The club met in Newtownards and made our way to Chris's home high up in the hills overlooking picturesque Strangford Lough.
Chris's friend Robert Navan greeted everyone and ushered us in, where we were welcomed by Chris and his wife Madeline. Madeline had made an impressive array of freshly baked scones to tempt us all and, helped by Norman and Yvonne with tea and coffee, the excitement soon grew.
With warm drinks in hand, we viewed the various projects Chris was working on, and soon realised he could turn his hand to most things. He showed us an early primrose yellow E-type roadster which was a full race car used throughout the European circuits. This was in for a full rewire and dash modifications.
Chris's D type which we all had seen on many occasions stood menacingly in the corner. His highly modified Series 1 FHC 4.2 E-type, claimed to be one of the fastest around, lay alongside looking as if it had just come out of the factory floor.
Chris and Robert had just completed another C Type. It stood beside the Series 1 painted in British Racing Green with green suede interior. A full chassis up new build - stunning.
Robert proudly started it up from cold. It sounded sharp and responsive with the triple webers sucking in the still afternoon air. There was nothing standard about any of the engines on show here, each one tuned to an inch of its life.
Chris answered a barrage of questions from many of us and described the various ways of improving the performance of the XK engine. He was truly a mine of information.
Madeline and himself then joined us for dinner at the 5 star Culloden Hotel where Norman had organised a private room overlooking Belfast Lough. The dinner was up to the usual high standard and was finished off with some festive shortbread. A glass was raised to Alistair our late Treasurer who had passed away suddenly this year.
The room was filled with festive cheer, everyone looking forward to our fun filled calendar of events for 2023.
Well done to Norman and Yvonne for a very enjoyable afternoon.
