I'm new - hello!

[Lisa]

Hello everyone.

I'm a new and very proud owner of a 2002 4.0 litre XK8. Midnight black with ivory leather interior.

I bought it last December, when I shocked everyone I knew by trading in my 1.0 litre purple Corsa for this beautiful beast. I must be one of the few people in the world to have benefited from the world economic crisis, there's no way someone like me should ordinarily be able to afford this fabulous car.

Affectionately known as "Tiddles" (in the "big cat" ironic sense, not a cuddly one...), the XK8 makes me smile even just looking at it. And I find myself grinning like an idiot even on the drive to work (I am sure the men in white coats will be coming to get me sometime soon).

My shocked friends have been very patient with me up till now, as I burble on at length about the joys of my new jaguar. But the time has come to meet up with some other XK8/R owners or else "normal" people are going to start avoiding me at parties.
So here I am!

I would like to take it on a rally and considering the London-Brighton run in April. Have any of you been on such a rally? And did you enjoy it? I think I may some special insurance, ESure state not covered for rallies or track days. Any sugguestions?

Thanks!
Lisa

[mike020150]

Hi Lisa,
Welcome to the online Forum. You are not alone in smiling affectionately at your big cat! They have that effect on people. The London to Brighton run would be a good place to meet fellow enthusiasts. You will not require any special insurance because it's not a timed event. There's no element of competition involving the cars. Track days are something else. You would need to consult your insurance company unless you have very deep pockets. Why not join your local regional group? The chances are that they will have meetings and local runs. There are also the major Jaguar Enthusiast days like Northern and Southern days as well as Thoresby Hall to attend this year. Last and by no means least, there will be the Lancashire hot pot run exclusively for XK8s which will take place on Sunday 21st June. We'll look forward to seeing you on at least one of these events. Enjoy your cat! Mike.

[Lisa]

Thanks Mike for the helpful (and very quick!) reply.
Good news about the insurance.

I would definitely like to come on the XK8 run on the 21st June, please could you point me in the right direction for some more info the event?Lancashire not very far away (and has some fantastic roads!).

My local region is Cheshire, I see they meet at the Antrobus Arms. Is it usual to just turn up to such a meeting, or is it best to contact the organiser beforehand?

Thank you,
Lisa

[GrandTourer]

Hi Lisa and welcome to the this forum
You are definitely not alone in the 'smiling' department, there are plenty of us. I am sure you have already the terrible urge to turn around to look back after having the car parked - careful, you could get a 'crick' neck.
As Mike said, there are a number of events coming up as we are moving into Spring and the rest of the year.
I did go onto the London-Brighton run some years back and it is a good day out and lots of Jaguars to ogle. It is very much a fun run and not a competitive race, although, there are a few small prices available.

Continue to enjoy your cat

[Lisa]

Yes, I am forever turning back to look at the car after having parked it.
And of course it has to be parked in a deserted corner of the car park well away from anyone who might carelessly fling open their door. I wheel my trolley miles across supermarket car parks.

I am ashamed to say I got caught by a colleague as I was taking a photo of XK8 in the office car park (camera on phone, so not premeditated). It was 7.30am and I couldn't resist the beautiful winter sunrise glinting off it's curves!

We are now booked onto the London-Brighton Run and thanks to the very efifcient Sandra (email turned round in less than 30 mins!), have our mitts on the application form for the Manchester-Blackpool Swallow run.
Hot Pot Run is in the diary and have found the thread for that under the "general" forum.

Does anyone have any favourite driving routes in Scotland they can recommend? I am planning a 3 day tour in March. Possibly to Aberdeenshire or Stirling (have an Alistair Sawdays Tropicana B&B voucher to use up). I have been on the A7 in the Borders , that was great fun, but now looking to go exploring further north. I like dramatic mountain scenary and sweeping A-roads.

Thanks!
Lisa

[mike020150]

Hi Lisa,
Glad to learn from John Brennand that you've made contact. If you're looking for good roads in Scotland you'll be spoilt for choice. From the A74 try aiming for Loch Lomond and depending upon how much driving you plan to do in the time available, either head past Crianlarich towards Perth or for a fuller more dramatic experience carry on up the A82 through Glen Coe. It's a wonderful part of the world for mountain scenery. Mike.