"Wasn't it a lovely day, the day we went to Bangor"

Aptly applies to our recent trip to Ross - The post vintage Car Club picked a fantastic day for their second picnic, with 550+ cars lined up for Public Display in what can only be described as perfection personified. The weather was perfect - the setting was fabulous - the organisation was top class. The PVCC are to be congratulated for a wonderful event. There were cars and bikes to suit all tastes from AC Cobras to Zephyr Zodiacs with most car clubs around Tasmania represented, it was fantastic to see over 25 Jaguars on display. (With 17 in the paddock area)

Some of the vehicles that caught my eye were the drop head XK 140 of Rod Swan from Deloraine. The lovely Mk V just acquired by Andrew & Marilyn Irving looked mighty good. There was a very nice X-Type sedan, which belonged to a very keen Manchester United supporter. (And new member). I will call him "Joe", and already the car was fitted with Jaguar cushions, and Joe's enthusiasm for life makes him an ideal Jaguar owner. A beautiful late model X V8 sedan with NSW number plates also caught my eye. It belonged to Posie Graeme-Evans and her husband Andrew Blaxland who had travelled up from Cygnet to attend the event.

The late Dave Caro's E-Type was also on display. His son is now looking after it, and he appeared keen to join us as a member. Interesting to note the car has now been re sprayed Golden Sand, which is its original colour. For those who have been around the club for a while you will remember that Dave Caro bought the car as a wreck back in the mid seventies and rebuilt it and painted it BRG.

Roger Richardson from Devonport enjoyed the day and commented that the club had come a long way since 1973 when he, along with David Dungey and Chris Riches formed the club. Roger has more cars than he has fingers and toes and is a very keen collector and Targa competitor. Another keen collector is Ian Cummins (Ex Sydney) who now lives in Ross and is in the process of shipping over from NSW some of his Jaguar treasures. 'Is an XK 120, C or D Type coming over?'...

Ron Leach was there with one of his cars; it is not hard to see why he won Concours Gold on the Gold Coast recently. The willow green Series 1, 4.2 E-Type Coupe with the bonnet up drew a crowd. It appears the owner reckoned that this would distract the 1500 odd spectators from looking at the bodywork that needs some love and tender care. The oversize wire wheels looked very nice and took all day to clean using a toothbrush.
(Now I wonder who owns this car Tony - Editor)

After spending a couple of hours ogling, I picked out the Ferrari Dino GT 246 as my favourite. This car belongs to club members Chris and Geraldine Edwards of Old Beach. Chris, the MD of Moonraker, makers of Antenna and Lightning Equipment around the world, appears that he is also in the business of collecting exotic cars. His stable is now full of fine cars. All are in concours condition and his new 1961 E-Type Coupe is just magnificent.

The current JCCT Committee were there in "force" ! (No pun intended Rod) and enjoyed the day. Rod, Des, Dale, Jenni, Andrew, Marilyn, Geoff and Tony were there, flying the flag. I'm sure they were pleased that so many clubs members from North and South attended. Travelling in convoy to attend club functions is something special. The bonds of friendship are really extended to all club members on these occasions.

The picnic at Ross was a very special Tasmanian motoring event. It was vintage motoring of the highest order. If you missed it, come with us on Sunday 15th May 2011 and see for yourself. Be early though the space is limited to 570 cars.

Tony Prins, JCCT