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Canberra Classic Coupes Weekend 2002 |
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Fantastic
sight.....no matter which way you looked at them |
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Saturday - Day 1
From across the states of New South Wales and Victoria, six XJC's and a sprinkling of XJ40's, XJ12's and XJS' s and other Jaguar models, travelled the highways and byways as they converged on the nations capital, Canberra. Most arrived around lunchtime and took advantage of the many restaurants that this city has to offer. The city was basking in glorious sunshine and lots of visitors, as there was a major fireworks display organised for that very evening. Ros and Phil Evans and myself took advantage of the sunshine by sitting in the shade outside the Wig & Pen Tavern. A couple of cleansing pale ales were the order of the day ! At
around 2:00pm the car park of the Rex Hotel was suddenly looking like
the car park at Browns Lane ! After some quick inspections and
introductions, it was time to check into the hotel for our weekends
stay.
After smoothing the creases out of the XJC shirt, and a shower, shave and shampoo, it was time to head on down to Millies Bar and meet the Jaguar crowd for some welcome drinks. The sign at the bar said " Jaguar XJC - this way " so it must have been the right bar ! Like animals into the Ark, the guests arrived two X two. The bartender, who was also doubling as food waiter and wine steward, was kept on his toes as the numbers rose to 24 guests. The last two were Tilly and Brian Durack from the Jaguar Drivers Club of Canberra. What a social bunch these club people are, with club members from three states around Australia in attendance. See the bottom of the page for a full list of attendees. As the Wigg & Pen had closed the kitchen for the weekend, we finished our drinks and walked for five minutes down the road and into Scuzi's Italian Trattoria. The XJC food spies - Ros & Phil Evans, had dined here the night before and gave it rave reviews. The reviews were spot on, as the food and service were terrific. The owner had a great sense of humour and nothing was too much trouble for him.
Three photos of our night out at Scuzi's Trattoria It was during dinner at Scuzi's that Warwick Clifton showed off his new party trick to the appreciative crowd. The trick did involve live animals but an injunction from the RSPCA forbids me from disclosing details 8>) What a pity we did not get photographs...it could have meant blackmail money for years to come ! Whilst Warwick was busy tucking into his meal, Beth Clifton was left twiddling her thumbs as her meal was the last to depart from the kitchen. All supper guests reported that the food was delicious. With the food out of the way we partook of coffee before taking the short stroll back to the hotel. I then had a long stroll back to my room 8>) Sunday - Day 2 I
must have been mad because I had set the alarm for 06:30am ! I
slumbered downstairs and gave chassis 2J2291 a quick detail, washing off
the deposits from the 300 kilometre drive from Sydney with my Meguiars
Quick Detailer - Mist and Wipe. Don Lewis from Melbourne was using
the same product on his XJC, when I spotted Wayne Guile detailing his XJ40
- no Meguiars for Wayne, he just threw a bucket of water over the car and
walked back into the hotel !!! strange folk these XJ40 owners
8>) Detailing over, it was shower and change and into the
coffee-shop for breakfast. What a breakfast it was too ! there
was something for everyone, hot and cold items, pastries, croissants,
Danish, cereals and juices a plenty. Bacon, sausages, eggs and hash
browns seemed to be the most popular choice for the guys.
After breakfast it was time to check-out of the Rex Hotel and assemble out front at 09.20am. It was planned to have a group picture but some people went missing at this stage ! Missing in action were:- Helen and Alex Stanley, Jeff and Marjorie Garland
We gathered in convoy formation ready for the off, when disaster struck Ralph and Lorraine Ballard. The battery in their XJC refused to start. They had journeyed all the way from Victoria without incident, and then this. Frantic phone calls and a battery from the NRMA had them arriving later at the display. Soon we were on our way for the convoy through the main streets of Canberra. Six XJC's led the way down Northbourne Avenue as we headed towards the new Parliament House. At Parkes we turned off into King Edwards Terrace and up to the display area adjacent to the National Rose Garden. Here we joined our hosts for the day, the Canberra Jaguar club for their display and concours.
Low Sling Shots of Six Hot Shots
The committee and members of the JDCC made us all feel most welcome. Special thanks to Geraldine, Tilly and Brian Durack, Alan Green and Jon Flaherty, your hospitality was enjoyed by all. On view were about 80 - 100 Jaguars of all types and description. from racing Mark II's to the very latest X-type. The XJC's were all lined up on the second row of the grid, tucked in behind all the latest Jaguar models from the showrooms of Capital Prestige Motors. We could not have asked for a better setting, clear blue skies, lots of sunshine, trees, lots of great cars and great company.
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Many
thanks to all of the above who supported this inaugural XJC event
Tony Williams
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