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!