It was a great day, very well delivered and fully enjoyed by the gang that attended
After a couple of illnesses, there were still 32 Members of 3 Regions, with friends and partners, ready to get stuck into what was set to be a full-on day. As the Jaguars and others parked up, it made for an impressive display - subsequently amplified by cars driven over for display by Pendine.
The day started with briefings and paperwork followed by sorting out the 'loads' for the 2 Army Trucks and Fire Engine. Sonme found it hard, some easy. The speed that the Fire Engine (didn't) go when driven made some grateful they weren't going to a fire. Others went at a speed in the Trucks that you could have been forgiven for thinking they were off to a battlefront....
After Lunch It Was Test Circuit and Tenant visiting Time....
By far the majority of those attending opted to take their Jaguars (or other cars) out onto the Bicester Heritage Test Circuit for a good few laps.
Others opted to be chauffeured around in others' cars. Some blagged themselves short drive sessions in a souped-up E-Type that is presently in Pendine's stock.
Everyone also spent time in the Pendine Showroom and the Classic Performasnce Engineering Workshops. There were stories of negotiations opening up for cars seen. Was it the XJR-15 in Pendine ? Or the D-Type in CPE ?
Interestingly, Some Of The Most attractive Jaguars Were Our Own !
When we say Jaguars, we should not forget the lovely Daimler SP250 Dart. It more than held it's own amongst the other cars.
It was quite the cavalcade of models and ages, with lots of sapre moments being spent examining, enjoying and - often - dreaming of might have been if things were different.
The green, the red, the sand, the 6.0 Litre, the tracked experience vehicles still managed to hold their own up too.
And Then It Was Time for The Armoured Vehicles
Not strictly 'tanks, rather 'Armoured Personnel Carriers' but no one was really keeping any store.
It was both amazing and sad to hear that these, now old, vehicles are still being sought / bid for to amplify by 300% their market worth, to join the fighting in the Ukraine. But as parts for them are at 400% of normal market price, these will be staying here.
Everyone who had booked to drive one of these vehicles at least tried. Those that suceeded had smiles a mile wide when they came back. Some of those who had taken rides instead, clearly came out of the backs of the vehicles a little shaken, bruised and dusty !
Ultimately, All Went home Happy, A Bit TiredAand Certainly A Bit Dusty !
For just £60 per person to attend (if driving the Fire Engine or Truck) or a little more (if also driving a 'Tank'), and free for those only riding / watching, it was recognised to have been excellent value - and only accesible by being in the JEC.
As always, the smiles and kind thanks received made it all entirely worthwhile for the JEC Oxfordshire Region Chairman, SWb, BH, Pendine and classic Performance Engineering.
Role on Oxon Region's Drive It Day Tour of 7 White horses when we will again be joined by a number of Swindon Region Members.
