July 2010

Shaftesbury makes my nose twitch like a nervous grasshopper...

This is because Gold Hill near the high street was the cobbled location of the famous ‘boy on bike’ Hovis advert of the seventies. Perhaps my over-active sense of smell is detecting remnants of freshly prepared sandwiches. So, let’s jump in the car and see what Shaftesbury has to offer.

A great vehicle for bread lovers jaunting through Dorset is the Jaguar XK. This aluminium bodied beauty is available with a choice of two 5.0-litre V8 engines. The standard version produces a creditable 385bhp whereas the top-of-the-range XKR develops a mighty 510bhp. This latter supercharged model roars to 60mph in 4.6 seconds and reaches a licence losing 155mph.

Now we have a tasty vehicle, let’s head to our fascinating destination. Simply leave Verwood on the B3081 to Wimborne St. Giles, then briefly swing onto the B3078 before rejoining the B3081. Follow the smell of bread for sixteen miles, then park and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Shaftesbury’s views are particularly spectacular as it stands on a hill, 219 metres above sea level. On a clear day, it is possible to see Glastonbury Tor which is thirty-five miles away by road. Some of the town’s older buildings are constructed from limestone that was salvaged from Shaftesbury Abbey after its demolition in 1539. How, despite the ancient architecture the town is most famous for starring in Ridley Scott’s Hovis advert. Scott later went on, after enjoying his wheat based lunch, to direct blockbusters such as Alien and Blade Runner. So, that sums up Shaftesbury but what about the car?

The current XK is proof that Jaguar can make a thoroughly modern vehicle, and it is one of the most desirable machines on the market. The handling is supremely confident and the perfect blend of grand tourer meets sports car. This complements the stunning styling, cosseting ride, and the sumptuous leather interior. New prices are as high as £81,000 which is equivalent to 52,000 loaves of bread.

By Stephen Turvil © 2010

To read more from Stephen visit his blog <HERE>