A COLLECTION of motors worth millions gathered outside Blackpool's Imperial Hotel on Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sir William Lyons -- founder of Jaguar Cars.

Sir William was born in the town on September 4, 1901.

Among the vehicles representing the Jaguar story was a priceless XK13 model.There was also an Austin Swallow developed by Sir William at his Swallow Sidecar Company works in Bloomfiled Road.

Following a reception given by the Mayor of Blackpool, Coun Sue Wright, at the Imperial the historic vehicles moved on to Coventry via Merseyside -- where the new X-type Jaguar is built --and Chester Zoo where a new jaguar enclosure was opened.

On Tuesday, the day when Sir William would have been 100, a celebration dinner was held at the Imperial Hotel attended by the mayors of Blackpool, Coventry, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Knowsley and many other distinguished guests.

The final event of the centenary celebrations will be the presentation of a statue of Sir William to the city of Coventry on Saturday.