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Jaguar Enthusiasts Club National Northern Day

13^th July 2003

The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club National Northern Day was held at Harewood House, near Harrogate on Sunday 13th July. In addition to the keenly contested Autoglym event a more leisurely but equally well-supported Pride of Ownership competition kept the large crowds entertained.

The House was completed in 1772, and was the home of Princess Mary the Princess Royal from 1930 to 1965. Visitors are able to tour the grounds, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, and learn about many endangered species of birds from around the world.

Against this impressive backdrop a sea of Jaguars glinted in the ever-present sunshine.

The Northern National winners included three Jaguars but the Car of the show and Master class winners were from the stable of the Prancing Horse rather than the Big Cat. The JEC were to be congratulated for their excellent organisation of the event with numerous trade stands and a thriving auto jumble section proving popular with like-minded enthusiasts. Local clubs were well represented and a number of cars adorning ‘For Sale’ signs attracted both serious and curious alike.

The event had the added bonus of not one but two opportunities for Jaguar ownership for the price of a raffle ticket. The JEC 2003 prize draw for the Michael Owen inspired X Type continues with the final draw taking place in November and a very presentable XJ6 was driven away on the day by one very fortunate recipient The keys to the winner were presented by Bob Wilson, former Arsenal and Scotland International Goalkeeper. Bob spoke of his work with the Willow Foundation and their aim, through their Special days, to enhance the quality of the lives of seriously ill young adults. Bobs daughter Anna died of cancer in 1998 aged 31, since when he and his wife Megs have spearheaded the work of the Charity. Tickets for the X-Type raffle can be purchased from the JEC website.

Bob Wilson drawing the raffle

As ever a walk around the Jaguar only parking area revealed a wide selection of the marquee on view. A few oddballs surfaced including a convertible XJ6 who will have had a very pleasant drive home in the warm evening sunshine.

The results of the northern, and final, round of the 2003 Autoglym Classic Concours were:

• Car of the Show: Jim Robinson (1987 Ferrari 328 GTB)
  
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• Cars manufactured to 1955: Jonathan Scott-Nelson (1955 Austin Healey 100M)
  
  
• Closed cars 1956-72: Andy Chaddock (1965 Jaguar Mk 2)
  
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• Closed cars 1973-90: Jim Robinson
  
  
• Open cars 1973-90: John Birchall (1974 Jaguar E-Type)
  
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• Cars 1991-2002: Jackie and Tony Ridge (1991 Jaguar XJS V12 convertible)
  
  
• Club Class: Phil Ward (1991 Ford Escort XR3i - XR Owners Club)
  
  
• Masterclass: David Rochford (1973 Ferrari 246 GTS)
  
  

(Concours photographs courtesy of Peter Hoare - Autoglym.)

The day was concluded with the presentation of awards to the hard working competitors before we departed to homes throughout the length and breadth of Britain.

The venue is host to the Rolls Royce rally on 10th August and Alvis with Aston Martin Owners club on 14th September should you be fortunate enough to be in this beautiful part of Yorkshire.

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