Hector’s New Journey: A Story of Donation and Legacy

For Anthony, cars have always been more than just machines. They’re storytellers, reflections of an era, generators of lifelong memories and sometimes, treasured companions.

One of those companions was Hector, a Mark II Jaguar gifted to him by his wife for a milestone birthday. Restored slowly over years, with the skill of diverse Jaguar experts and the kind of patience only a true enthusiast possesses, Hector wasn’t just a car. He was a symbol of love, craftsmanship, and joy.

But joy and good fortune, Anthony believes, should be shared.

As a former GP turned mutual management and governance expert, Anthony has always been driven by a sense of community. His work in socially focused membership organisations helped
occupation and faith-based not for profit organisations stay protected when traditional insurance didn’t meet their needs. That same community spirit would ultimately lead to his
decision to donate Hector to Kids Under Cover, a national charity helping prevent youth homelessness.

The seed was planted during the catastrophic bushfires and floods of 2023. Anthony was struck by the stories of tradespeople and families who had lost everything, including their vehicles, which were often their livelihoods. ”

I felt incredibly lucky,” he said. “And a bit guilty, too. It just
didn’t sit right.”

So, after many adventures with Hector – including sourcing a rare Jaguar grille from the UK and transporting it carefully back as hand luggage, Anthony decided it was time. He contacted Kids Under Cover and with the blessing of his wonderful wife, offered the beloved car as a donation.

But this wasn’t just any old donation. Hector was special: an early release, one of the first right hand drive automatic Mk II’s ever made, with unique features that would excite any Jaguar enthusiast. Realising the significance, the Kids Under Cover – Donate Your Car team reached out to the Victorian Jaguar Car Club, who rallied around the story, demonstrating the generosity
and community mindedness Australian Car Clubs are famous for.

The auction took off, and Hector quickly sold to another classic car devotee – someone who knew exactly what they were buying and promised to care for him well.

That moment, handing over the keys with a coffee and a handshake, wasn’t just the end of an era for Anthony. It was the start of something meaningful for someone else. The proceeds from
Hector’s sale would go directly towards keeping at-risk young people connected to accommodation, family, education, and community. The support system every child deserves.

“So many of us have vehicles with stories”, Donating them can be a beautiful way to pass on something more than metal. It can be legacy.”

Anthony hopes his story helps others, particularly those downsizing, retiring, or settling estates, to think differently about what they leave behind.