1965 Fluevog Custom Jaguar Mark X
All of you Fashionistas with a shoe fetish should recognize the name of this car’s owner. John Fluevog is an internationally famous shoe designer who just happens to live in Vancouver, BC. When we participated in the 2013 version of the Vancouver All British Field Meet held in the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Gardens, we ran across his customized Jaguar Mark X.
Originally purchased new by his father, Sigurd, it had fallen into a dismal state of disrepair. But instead of throwing it to the junk heap, John took the classic Fluevog route and executed a flamboyant restoration. Using his own sketches, he completely transformed this car from the ground up. A Chevy LT1 V8, GM automatic and air suspension were transplanted, the interior was finished in crocodile and leather, and the roof was chopped, to go along with a myriad of other more subtle touches.
Affectionately known by some as the Flueguar, it’s full of fun little touches: The pedals are made from Fleuvog shoe soles; the interior has crocodile seat bolsters with green piping, and croc skins adorn the door panels. The license plate frame says, “Park Your Car: Drive a Fluevog.”
Then there’s the beautifully executed, half long-hand written “Style is Grace” slogan emblazoned over the front wheel well and juxtaposed against the “Fluevog” script on the hubcap. What car says that? It’s wonderful.
John Fluevog began designing shoes in 1970, when he formed Fox and Fluevog with Peter Fox in Vancouver’s historic Gastown. Like his car, Fluevog shoes are highly unconventional, creative and fun. His website says he thinks of cars when he designs shoes, and shoes when he thinks of cars. Hmm, does that really translate? To him, it seems to.
His shoe stores can be found around the world. Not bad for a guy who just wanted to make shoes less boring and more fun. He has a knack for eking more visual excitement out of just about anything. I hope I get to see his other Jag projects. He reportedly has a ’51 Mark V in the works.
