Doc Gillies’ custom-built Jag to be auctioned at May 2 Gala

April 22, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Tabitha Wells
Anyone who has spent a number of years in the Dufferin-Caledon area knows about local legend Doc Gillies.
Along with being a prominent member of the business community for years, he has also had a hand in many community groups, projects and benefit organizations like the Headwaters Health Care Foundation.
“Doc has been a very long time supporter of the hospital,” said Nicole Hand, manager of Annual Giving for the Headwaters Health Care Foundation. “He has always rallied behind us as a strong fundraiser and supporter for many years.”
Over the years, Gillies has graduated from the Foundation’s Board to the Foundation’s Senate, which Hand described as a group of individuals who are no longer part of the board, but are still heavily involved with the foundation.
Recently, Gillies informed the Headwaters Health Care Foundation that he wanted to do something special for the Foundation, as it’s the final year of their $16-million Commitment to Care Campaign.
In 2003, Gillies purchased a custom-made Jaguar; an upgrade for him and his wife Nancy to drive around town in during the summer, or to attend special events.
Being a 25-year veteran and past chairman of the Ford Dealers Council, Gillies was known and revered as a prominent member of the Ford Dealer Family, so when he finally decided on a specific car, Ken Harrigan, a former president of Ford Canada, provided him with a discount on the vehicle.
This special vehicle, which quickly became like another child to Gillies, was the first vehicle he owned that wasn’t white. Although it was his original choice, Gillies’s daughter encouraged him to go with something more fun, and thus the Carnival Red Jaguar came to be in his possession.
Along with the colour request, the vehicle was built to his specifications, with Connelly leather interior in a sand colour, all-wheel drive, heated seats, dual exhaust, an additional weather package, and 17-inch Mag wheels.
“He approached us and said that he wanted to give us his baby, a 2006 Jaguar, to auction off,” said Hand. “Now that he can no longer drive, he wanted it to go to a new home that would appreciate it, and thought what better way to find it a new home than through our annual Gala.”
The vehicle is currently available for viewing at MacMaster Buick GMC, where interested parties can also make a sealed bid.
“Everything is there for people to go view,” said Hand. “All the original manuals, bill of sale — everything that anyone would want to know about the Jaguar is available at MacMaster. Anyone who wants to make a sealed bid can also go and talk to Danny Brackett.”
The starting bid amount for the vehicle is $15,000, and the auction will be through sealed bidding until May 1, when the highest bidder will be selected and invited to the 18th annual Headwaters Health Care Foundation Gala May 2. There, as part of their live auction, the vehicle will be auctioned as the featured item, where the highest sealed bidder will be able to go head to head with any other interested parties.
“We are really thrilled with this generous and amazing gift,” said Hand. “The car is in mint condition; it’s never seen rain, snow, or salt. It’s so clean you could eat off the engine. I have no doubt in my mind that this Jaguar is going to go to someone who really appreciates it.”
All of the proceeds will go to support the $16 million Commitment to Care Campaign through the Headwaters Health Care Foundation, and the sale of the car and all it entails being sponsored by MacMaster Buick GMC.
The 18th Annual Gala will be held May 2, 2014 at Hockley Valley Resort. To view the Jaguar or make an inquiry about making a sealed bid, contact Danny Brackett at 519-941-1360.