Hello from Earby in Lancashire (or is it Yorkshire)

[HilaryD]

Hi I recently joined the XK8 forum but this is my first post.

I have been a JEC member for over 3 years and have a Emerald Green 2001 XK8 Coupe and an Ebony 2003 X Type.

They both have been very reliable so far but, I have recently had to replace the water pump and thermostat on the XK when the top hose was blown off!! Luckily it must have happened literally as I arrived home so thankfully no damage done.

The main reason for posting today is to find out about other members going to Germany at the beginning of July. This will our first JEC trip and I am getting quite excited about it.

Anyone else going and will you also be at Newby Hall the weekend before?

Any tips re the trip also greatfully received.

Cheers,

Hilary

PS
Though my place of work might possibly have an identity crisis, I am actually a Lancashire Lass ( a bit of poetic license there over the lass bit) happily living on the wrong side of the Pennines in Leeds.

[GrandTourer]

Hi HilaryD,
welcome to the club and to the Forum.
I too have an XK8, MY2000 and, possibly, the earliest registered X-type, 2.5ltr of any of the club members (May 2001).
Both cars have performed fantastically well in the combined ownership of 15 years.
I won't be on the Germany (Trier) trip unfortunately, although, have visited this city quite a few times, wonderful historic place. I tend to pass Trier annually on our trips over to Bavaria and the Alps.
I do know of at least one JEC-member (with a VERY fast XKR) who is going on the Trier trip (forum name: NormanD).
Myself, I will be visiting the Classic Car Le Mans event on the 12/13 July.

Enjoy your two 'motors' and your first trip with the club

[HilaryD]

Hi Karl,

Thanks for your welcome.

I was wondering which of your cars gets to go abroad the most?

I have only taken the XK abroad once, to Norway last year. A lovely trip to see relatives and the fantastic scenery, but a bit frustrating with regard to Norwegian speed limits. By the end I got excited when ever I saw an 80kph sign. The car performed perfectly and got quite a bit of attention.

My first Jag was an emerald green X type 3L SE Feb 02. I loved it but ended up succombing to the lure of the XK two years later. I do also enjoy the X Type I have bought since. It is a manual 3L Sports Indianapolis and it great fun to drive with its reasonable power and AWD. An ideal car for my commute to work 28 miles each way. I'm not looking forward to the RFL bills next year though!!

[GrandTourer]

Well, the X-Type had all the Continental travel over the first 3 or so years, but since I added the XK8 in early 2004, that one has done the job mostly. For me it is the perfect 'Grand Tourer' and the smile never seems to leave your face .
My wife does prefer to go in the X-type, she finds the seats more comfy, but I suspect its the boot size which is the real bonus for her

I should also say, that the X-type's 4-wheel drive system has performed extremely well on alpine winter roads.

[mike020150]

Hi Hilary,
I'll be at Newby Hall, either manning a Forum gazebo or nearby. Do come and find me for a chat about the Trier trip. Continental Car Tours will be releasing their information packs in the next few days. I'll be happy to fill in any remaining details. Mike.

[HilaryD]

Thanks Mike,

I will come and find you.


Let's hope the weather both beforehand and during is kinder this year than it was at Harewood last year.

Cheers,

Hilary

[joejag308]

Hilary.........hi sorry for the late post but things are a happening here.
Re your enquiry for Newby Hall .........this forum will be there in all our glory..........myself and Dave .........stood to attention ready for the 308 hordes to come calling............there is no charge for our autographs either........Joe

[mike020150]

In case you're puzzled, Joe from the XJ 308 Forum accidentally posted the previous note. He assures me he wasn't out to pinch XK8 members! Mike.