have all your details, all your requirements and all special requests. You have my contact details, please reach out to me if you need me, and I cannot wait to see each and every one of you*****

My holiday and touring is over, the XJ40 Register Germany HQ is set up, Minty is parked up and waiting on his relatives, and now everything is about the event guests, about the cars and about celebrating 40 years of the INTERNATIONAL XJ40’s and all of their owners and enthusiasts around the globe in this special 40th anniversary year for XJ40!

The work starts now, here we go…

Paul

Distance Travelled: 82 miles
Average MPG: 22.7

14/09/2026

Day 5
Dusseldorf to Essen, and Essen to Lippstadt

This morning it was sad to say goodbye to the Car Loft, but I will be back. Today was going to be busy day, and we were on the move early.

It was the first day without rain, and it was nice and it was sunny! Finally! After checking out, I made my way to Essen, as today I would be spending the day at JLR Classic, Essen. On arrival I met with Ralf and Oliver who made me very welcome. Many of you will know the JLR Classic location at Ryton, Essen is their German location with some differences. The main room contained a stunning array of vehicles - a number of bespoke Land Rover Defenders, older Jaguar’s, an XJ220, and no surprise the car my eyes went straight to, a Jaguar XJ40!

I had a tour around the workshop where a lot of customer’s cars were being worked on. It was good to see the variety of cars that customers were putting money in to maintaining - yes there were the expensive Range Rovers and Jaguars but a couple of X300’s and an S-Type. Cars, which like XJ40, need good owners to help keep them alive and on the road.

It was then time to do photos, I will do a separate post about the Daimler Double Six Majestic, as I got a lot of photos of that car and it does deserve a post of its own. It was also fun to learn about the Defenders, one of which was a Scottish themed “Islay Edition” which was of particular interest to me being Scottish.

And then we had the XJ220, what a machine that was. You will have seen a few posts ago that David Marks and myself took the JDHT XJ220 and XJ40 Fire Car to AVRO not long ago, so this was still in my mind. To see one in blue, and with the beige interior (which I didn’t know you could have) it was incredible. This car has been sold though, and will soon be exported overseas to its new and lucky owner. There was also a black XJ220 in the workshop having a service, and Oliver told me that Black is the rarest of colours on a 220.

With some further chats with Ralf and Oliver about things such as XJ40, the Register and some of the exciting things which have been happening this year, it was time to say goodbye. I will do a separate post about JLR Classic, both Ryton and Essen later, as they have been along with us this year and have kindly sponsored XJ40@40.

Before making my way back on to the Autobahn, I stopped in to see Till Beckmann at British Car Service, who is also in Essen. Till and his team also have a strong dedication to Jaguars, Daimlers, Land Rovers and Range Rovers, and he and his wife Marlies are coming to join us in Billerbeck. It was nice to catch up, all be it not for long, as a two hour drive to Lippstadt was next. See you in a few days Till!!!

The drive to Lippstadt was great, busy but no stops or issues. The autobahn gave me the chance to put the accelerator down, but with a full boot of luggage and event materials, there wasn’t many times I pushed the car to 100 (though I did a few times).

Now at the hotel it’s time to relax. Tomorrow Minty won’t see any action, he will be staying at the hotel whilst Madeleine and I meet up to have a tourist day in Lippstadt, which will include, a chocolate factory, and no doubt a few beers!

Paul

Distance Travelled: 107 miles
Average MPG: 22.9

13/09/2026

Day 4
Dusseldorf & Arden meeting in Burg Zelem

It was nice to wake up this morning on the 4th floor and my car sitting on the balcony! It was very wet in Dusseldorf this morning - I think the heatwaves and endless sun are done for the year!!!

Today would be a trip from the centre of Dusseldorf to Burg Zelem where I had been very kindly invited to an Arden show by Max Putz of Arden Technics.

Hitting the Autobahn for the first time on this trip, I waited until the rain stopped and surfaces improved. I was keen to do some speed sessions in Minty, and with no luggage or weight being in the boot, I wanted to do it today. On getting to a dry-ish and clear stretch, I put the foot down. My target was 100mph, as after all these are old cars now, it’s not the 90’s anymore! Very quickly I was sitting at 110mph, all was fine, no shaking, no struggles and the car wanted to do more - but no, that was enough, I was more than satisfied at the success, and not wanting to tempt fate when we still have a big week ahead here in Germany.

On arriving at Burg Zelem, the welcome was extremely warm, and despite the continuing rain, cars were showing up, and they were a broad range of brands and models. Max and the team had brought their truck with an Arden X308 XJR and an Arden F-Type in the gazebo. Outside were Arden variants from an XJ40 (from Switzerland), XJ-S’s, X350’s, Series 3 and many non-Arden cars. It was nice to see all the cars mixed in with each other, and no tiered system to keep one set of cars from another.

Having met several people who had been following the Register journey online, especially Peet and Steven, it was good to put faces to names of those who support online. I was also joined by the awesome Madeleine and Ralf Hillebrand who have been vital partners in organising the Germany part of XJ40@40. Germany attendees will be meeting them very soon! There were four XJ40’s present today - that’s more than you get at most U.K. meetings so well done Arden Team for a memorable experience all round and I look forward to your next one.

After this great day talking to a lot of new people, seeing some incredible cars in a nice private mansion location, it was time to return to Dusseldorf and dry off.

Minty is mostly packed for our last night in Dusseldorf. I will definitely be booking to come back to this hotel when I return to Germany on my planned visit next year. From the feedback from friends and social media, this place looks to be appeal to many, and I very much recommend the Car Loft to all of you. Something so different to the hotel experience where your pride and joy can be up in the sky with you.

Next stop tomorrow, Essen!

Paul

Distance Travelled: 140 miles
Average MPG: 23.0

12/09/2026

Day 3
Amsterdam to Dusseldorf

It was an eye opening visit to Amsterdam, and a good box ticked on the adventure. Today would see us do some miles going to the next stop, Dusseldorf.

After getting out of the city and on to the Dutch open roads, I reset Google maps to do the entire journey avoiding motorways. As today didn’t have any deadlines, why not go all the backroads, through villages and see the things you’d miss while sitting on a motorway.

I went through many nice places, one of which was “America”, that was unexpected! And soon after I hit the German border. The sign was so small, blink and you’d miss it, this and a change in the road colour is all you notice - and the orange number plates on cars quickly become white!

For the next 2 nights I’m staying at the BeMine, Dusseldorf. This hotel, and its sister hotel in Frankfurt, allows you to book “Car Lofts”. The list takes your car right up to your room and it sits on your balcony. So for the next 2 nights, Minty is up on 4th floor with me. Brilliant for getting luggage to your room! This hotel really is for car enthusiasts - on the balconies from outside you see Porsche, BMW, Mitsubishi Evo, and a very angular green car!

Once unpacked, I took an enjoyable walk in to Dusseldorf, nearly a 7 mile walk all in. The city was very busy, looked like a Dusseldorf football game on. And the sun was out, the weather warm, and a nice first day in Germany.

Tomorrow is a special day with Arden!

Paul

Distance Travelled: 171 miles
Average MPG: 23.1

11/09/2026

Day 2
Ijmuiden Ferry Port to Hotel in Amersterdam

After a great sailing overnight, this morning we docked in IJmuiden. Today would not be a lot of miles in Minty as I’m spending the night in Amsterdam.

After cleaning Customs in torrential rain which made me think we docked in Scotland, I headed to De Vlas Jaguar in Bloemendaal which is run by brothers Gjis & Toon De Vlas. (Thanks Gjis for holding on to the X300 phone for me).

From there it was on to the hotel near Schipol Airport to check in and drop the car off. On the way there was the required stop for a photo of a Windmill. If you don’t do that when visiting, you’ve failed! Even managed to get in a space next to a similar age Saab!

Currently now in the city centre of Amsterdam exploring, my first ever time visiting here after many times driving through it, it will be good to be a tourist for the day.

Tomorrow it’s on to Germany, so tonight there won’t be too many beers!

Paul

Distance Travelled: 22 miles
Average MPG: 22.1

10/09/2026

Day 1
Edinburgh to Newcastle

The holiday starts here. After a very busy drive from Edinburgh to the DFDS ferry in Newcastle, it was a quick fill up of fuel before heading to the quay. It’s definitely a combination of the Peppermint colour and the Stainless Steel trims that draws people to this car. Even people who don’t care about cars come to have a chat in the weirdest places. Quite a few people came up to have a look while filling up, which didn’t go down well with the long queue of people waiting behind us. Horns were beeped!

Everyone driving on to the ferry had a very thorough check before getting on, boot, seats, undersides all checked and all drivers and passengers had to get out their cars - it’s never been this strict before.

The inevitable question was asked - why do you have three suitcases and all these bags but you’re on your own? A quick show that one of the cases contained a full Scottish Kilt prevented any further questioning!

Myself and Minty are safely on, and I have my first pint of beer just now in the Sky Bar.

Let the XJ40@40 Euro adventure begin! Cheers!

Distance Travelled: 149 miles
Average MPG: 25.1

08/09/2026

Hi everyone, this is the final post from me from U.K. soil for the next couple of weeks. The next post will probably be me setting off on the ferry to the Netherlands from Newcastle on Thursday.

I just want to wish the XJ40 at 40 Part 2: Germany participants a very safe journey from all the countries you are coming from. When you arrive at the hotel, I will be there to welcome you!

All of you should have my contact details, so any of you can contact me on the run up to the event and I will be happy to help, but I may be slower in getting back to you as I will be travelling each day. You should all have your hotel room confirmations, along with the address of the hotel in your e-mails from the time of your bookings – if you have any issues, please let me know or see https://xj40register.com/events for the event info.

I still have one room free at the hotel following a cancellation. I will keep a hold of this room for 24 hours, so if you decide you would like to join, let me know and I will swap the room booking name over. If not, the room will be cancelled at 5pm UK time tomorrow (09/09/2026) and no further hotel bookings can be taken as I will on holiday (and it would be good to not do any heavy admin)!

I look forward to seeing a lot of you very soon for XJ40@40 Germany where we will be celebrating the international XJ40’s and their owners!

Paul

(photo via Google Images)

04/09/2026

Hi everyone! Next Thursday I am leaving the U.K. to start my trip to Germany, so next Friday there won’t be a country breakdown of stats. I will be posting a Germany post on Tuesday before I leave with up-to-date info for those involved in XJ40@40 Germany. While I’m away, I will do my usual daily travel blog, which I normally do when I am on a driving holiday in a 40, and there will be lots of XJ40 content to see, finishing with the celebrations in Billerbeck at our event.

So, for today I will post an up-to-date list of international stats. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch over this year of celebrations so far. People have really seemed to love the focus on their countries, and who have wanted to increase the numbers for their market. Please keep them coming! And thank you also to everyone who has supported XJ40@40 – its not over yet and we still have lots more to come as we continue through 2026!

• Current car total as of 04/09/2026: 114,782

• Cars actively existing in the UK: 2,235
• Cars confirmed as actively existing outside the UK: 4,076

• Highest mileage: 459,309 miles (739,301 KMS) (1989 4.0 Daimler – car 609860)
• Second highest mileage: 360,786 miles (1994 3.2S – car 700368)
• Third highest mileage: 326,096 miles (1994 3.2S – car 707864)

• Highest Number of Owners: 23 (1991 XJ6 – car 644708)

• Automatic Transmission: 110,496
• Manual Transmission: 4,286

• Left Hand Drive: 67,985
• Right Hand Drive: 46,797

• Daimler (standard 3.6/4.0): 8,594
• Double Six (all variants): 1,199
• Sovereign (all variants): 38,828
• Vanden Plas (Inc. VDP (US) Majestic SWB): 11,309
• XJ6 (Inc. Gold & S): 50,462
• XJ12 (all variants): 2,937
• XJR: 1,246

• Number of 2.9: 6,032
• Number of 3.2: 21,177
• Number of 3.6: 10,094
• Number of 4.0: 73,341
• Number of 6.0 (all variants): 4,138

And now a breakdown of countries of the current/last known locations. Thank You to the many people in many of the below countries for getting in touch with me to help supply this information.
• Aland Islands: 4
• Andorra: 1
• Australia: 623
• Austria: 16
• Bahrain: 1
• Belgium: 134
• Bosnia: 1
• Brazil: 1
• Brunei: 3
• Bulgaria: 4
• Canada: 2,142
• Chile: 2
• China: 33
• Costa Rica: 1
• Croatia: 2
• Cyprus: 1
• Czech Republic: 40
• Denmark: 26
• Egypt: 1
• Estonia: 26
• Finland: 18
• France: 95
• French Middle East & North Africa: 15
• Georgia: 1
• Germany: 885
• Ghana: 1
• Greece: 4
• Guatemala: 1
• Hungary: 6
• Iceland: 1
• Indonesia: 2
• Italy: 58
• Japan: 5,312
• Jersey: 1
• Kenya: 1
• Kuwait: 3
• Latvia: 1
• Libya: 1
• Luxembourg: 5
• Madeira: 1
• Malawi: 1
• Malaysia: 5
• Malta: 6
• Mauritius: 1
• Mexico: 1
• Moldova: 1
• Morocco: 1
• New Zealand: 476
• Norway: 367
• Oman: 4
• Panama: 1
• Philippines: 2
• Poland: 357
• Portugal: 8
• Possible UK (RHD cars with non-market specific VIN): 7,119
• Republic Of Ireland: 23
• Romania: 7
• Russia: 6
• Serbia: 5
• Singapore: 12
• Slovakia: 30
• Slovenia: 1
• South Africa: 6
• Spain: 50
• Sweden: 155
• Switzerland: 40
• Taiwan: 1
• Thailand: 4
• The Netherlands: 52
• Turkey: 5
• UAE: 154
• UK: 32,051
• Ukraine: 2
• Unknown (which includes 1,428 UK registered exported cars to unknown destinations): 28,360
• USA: 43,113
• Zimbabwe: 1

Thank you again to all of those who have contributed to the above!

Paul

XJ40 Register

18/09/2026

17/09/2026

16/09/2026

14/09/2026

13/09/2026

12/09/2026

11/09/2026

10/09/2026

08/09/2026

04/09/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request