A Day in New Orleans

It wouldn't be March without a trip to New Orleans to attend the British Car Day there sponsored by the British Motoring Club New Orleans. This year was a little different in that I was chauffeured by Mike Darby in his highly original Jaguar 240 saloon. This sub- 50k mile car is beautifully patinated with its original paint, upholstery and wood intact. Even though it was Jaguar's entry level model at the time, it is well appointed, quiet and fast.

Mike met me at 6:00AM for departure to the club caravan meeting point in Tillman's Corner. After stowing my gear for the day in the spacious back seat, we were off. I was struck by how strong the power delivery was - downshifting is definitely an option in a car with Jaguar's famous XK engine.

The South Alabama British Car Club caravan left almost on time and we set a quick pace with Richard Cunningham leading the way in his V-12 Jaguar XJ-S. Our caravan group included Sam & Sandy Walter (MGB), Jack & Linda Ross (Jaguar E-Type) and chase car drivers Don Pritchett, Mike King and Ron Wolverton & Becky Kramer. We would be met in New Orleans by SABCC'ers Stewart Waddington (MGB), Tom and Jeannie Schmitz (MG-TF), Noel Eagleson (MGB) and Bill & Melissa Silhan (Morgan +4).

Our only stop along the way was at the western Mississippi facility near Bay St Louis. A quick fluids change (restroom visit/more coffee) and we were off to the Big E. Traffic was tolerable up to the Irish Bayou area where road construction had closed the west bound three lanes down to one. Thankfully, no one overheated, but we managed to lose our chase vehicles somehow. We rolled onto the show field around 9:15 and were treated to a very diverse group that eventually numbered over 130 cars.

I helped Mike clear out the Jaguar's spacious boot of tools, fluids and the like and he set to getting the car ready to be admired. I wandered the field and shot a few snaps. Our chase team finally found the show site, having been led from the French Quarter by a member of the Crescent City's finest. Thanks, NOPD!

As expected by now, BMCNO put on a well planned and run event. They even got some gorgeous weather for the day: mid 70's, scattered clouds and LOW humidity. The day flashed by and the awards were presented right on time. SABCC did well with trophies being presented to Mike Darby, Stewart Waddington, Jack Ross, Bill Silhan and Tom Schmitz.

A quick farewell to friends and it was time to find a gas station to fill the thirsty XJ-S's fuel tank. After wandering the back streets of the Delgado area, we found one and, a fast fill up later, we were headed east on I10. Mike had no problem keeping pace with the notoriously aggressive New Orleans traffic. Since I was riding shotgun (in the left hand seat) I returned a number of friendly waves from other drivers as they passed the classic Jag.

As traffic subsided on the way home, the pace picked up with our caravan of Mike's 240 and Richard's XJ-S. A quick look in the mirror spotted Tom and Jeannie in their tow car. Our group stayed together until the Gautier, Mississippi rest stop where we stretched our legs, planned a dinner stop and fought no-see-ums who seemed to be really glad we stopped. Richard was pleased with the performance of his XJ-S after having rebuilt the ignition system, installed a freer-flowing exhaust system and had the fuel injection rail rebuilt. He invited me to drive to the planned dinner stop in Tillman's Corner while he took the left seat in the 240.

Yep, I'm really starting to love Jaguars. The V12 pulled like a locomotive and the new exhaust sounds sweet without crossing the line into hooliganism (unlike my MGB). The fast pace got us to Dick Russell's BBQ in plenty of time for dinner and conversation.

We parted company with Richard going on his way and Mike returning me to my house. I was thrilled when Mike invited me to drive his 240 and, after a quick rundown of the car's quirks, I was off. I'm used to right hand drive vehicles in our right-driving traffic, but the big car took a little extra attention to make sure the bulk of the car stayed safely in my assigned lane.

To my eternal shame, I crunched a 1-2 shift not five minutes into the drive. Mike was understanding and kind enough not to throw me out! The trip to my house took way too little time - I was head over heels in love with the 240. Since most of my classic British driving takes place in 998 cc Mini, the Jaguar was a revelation in torque and smoothness.

All in all, it was a fine day for classic British cars and friendship. I hope everyone will mark their calendars for the next show - PBCA's Brits on the Bay April 18th. See you there!

Jaguar Ties for #1 in JD Power Reliability Study

That's right - ditch those jokes about British quality. This Associated Press article details the results of a study that looks at dependability as 'things gone wrong' in the first year of ownership. Jaguar dethroned Lexus from the top spot. So who tied Jaguar for number one? Buick. Discuss.

Big Easy Bound

This Saturday SABCC will be attending British Car Day in New Orleans. We will be leaving in a caravan from the Hooter's parking lot in Tillman's Corner at 6:30 in the blessed AM. We always have a good time in New Orleans and the hospitality is great! Check out the British Motoring Club New Orleans web site for more details. See you there!

Lotus Gathering in Birmingham

The two of you that follow this humble blog may remember my posting about a road trip taken last summer with friend and fellow car enthusiast Richard Cunningham. In that post I mentioned the fantastic Barber Motor Museum outside Birmingham loaded to the rafters with motorcycles and Lotuses. It seems that the museum is the site for a national gathering of Lotus owners and enthusiasts.

Lotus Limited is the national club organizing the event and they claim that they are the largest Lotus club in the America. The host clubs for the event are the Alabama Lotus Car Club of Birmingham and Lotus Limited Southeast Atlanta. From the web site, it looks like it's going to be a BIG event. Lotus North America is even using the event to introduce the brand new Lotus Evora.

The Evora is a four seat mid-engine car that should be available for sale in the US sometime next year.

Moss Motors on YouTube

Our friends at Moss Motors now have their own YouTube channel. As of now, Moss has over 60 short videos up covering everything from installing an MGB windshield to reading a wiring diagram.

Moss has been a valued supporter of SABCC's British Car Festival over the years and I, for one, have been a regular customer. Check the videos out here.

Friday Rant

This is a WIRE WHEEL.

It is not a 'spoke' or 'spoked' wheel. Anyone who uses terms like that is either a newbie or just wants get under my skin.

End of rant.

Women Fainted - Strong Men Wept

Oh. My. God.

Aston Martin has unveiled its Lagonda concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show and its, ah, ugly. The concept is a crossover-SUV thingy with what has to be the world's largest cheese grater for grille.

The last car to carry the Lagonda nameplate was a low, swoopy wedge shaped affair designed by William Towns. This four door luxury car had a Star Trek dashboard complete with flickering digital instruments and disembodied voices. Here's hoping that this concept car remains a one-off.

Frazer Nash Revival?

The Italian design house Guigiaro has unveiled an attempt at a Frazer Nash revival at the Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed the Namir, the car is a gasoline-electric hybrid with a rotary engine and two electric motors producing a total of 370 HP.

The show car is finished in an eye-watering orange over the carbon fiber unit body. I put the chances of this thing seeing production at zero. But it is entertaining...