Another early start from Matlock, but this was definitely worth it! We took both our XK's to bolster the numbers at Gaydon, and by the look of things, so did everyone else present!
It's difficult to know where to begin. JEC and JDC were present in substantial numbers. The XJS contingent took to the upper level banking, a bit like the Indians circling the cowboys! The XJ220's took pride of place (all four of them!) and Jaguar Heritage provided some significant historic Jaguars. There was a significant number of XJ Coupe's in every colour imaginable (and some you'd rather not imagine!).
The 'moving demonstrations' pulled no punches, and the D Type and the TWR XJS roared up the (closed) access road, the XJS laying down a lot of rubber on the first run, squirming to stay in a straight line. A brief but noisy reminder of what both achieved in their day.
There were a lot of 'moderns' present, but not so many of the older cars. In particular, Mk2's and E Types were thin on the ground to mention just two. Those older cars that were there though were of extremely high quality.
The workshops were open for people to wander into, and it was apparent that a wide variety of cars are fettled and rebuilt there. There was a 'Group 44' Jaguar there which was campaigned in America in period (a Bob Tullis car raced in the 70's (I believe) was receiving what looked like a full rebuild.
Wayne Scott held fort in the 'live arena' in front of the museum entrance and regailed attendees with countless amusing tales, including the one about Duncan Hamilton being forbidden to start at Le Mans, so consoling himself with liquid refreshment, then having to start after all! In fairness, Wayne pointed out that this tale was probably 'guilded' a little!
It was nice to see such a good turnout to support the efforts put in by the clubs present, together with Jaguar Heritage and the Gaydon organisation and many volunteers.
Notes: * Numbers present are estimated. Talking to some enthusiasts who went to the Jaguar Breakfast Club 'Surecharged Saturday', there were 600 cars there that day and today vastly exceeded that number. We look forward to discovering the number of Jaguars present.
Photo's from Hartley and Nigel.
