Passion for Jaguars
Discover the stories of our dedicated members and their love for Jaguars. Get inspired by our member spotlights, showcasing enthusiasts who share their experiences, journeys, and expertise with the Jaguar community. Whether you're a long-time Jaguar owner or simply admire these iconic cars, our club welcomes all who appreciate the elegance and performance of these magnificent vehicles.
JCOA Member Spotlight October 2025
Dean and Doris Davis
Famous quote: What's a Jaguar?
Few names resonate more warmly within the Jaguar Club of Austin than Dean and Doris Davis. Their journey with JCOA began in the spring of 1978, just four short years after the club’s founding—and like many great Jaguar stories, it began quite by chance.
As Dean tells it, he had sold Doris’s car and found himself at the bank without a way home. He called Doris’s nephew-in-law, a salesman at Continental Cars, for assistance. When told there was a 1970 Jaguar coupe available, Dean asked, “What’s a Jaguar?” That simple question marked the beginning of a lifelong passion. They purchased the Jag, and soon thereafter, he and Doris joined JCOA—a decision that would spark decades of friendship, service, and community.
Over the years, the Davises became proud stewards of three National Champion Jaguars: an XK-140, an XKE OTS, and an XJS. Dean still treasures the XK-140—a flawless 100-pointer—that remains proudly displayed in their garage, a testament to their care and dedication.
Dean restoring his 100-point 1956 XK-140
Doris’ National Champion XJ-6
Dean and Doris at an early JCOA event.
The Birth of the Follies
Dean and Doris fondly recall the early years of the club, filled with camaraderie and creativity. Members hosted car washes to raise funds, gathered for progressive dinners, and organized the club’s signature Concours d’Elegance. Yet among all these memories, one tradition stands above the rest: the Follies.
As Dean remembers, concours events across the region often followed a familiar rhythm—car judging, awards, and dinner. Wishing to bring a spark of fun and originality, Dean suggested, “This is getting boring—let’s do some lip sync!”
The very first Follies took place after a concours, when Dean and Doris invited attendees to their home for a barbecue dinner. As guests settled in, an announcer declared, “And now, straight from Nashville—Kenny Rogers!” After one member performed as Rogers, Dean stunned the audience by appearing as “Golly” Parton. Laughter filled the room, and the Follies were born.
What began as a lighthearted skit soon blossomed into a cherished annual tradition. The cast of characters grew, and the Follies evolved into a full-scale production. Doris became the stage manager and producer, making curtains, sewing costumes, recording music, and organizing rehearsals (but not too many!). She added a lighting hand and a live musician and still had time to take to the stage as Patsy Cline, singing with flair and humor—producing golf clubs and other surprises from her custom-made dress.
Each year, the event attracted larger crowds. Jag enthusiasts from across the South-Central region would attend JCOA’s concours in the morning, stay for the awards in the afternoon, and then gather in the evening—first at the Davis home and later at the Straach family barn—for a festive barbecue dinner and a night of laughter and entertainment. Complete with stage lighting, sound, and the now-legendary JCOA Margarita machine, the Follies helped build JCOA into the premier Jaguar club in Texas and as reflection of its joyful spirit.
After more than a decade, the Follies grew so large that managing the production became a year-round endeavor for Doris.
Though the curtain eventually fell on the Follies, their legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of the club—symbolizing the creativity, hospitality, and sense of community that Dean and Doris have brought to JCOA for nearly five decades.
Dean as “Golly” Parton
Doris enjoying the Follies at their Lake home
Frank Behram, as Willie, and wife Meredith
Joan Straach and the Margherita maker
Today, Dean and Doris continue to be vibrant, engaged members, always ready with a smile and regaling us with club stories that make us such a unique club. Their contributions—both on and off the stage—have left an indelible mark on JCOA’s history.As we celebrate our shared journey, we extend heartfelt gratitude to Dean and Doris Davis for their enduring enthusiasm, friendship, and countless years of service to the Jaguar Club of Austin.