Flitting between town and country
ONE SATURDAY this summer, I released the Jaguar from its lair at the top of the road. It started perfectly, as usual, after a few weeks of inaction, but I noticed a faint smell of petrol. Examining the SU carbs, it seemed the rear one was weeping fuel from the brass retaining nut on the bottom of the float chamber. I just managed to get a 16mm spanner onto it and nip it up and so far it remains dry.
Heading out of London, our destination was the Daylesford farm shop in Gloucestershire to enjoy George Bamford’s Tyre Kicker Club summer gathering. Dozens of exciting cars arrived at the smart shop, where we started with delicious bacon butties before some brisk driving. I met up with Octane contributor Harry Metcalfe in his very red Countach, whilst his son Charlie was there in dad’s useful-looking Jaguar XJC (top): a 5.3-litre V12 with rare manual gearbox. With a freeflow exhaust and properly set-up suspension, the lairy Jag sounds as good as it goes.
Only one car was noisier on the day and that was Philip Kadoorie’s shatteringly loud Lancia Stratos (above centre), which had recently survived being punted through a hedge on a special stage. That’s why God invented gaffer tape!
After breakfast, the classics set off for Bicester Heritage some 30 miles away via the back lanes, and there BH’s managing director Dan Geoghegan had provided a delicious lunch in the rooftop restaurant (pictured above). Best car of the day had to be the ex-Lord Ropner semi-Lightweight E-type Jaguar (above left), finished in subtle battleship grey with Dunlop racing wheels and black hardtop.
The following day, I trundled the XK across town to the Belgravia Classic Cars Show in Belgrave Square. Organised by Michael ‘Scottie’ Scott of the 96 Club, the show is now in its third year and is very enjoyable – lots of cars to see and a very friendly crowd in the Square, which is usually closed to the public. Gentleman farmer Hugh James brought along his Bizzarrini, and our favourite RollsRoyce Silver Ghost, ‘Taj Mahal’, owned and driven by Katie Forrest, also made an appearance.