Representatives – Past Events 2022
UK Cheshire, Merseyside, North Wales – 28 September, the last run for 2022
From Mike Bielinski: “Blessed with fine weather again when days either side had been awful, to put it mildly, we managed a 70-mile run into and around the High Peak and back to the Bulls Head, Mottram St Andrews. “Starting from the Swettenham Arms, well known for its classic car and motorcycle meetings, we gathered to express envy at John & Mandy Mould’s beautifully polished engine and radiator. We set off towards Congleton Edge and the Cheshire Peak District along what is known locally as Dumbers, – the ancient highway from the Cheshire plain to Buxton. Turning off through the village of WildBoarclough, one of Cheshire’s finest hidden gems, in the shadow of Shutlingsloe, Cheshire’s highest peak. “Then down through Dalehead near Buxton Raceway along narrow winding roads in the High Peak through one of the UK’s most scenic valleys, Dowel Dale. The surrounding hills and valleys are sites of some of North England’s oldest settlements, dating to neolithic times. At the exit of Dowel Dale towards Buxton we stopped for refreshment and a stretch at the Marsden Arms then along the very well named Edge Top Road, a long stretch with magnificent 360-degree views of the High Peak and Cheshire plain. The photos do not do it justice, but I hope to tell the story of our route It led us through another notable village Flash, England’s highest village at 1514 feet. “Finally, a descent across the moors towards the Cheshire plain through Footballer’s city Prestbury to a very welcome meal at the Bulls Head. It was the perfect run on a perfectly dry sunny day across some of the North’s most scenic roads and a fitting end to our season”.
Germany – fifth meeting of the XK and E-type Clubs, 23-25 September
On the weekend of September 23-25, 2022, the spa town of Schmitten im Taunus, a low mountain range near the financial metropolis of Frankfurt, was dominated by the German Jaguar scene with members of both the XK and E-type clubs, write Peter Heidtmann, Alexandra Mühr and Manfred Zottmann. The drivers and co-drivers of nine E-types, Series 1 to 3, as well as seven XKs, 120 to 150, came together for their fifth Annual Club Meeting to socialise in good company and to share the joys – and challenges – of our cherished beauties. Our hotel offered everything that made our heart happy, as the owner himself is a big fan of our brand. He himself has an old S-type in his garage. The weather gods were kind to us. They sent dry weather and even a bit of sunshine, so that the drivers and co-drivers could enjoy the wonderful landscape with the tops down. The trip took us via Schloss Vollrads, framed by impressive vineyards, to Kloster Eberbach, world-famous as a backdrop for the film "The Name of the Rose" with Sean Connery as William of Baskerville. A guided tour through the historic monastery brought back to life the dark scenes of the film in an authentic setting. After returning to our hotel, we soon gathered to enjoy a four-course candlelight dinner. The atmosphere couldn't have been better, as all vehicles had covered the route without breakdowns and the excellent food contributed to the contentedness of the day. Everyone agreed that it was a successful club meeting and thanked Alexandra, Peter and Manfred for the organisation by handing over to each a bottle of good wine from the region. Suggestions have already been made for a 6th meeting next year, taking place in the Southern part of Germany.
French/Swiss Alps – Alpine Drive, 24 July 2022
On Sunday 24 July, a Swiss-French event was organized by the Geneva Jaguar club with the participation of the International XK Club and the French Jaguar driving club. 24 Jaguarists got together in the early morning, near the Aravis pass in the French Alps for a 150KM drive through the Haute Savoie and the Colombiere Pass (a favorite road of the cycling Tour de France). We then arrived at the historical village of NERNIER by the Léman Lake near the Swiss border. We were all welcomed by Dominique DELEUSSE the owner of the chateau, who kindly allowed us to park our cars on his private estate, which was practical at this time of the year with so many visitors around the lake. Despite the heatwave, all the participants appreciated the lunch of “filet de perche Meunière “à specialty of the restaurant, close to the chateau. A lovely International day to remember. Michel CROMBÉ
UK Bristol, Somerset & Wiltshire – Lunch and Cheddar Gorge drive, 27 July 2022
A warm and sunny day for our lunch at The Bath Arms, Cheddar with a nice mix of E-types and XKs attending. We were pleased to be joined as our guests by club contributor and tour organiser Malcolm and Helena McKay of Classic Rally Press. Thanks to the venue for a large car park, so we could get everyone lined up, and a very nice meal. Conversation was lively throughout lunch and by the time we departed not sure if anyone remembered to take the drive up through the Gorge!!
UK East Midlands – Classics and Coffee Day, P&K Thornton 16 July
From Chip Nistorica: “Last Saturday we invited E-type and XK enthusiasts to spend the morning at our workshops. Some travelled from far afield to participate in our now yearly open day. Our technicians and expert panel beaters were at hand to answer all technical questions ranging from engine tunning all the way to a live demonstration of making a full aluminium E-type FHC boot panel. Barista coffee and cakes were kindly organised by the company and through everybody's generosity we raised a substantial amount for Cancer Research UK”.
West Midlands & North Wales – Lakeside Classics barbecue, 11 July 2022
Monday 11 July saw the type of weather that barbecues were invented for, and Bill Thomas, one of our West Midlands members, has the ideal location to go with it alongside the huge lake surrounded by woodlands in the grounds of his home in rural Shropshire. Under the shade of trees and the terrace of the lakeside log cabin, 20 of us enjoyed a delicious BBQ, great company and spent time examining the line-up of 12 XKs plus Bill’s magnificent XJ220. New members John & Heather Freeman arrived in their XK 120 which they had successfully bid for only two weeks earlier at Brightwells auction and it was a beauty. Martin Reynolds, whose XK 150 is still undergoing restoration, arrived in his 420G. Inevitably there were calls of “Let’s do it again sometime.”
Channel Islands – Jersey Motoring Festival, 2-5 June 2022
"So the sun sets on the 2022 Jersey Motoring Festival, a special year this time coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the first Jersey Road Race held in 1947. The Thursday saw the first Jersey Concours d'Elegance organised by Le Riche automobile restorers showcasing vehicles from a 1903 Gladiator right up through the ages to more modern fayre. Jaguars were well represented and collectively winning a third best in class for Alan and Mary Tidy in their XK 120 OTS, Mike and Gayle in their SS100 a 2nd prize for Chris and Andrea Le Boutillier in their XK 120 OTS and Dr Simon and Angie Slaffer winning Best in Show for their recently finished XK 120 FHC, having undergone an exacting personal restoration over four years! The damp Friday sprint night allowed Chris Le Boutillier in his XK 140 FHC and our XK 120 OTS to perform a demo sprint before the official timed sprints that ran along a closed off Victoria Avenue in St Helier. Poignant that 75 years ago that same piece of road held the Jersey Road Race all those years go. We set off at timed intervals in a diverse group of cars including a supercharged Ford Capri, a 1934 American dirt track racer, two Metro 6R4's, a Peterson Bentley to name but a few and with the rain coming down, thoughts of not best times achieved on the slippery surface, but a spectacle for the crowds to see how these cars moved and sounded. It was nice to see Nigel Webb over in his XK 120 for the hotly contested sprint alongside a Bugatti T35, a Frazer Nash TT Replica a clutch of Austin Sevens competing in the Bert Hadley Memorial Championship, various other cars and motorbikes competing well into the night under heavy skies. Saturday and Sunday were open for everyone to wander amongst the different car clubs and stalls with a backdrop of noise emanating from the hill climb and active arena. A super weekend and nice to see normality returned for all to enjoy. Already looking forward to 2023." Many thanks indeed to Nicholas Hayman for his report.
UK East Anglia – Pageant of Motoring, Sandringham, Sunday 5 June
Three hardy XKs attended the Pageant of Motoring, held as part of the Queen’s Platinum celebrations in the grounds of Sandringham House, despite a soggy start. The full story will appear in next month’s Gazette, so do look out for that. Many thanks to Mike Read.
UK Berkshire – Classic Car and Bike Show, Sonning Festival, 2-3 June
“The Car Show was held within the grounds of Bishops Close, home of local businessman Max McNeill. Max takes a hands-on approach and directs all the parking to very exacting tolerances. He also displayed his DB4 and a pristine just restored E-type. “Local resident Theresa May and her husband (and their security) paid us a visit but no George Clooney this time I’m afraid. “On Thursday, I was joined by XK Club members Wyn and Mary Roberts in their 150 DHC, which Wyn has owned for 40 years! On Friday I was joined by local Club members Alan and Beverly West in their lovely 150 coupé both couples engaged in a tour around Sonning for the full event experience. “I was unaware that there would be any prize giving but after what must have been a rigged vote and the designed exclusion of to my mind a number of superior vehicles, I was lucky enough to be awarded Best Car in Show on Friday. My wife was far more interested in the Tattinger than the medal. “I imagine that will delight Paul Abadjian. I bought the car from him back in October 1998 and met up with him to chat about it at E-type 60 last year. “Coincidentally my XK shared in the Queen Jubilee celebrations as it is also 70 years old this month!"
Austria –Classic Car Fair in Tulln, 21-22 May
After a two-year Corona break, lovers of classic cars as well as youngtimers stormed the classic car fair in Tulln in May. More than 750 exhibitors from Austria, Germany and other countries presented their products and services at the Tulln Classic Car Fair, from completely restored vehicles to classic car parts, literature and model cars - in short, everything to do with classic cars. More than 90 clubs and numerous museums showed their vintage rarities. For the first time this year, a vintage and youngtimer auction took place on Saturday. 70 cars and 50 motorcycles were for sale. Among them were some spectacular vehicles. A Jaguar XJS, built in 1990, which the Austrian artist Philipp Mueller had painted and turned into an art car, went to the new owner for 70,000 euros with a starting price of 25,000 euros. Of course, our club booth, which showed a range of ‘racing legends’ and an original Formula 1 steering wheel used by Mark Webber, was once again a popular meeting place for our members and friends. Thank you for the numerous visits!
UK Midlands South – Llanerchinda Farm visit, 9–12 May
“A select group joined the trip in May. The weather stayed fine for most of the time and the group were able to enjoy the outstanding hospitality of the Hadley family. The drives took in the sights of Lampeter, Cardigan, Aberporth, Crickhowell, Talybont, Tretower and others. As well as the sights there some glorious drives across the local countryside and military roads etc. All in all, everyone who attended enjoyed the stay and some have booked to come back. A testament to the enjoyable times and outstanding value of the trip.”
UK Channel Islands – Drive it Day, 24 April
'Tonneau covers for the roadsters and open top Jaguars were at the ready for the anticipated drizzle but were not needed on what turned out to be the ideal day for the xk club and other various Jersey car clubs participating in the 2022 'Drive it Day' raising funds for the NSPCC. Plenty of space was allocated alongside the St. Helier marina enabling owners and public to mingle and talk about the various Jaguars on show. Many photographs taken, many memories rekindled about past cars, the 'wonder where they are now?' question surfacing regularly and above all lots of smiles that always seem to be around wherever Jaguars are displayed. A fun day, a great turn out and hopefully lots of money raised for a very worthy charity. Nicholas Hayman, Jersey.'
UK South Midlands – Spring lunch, 14 April
From Martin Reynolds: “The Pheasant Inn at Toddington in deepest Gloucestershire provided the excellent venue for our Spring lunch. Whilst a couple of people unfortunately did not make it due to illness - others showed up to make up the full booking. Fortunately, the staff were incredibly flexible and supportive of our ever-changing numbers and a delicious lunch was had by all. Apologies but I forgot to take a photo of the group- however I did take one of Ian's strategic parking to ensure certain individuals could not escape without paying... Thank you to everyone involved”.
UK East Anglia - Spring Drive
We had decided to start our programme a bit earlier this year, so the spring drive was organised for Sunday 3 April. The weather in mid-March was superb but the forecast for the planned date did not look very promising, even up to the day before. However, I should not have worried as it turned out that we were very lucky and the weather was cool but glorious. We had two couples drop out in the last few days but still had an excellent turnout with a total of nine cars, including new member, Peter Sheppard with his partner, Suzanne in his very nice XK 150 DHC. We met at my house and workshop at Brisley where the guests were treated to coffee and home-made cakes, courtesy of my partner, Bridget and her daughter, Victoria. Right on schedule, we set off on the fifty-mile drive at 10.45am heading west towards Litcham. From there we went south to Swaffham where we did a quick parade around the historic marketplace and then headed north to Castle Acre. Through the narrow, ancient flint gate, and on the Peddars Way to Great Massingham. Having been forewarned, my friend Steve, who has MS and is in a wheelchair, was outside his house to wave us on. Through picturesque Massingham with its many duckponds, onto Harpley, and then we joined the A148 for a good blast down to West and East Rudham. Then left at the Crown, up to Great Bircham on a quiet country road, and onto Docking. Another friend, Debbie, was waving enthusiastically at us as we headed on to Stanhoe, past more duckponds and then down to North Creake, South Creake and finally into Sculthorpe. In all it took exactly 90 minutes, as planned and we arrived at Sculthorpe Mill, where we had arranged to squeeze all the XKs into the area in front of the Mill. We had a very pleasant, well organised lunch in a private room where we could see the visitors admiring the cars. It was a very successful day, enjoyed by everyone and we are looking forwards to meeting again for the Summer drive.
Lancashire & Cumbria News (courtesy of Chris Garside)
"Six members attended Lancashire & Cumbria regions' monthly pub meet-up at The Bluebird Inn, Salmesbury on 16 March, the third Wednesday of the month as usual”, member Chris Garside reports, standing in for regional representative Nigel Walker who was overseas. “Unfortunately, the blue sky we all enjoyed in the morning turned to rain in the afternoon which meant everyone came in their daily drivers. We all agreed that we need to make the effort for the next meeting and come in our Jaguars! “E-type owners were outnumbered by XK owners with one in the middle of restoring an XK 150, another couple enjoying their lovely XK 120 roadster and a third tempted to acquire a rather nice XK 120 FHC following the sale of a Series 2 E-type FHC. “The conversation was quite varied - setting up triple carbs on an XK 150 and shared experiences of the Jaguar Spares Day at Stoneleigh with two members managing to pick up parts for their cars. The member who had recently sold his Series 2 E-type because of a house move went on to explain that he still had three MGAs, one of which he actively campaigns with his son-in-law at various rally events around the UK. “Overall, a very pleasant evening with the Bluebird looking after us very well. Keep an eye on the club magazine or contact Nigel Walker for news of upcoming events in Lancashire & Cumbria region. Members from other regions always welcome."
17 November - UK Lancashire and Cumbria - Pub meet
"Lancashire & Cumbria region held their monthly pub meet-up on the 17 November (The third Wednesday of the month). This month they met at the Longlands Inn at Tewitfield, not far from junction 35 of the M6. There were ten of us, including spouses. E-types and XK's stayed at home but John Howarth came along in his beautiful Jaguar Mk.2 3.4litre. Topics of discussion included garage doors, interesting places to visit in the region and our upcoming Christmas lunch at the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club.
20 October - UK Lancashire and Cumbria - Pub meet
Lancashire & Cumbria region held their monthly pub meet-up on the 20th October (the third Wednesday of the month, as usual). It was Lancashire's turn to host at The Bluebird Inn, Salmesbury and a friendly group of seven enjoyed the evening. Topics of discussion included the Bond Equipe (produced in nearby Preston), series 3 suspension and restomods. The weather forecast was not good so XKs and Es stayed at home but XK Club member John Howarth brought his Jaguar MkII.
A very interesting tale from our Norwegian Rep, Fred Ljone...
In the late eighties a 1950 XK 120 OTS basketcase was imported into Norway. Neither the Canadian seller nor Dag Arne Skjærholt, the buyer, realised the rarity of this car until a slow restoration eventually had begun. Not long after work had been completed, mainly in Guy Broad’s competent hands, the Norwegian owner sadly died. Earlier this year NRK, the national equivalent to BBC, approached his grown up children Inger and Arne in connection with a series of television interviews on families in an inheritance situation. When asked the value of that elegant old Jaguar they decided to pass that question to me, being the Norwegian XK registrar plus XK Club representative. I hastily involved our Philip Porter plus the well-respected model specialist Paul Abadjian of Retro Classics Ltd for an up-to-date price indication. The TV team decided to have the XK value presented in my hobby car hole in the wall (please forgive me the poor photos). Before indicating anything I made sure that the lady TV reporter fully grasped that she was standing next to build number 107 of the mere 183 RHD of the total of 240 XK 120 Open Two-seater Super Sports interim hand built aluminium-and-ash production series. Presenting a GBP 200 to 300,000 expectation bracket in the international collector’s and auction’s marketplace was underlined with the fact that this represented a careful 3 to 5 times the price of an 'ordinary' 120. No wonder why madhouses are full of people who in their reckless youth gave away of scrapped 'an old, terrible and unfinished Monday car that the factory later produced in more organised series'!
17 October - UK East Anglia - Autumn Drive
Being later in the Autumn, and with only three weeks’ notice of the new date, the number of entrant’s this time was reduced. So, with full tanks we set off on a damp Sunday morning and had an uneventful drive over to Wansford. Abigail’s daughter and their two sons were waiting to make sure we could line up at the front of the Paper Cup facing Wansford High Street. The showers had stopped and the six entrants all arrived for coffee in good time, including Peter Leech from neighbouring Lincolnshire, in his very nice Indigo blue 150 DHC. Bridget and I had decided to take the ‘banger racer’, 150 FHC, Arthur and Sue Gilmour were in their lovely 140 DHC, with the tan hood up, Brian and Heather Monks in their immaculate 150 DHC, Toby and Abigail had their very nice, original, 120 OTS complete with fly screens, and Charles Atkinson, with his friend Steve were in his splendid 4.5 litre pre-war Vauxhall 30/98 open tourer. (His 140 OTS being halfway through it’s restoration). After coffee we set off on a fabulous drive into Northamptonshire and then Rutland, going through a number of lovely villages with their beautiful sandstone houses and passing the impressive Welland Valley viaduct and Eye Brook Reservoir, which was used as a practice site in the Second War for the Dambuster raids. Unfortunately it did start to rain. Those with roofs were fine, those with hoods were quickly erected leaving our leaders in the 120 OTS and the open Vauxhall to battle the elements. It all went quite well as we were mostly able to travel at 50mph, until a large tractor got in the way and speeds dropped to 30mph, which meant the rain fell in the open cars a bit…. After a few miles the tractor thankfully turned off and more sensible speeds were attained. We went through Uppingham and then through more lovely countryside into the lovely town of Stamford before joining the A1 for a quick blast back south to Wansford. We lined up again outside the Paper Cups Pub and then had a very pleasant lunch. To my relief, the slightly reduced numbers did not affect the great time we had and if anything made it more memorable. Many thanks to Abigail, Toby and their family for looking after us so well, and in addition to the great organisation, providing very informative notes about interesting places on route.
15-17 October - Austria - Classic Expo Salzburg
XK and E-type Club members enjoyed a nostalgic time from October 15 to 17, 2021. Classic cars from around 300 exhibitors from 12 nations lined up again, creating a nostalgic flair in the exhibition halls and inviting visitors to take a trip into the past. This year, too, numerous exclusive vintage cars were admired by around 20,000 visitors, as well as an extensive parts market and the Dorotheum auction. There was a special show marking 60 years of the Jaguar E-type - the design icon and pioneer in terms of speed and performance The special show of the Jaguar Club Austria in cooperation with the exhibition management offered not only 9 E-types of the three Series in different versions, but also expert and insider knowledge, which the visitors and numerous club members used to talk shop. The Classic Expo starts its next round from October 14 to 16 2022.
10 October UK Lancashire and Cumbria - Southport Classic and Speed event
From Nigel Walker: "On Sunday 10 October, members from Lancashire and Merseyside attended the first Southport Classic and Speed event, organised by Aintree Circuit Club in the town's Victoria Park. The event celebrated over a century of motoring history including a record-breaking motor sporting heritage. Sir Henry Segrave set the World Speed Record at 152.33mph on Southport beach in 1926. From a fully working "toolroom recreation" of an 1886 Benz, the first motor car, to modern day nitro-injected drifters, bikes, trucks and steam traction engines, there was something to interest every petrolhead. Jaguars of note were a short-nose D-type 1RWW and a timber framed XK 120 9YGN. According to a plaque on the dashboard this is a factory produced "Exact replica" of the Jabbeke record breaking car. In honour of the 60th anniversary, there was an award for Best E-type, won by Jack Ashcroft's beautiful 1961 OBL OTS. Originally from Merseyside Jack now lives in Scotland and came down for the event to promote his motorhome hire business. The car is for sale too - contact Nigel Walker if you'd like to get in touch with Jack. At the end of the day exhibitors joined a parade along the town's famous Lord Street and promenade, the route of a sprint run in 1903- Southport's first motor sport event. I've heard positive feedback from visitors, exhibitors and the organisers alike and the event will run again in September 2022."
September 15 - UK Lancashire and Cumbria - Pub meet
"September saw the Lancashire & Cumbria region holding their regular monthly pub meet-up at The Longland Hotel near Carnforth. Three cars attended and seven people sat down to a pleasant meal together." Thank you Nigel Walker.
5 September US Kansas - Heartland All British Car & Cycle show
From Ken Smiley: This annual event was held once again at the Merriam Kansas farmer’s market at Werner Park. Over 200 cars and motorcycles were in attendance representing an extensive variety of British machinery,” writes area representative, Ken Smiley. “I entered my 1956 XK 140 Roadster in the “O '' category for Jaguar Sports cars pre-1975, which meant it was up against both XKs and E-types in the judging. The show ran from 10am until 2pm with winners announced thereafter. I had the good fortune of two of my cousins coming to see me (or was it the car?) at the show. One of them had travelled all the way from Memphis, Tennessee for the visit. The organizers of the show had set up food trucks on site along with a DJ spinning some classic tunes from such obscure British groups as the Rolling Stones and some other lads from Liverpool. While good times were had by all, we did receive one sad piece of news. The main person behind organizing and running the show for the last decade, John Styers, was in the hospital. He later succumbed to his illness (non-Covid) and passed away on September 19th. His funeral on October 2nd was filled with British cars as all of us brought them in honor of John. On the brighter side of things, I took 1st place in my category followed by Kris Gamble who took 2nd and 3rd with his E-type and XK 150. I am told that despite John’s passing, this show will continue to be held every Labor Day weekend in the future. If you find yourself in the Heartland of the US, please drop by.
4-5 September France South - Club Tour
The XK and E-type Clubs had a meeting in Escragnolles and Gorges du Verdon in the south of France, featuring fine meals, music and a mystery tour. With 14 people on the tour, growing to 28 for the evening party (organised by new member Danny Constantinis) this was a fine Riviera event. A great time was had by all. Thank you to Jean-Charles Bello!
August 30 - UK Hampshire - Gosport Annual Vehicle Rally
The weather was dry but dull although it warmed up slightly - there were two XKs and one E-type," writes Michael Clayforth-Carr. "It was a well-attended event and I'm guessing some 300 vehicles in total - some lovely cars. I couldn't attend in my XK because it still had the front suspension off. The XK guys thought it was a worthwhile event and thought we should make a push for more members to attend next year. I must say I had never been before despite living down here for over 30 years - but I now feel confident in recommending it!"