View Full Version : What I got up to today...
JamesMio
08-09-11, 08:49 PM
Today there was a wee corporate jolly going on in the sunny countryside of East Lothian, near the outskirts of Edinburgh. It was laid on for a load of Dutch dudes from Sharp - sort of a big team building theme.
As part of their jolly, they each got a go in a classic / vintage car - as supplied by this nice chap - http://www.classic-vintage-car-rental.com/
And... as part of the job, I managed to land the gig of helping to drive some of the cars the 90ish miles each way from Dumfries to East Lothian.
It's a very, very hard life - but sometimes, you just have to step up and get on with it.
So - my first ride from Dumfries to Edinburgh was a very nice Triumph Stag. Cheeky little V8, soft-top... all good!
http://www.liftruck.co.uk/images/oldcars/stag-offside-front.jpg
After that, I got the task of pretending to be Inspector Morse for a nice little run from Edinburgh to Moffat (via the Beeftub, naturally)...
Jaguar Mk II...
http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/1961_Jaguar_Mk2_Rally_Car_front.JPG
Before finally... after a quick stop off, drink and chat in Moffat... I got handed the keys to one of these monsters...
It's only a feckin E-Type Jag!!!
http://www.sunsetclassics.com/1970-jaguar-xke2/images/70-jaguar-xke.jpg
That is by far, the most exciting 30 miles I've ever had on 4 wheels. What a machine that is - noise, power, handling - just fabulous.
Also by far and the away the most expensive/valuable thing I've ever been in charge of that's not made of bricks, so I'm sat here feeling rather both priviledged and smug as a result.
Oh, and did I mention I got paid for this....? :D
andrewsmith
08-09-11, 08:51 PM
you Jammy f***ing barsteward!
DarrenSV650S
08-09-11, 08:53 PM
you Jammy f***ing barsteward!
+1 :p
andrewsmith
08-09-11, 08:57 PM
The only thing that makes it easier to manage the E-type would have overheated and a triumph will have needed a 2nd gear push start
JamesMio
08-09-11, 08:59 PM
Both behaved impeccably I'm afraid!
As did the very, very pretty little Alfa Romeo that was with us too! Amazed that made it there and back with no dramas... Sure don't make THEM like they used to, clearly.
andrewsmith
08-09-11, 09:05 PM
[insert multitude of expletives here]
After that, I got the task of pretending to be Inspector Morse for a nice little run from Edinburgh to Moffat (via the Beeftub, naturally)...
Jaguar Mk II...
The sharp eyed amongst us spotted that the body and some of the interior of Morse's Jaguar were actually those of a Daimler 2 1/2 litre V8 ;-) It appears that the film company had a 'Jaguar' hurridly lashed together for filming by an outside company who used what they had to hand, hence the vinyl roof it had fitted. None of them left the factory with a vinyl roof and anyone restoring one would scrap it straight away and repair whatever damage it was hiding.
My Uncle Den had a 1968 Daimler 250 V8 (later styled model) that I used to borrow when I was taking my ex out somewhere special. At the time I had a 1970 Lotus Europa JPS but that was a little bit too cramped for her when she was wearing nice clothes.
Before finally... after a quick stop off, drink and chat in Moffat... I got handed the keys to one of these monsters...
It's only a feckin E-Type Jag!!!
That's my all time favourite car, and would be one of my first purchases if my numbers come up.
My preference would be for a Series 1 4.2 FHC manual from 1964 to 66, I'm not fussed about colour as long as it's not white with red interior - what series and engine did yours have?
Sounds like you had a great day playing with some lovely motors, lucky sod.
JamesMio
08-09-11, 10:06 PM
Not that hot on my Jag history as I should be (had no idea I would be let loose in one!), but it was a 3.8 I drove... Gorgeous noise and just wanted to be pushed on. Great fun, I'd highly recommend one, the odd £40k being no object of course!
DarrenSV650S
08-09-11, 10:12 PM
Great fun, I'd highly recommend one
That just reminded me of this ferris bueller quote :p
It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.
and of course this scene. Was this your face today James? :lol:
_S7AyiVfNdA
Not that hot on my Jag history as I should be (had no idea I would be let loose in one!), but it was a 3.8 I drove... Gorgeous noise and just wanted to be pushed on. Great fun, I'd highly recommend one, the odd £40k being no object of course!
I followed the link - a 1962 (year I was born) 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe in Opalescent Silver Blue, a lovely colour that suits the styling. How did you get on with the Moss gearbox and the lack of synchromesh on 1st gear? Last time I drove a 3.8 E-Type I mashed my knuckles on the dashboard selecting 1st gear cos I held the gearstick wrong. They changed the box for the 4.2s, and the seats as well cos the buckets were a touch uncomfortable after a while.
Btw, I used to do alot of work on E-types and Mk2s
JamesMio
09-09-11, 08:52 AM
Gearbox was, agricultural at best - 1st/reverse were within about 2mm of each other so that made for a fairly exciting set off.
Luckily I'd just driven the Mk II, which had a similar but even worse box so I was well prepped for the E-type. After previously looking at these cars with a sort of, "yeah they're pretty cool - in an old, odd, quirky classic kinda way" I am now fully sold on the idea and think they're just awesome!
used to have to wash an e-type once a month and other silly cars every weekend. yes i got to go have a play in them :-)
The Idle Biker
09-09-11, 04:30 PM
and this was a team building event? I want to be your team.
JamesMio
09-09-11, 06:52 PM
and this was a team building event? I want to be your team.
Best bit was - it was nothing to do with me!
I was just jammy enough to be in the right place, at the right time to be asked to help transport them all!
The actual team building gig was for a load of Dutch photocopier salesmen!
Gearbox was, agricultural at best - 1st/reverse were within about 2mm of each other so that made for a fairly exciting set off.
Luckily I'd just driven the Mk II, which had a similar but even worse box so I was well prepped for the E-type. After previously looking at these cars with a sort of, "yeah they're pretty cool - in an old, odd, quirky classic kinda way" I am now fully sold on the idea and think they're just awesome!
Haha, ain't they just. There's something quite emotional about driving a proper classic car.
The Mk2 and E-type 3.8s both had the same Moss gearbox, but just different ratios, it was reknowned for being 'agricultural' as you said. You should try a later Series 1 4.2 with the Jaguar designed box, they are much nicer to drive. They spoilt the looks when they moved the lights on the Series 2 and the 2+2s and Series 3 V12s are just minging.
Biker Biggles
09-09-11, 09:24 PM
Only a handful of the Daimler 250s were manuals,maybe they were aimed at a less agricultural customer.:D
E type------Probably the best looking car ever built.Why did they stop making it?Ah yes------So they could sell its replacement,the XJS.Great management decision making we had Eh?
Triumph did the same with the TR6------Bin that and replace it with the TR7:rolleyes:
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