Motoring fans will be able to see a fabulous car that was driven by the leading female racing driver of her day at the Ormskirk MotorFest on Sunday 27 August.

Betty Haig, a member of the Haig family that created the famous whisky, drove the 1951 Jaguar XK120 to victory many times in the 1950s.

Her many notable successes included the Ladies Championships at Goodwood and Shelsley Walsh. Although not a works car it was prepared at the Jaguar Factory by Lofty England, a legendary race engineer who worked on Jaguar cars that won the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 1951 and 1953.

The car certainly has a colourful history as Betty bought it from another famous female racing driver Lorna Doone-Snow who raced it in all the major European and UK rallies, including the Alpine Rally and Daily Express Rally. Original owner Gordon McKerracher also raced the car and competed in hill climbs, mainly in Scotland.

Since the 1980s the vehicle has been used in historic events. Current owner Kenneth Johnson bought the car 14 years ago and has driven it in many events across the UK and as far away as Spain.

He said: “I have kept her to the original specification and she still drives superbly. I am looking forward to bringing her to the MotorFest.”

The Ormskirk MotorFest is one of the biggest free family events in the North West. More than 300 classic and competition vehicles from all eras of motoring will be on display in Coronation Park and Ormskirk town centre streets.

Mike Ashcroft, chairman of Aintree Circuit Club, said: “We are really pleased to have such a well-known vehicle coming to the Ormskirk MotorFest as the Jaguar XK120. It has a great history and I am sure many visitors to MotorFest will enjoy taking a look at her.”

The MotorFest is a free event organised by Aintree Circuit Club, supported by West Lancashire Borough Council.

Councillor John Hodson, whose portfolio includes the MotorFest, said: “The MotorFest is a fantastic day out for all the family so come along and see all the wonderful vehicles, including this marvelous Jaguar XK120."

“With many thousands of visitors expected to come to Ormskirk for the MotorFest, we hope that Town Centre businesses will take advantage of this great opportunity and open up on MotorFest day.”

To apply to be a volunteer marshal at the MotorFest, please register by 20 August at www.ormskirkmotorfest.com. The online registration form people need to complete is in the registrations section of the website.

For more information on the event, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/motorfest or www.ormskirkmotorfest.com.

Find out more about Ormskirk and the surrounding area by visiting the great new website www.discoverormskirk.com. You can also find Discover Ormskirk at https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverOrmskirk/.