Jaguar and Activate Learning are working in partnership to launch Swallow Sidecar restoration project

Activate Learning are working in partnership with Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust to launch a project that will see students restore a Swallow Sidecar. 

Classic vehicle restoration students from Banbury and Bicester College will work on dismantled components of a Swallow Sidecar, throughout their study programme.

They will restore the sidecar into a fully assembled, finished product to a high standard. The components are believed to be from a very early Swallow Sidecar from 1922-1923.

The project will be officially launched by Michael Quinn, grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons, at the Activate Learning Technology Campus on Cuddesdon Way on 30 April.

The event is open to classical vehicle enthusiasts, who are invited to attend the official launch and view the Swallow Sidecar pre-restoration components. There will also be a fully built Swallow Sidecar in attendance.  

Michael Quinn said: “I am delighted to be able to lend my support to this inspirational initiative. The skills and experience gained in the restoration of this example of my grandfather’s heritage will be invaluable to the students’ development, and I am pleased that the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust are in a position to be so closely involved in this way.”

Jaguar Heritage Trust have loaned the Swallow Sidecar to support classic vehicle restoration students’ learning at Banbury and Bicester College.

This key partnership project will see students try to retain the character of the original sidecar as they restore the former vehicle. 

Tony Merrygold, Vehicle Collection Manager at Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, said: One of the challenges that we as the Trust, and the industry as a whole, face is that many of the skills in looking after classic vehicles are literally dying out.  

“The Trust is pleased to be working with Activate Learning on a project which will help some of the next generation of classic car technicians learn some very important skills.”

Students from the college will present their restoration research at the official launch in April and will soon begin working alongside other students on the Swallow Sidecar restoration.

Lee Jamieson, Director of Curriculum for Technology at Activate Learning, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our classic restoration students. Thanks to our partnership with Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, our students can develop industry standard restoration skills by working, hands on, to rebuild this important icon of UK motoring. 

“This partnership will contribute two things to the vehicle restoration sector: an original Swallow Sidecar will be preserved for future generations to enjoy and a new wave of young, enthusiastic engineers will enter an industry that is in short supply of skilled restoration talent.”

The vehicle requires extensive restoration work and will challenge the students’ knowledge and abilities while working with the dismantled components provided.

It is missing some parts, requiring students to use their expertise and initiative to assemble and restore the sidecar to its former glory.

Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust will continue to review their progress throughout the restoration project.