A CLASSIC car fanatic is hoping to turn his newly-crowned, award-winning motor into the Champion of Champions.

Saffron Walden Reporter: JaguarJaguar (Image: Archant)

Earlier this month Nigel Butterworth, of South Street, Great Chesterford, took home the Club Challenge Trophy at the annual Jaguar Drivers’ Club XJ International Day held in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Now the 77-year-old’s XJ Sport will take centre stage at the NEC in Birmingham for the biggest classic car show in the UK.

He told the Reporter: “Winning [at the international day] was a fantastic feeling because a lot of work has been put into the car over the last two months.

“I am now looking forward to Birmingham – it is going to be a great event.”

Mr Butterworth, who used to race Jaguar cars in his youth, added: “I originally bought the car in the late 90s but after visiting shows people kept telling me to start competing. I never expected it to become this successful.

“Now I would say it is just about the best Jaguar XJS in the whole of England.

“It has been going in for competitions since 1997 so I think I should gracefully retire at the top of the tree – that way I can give other people a chance.”