A Spectacular Journey through the Norwegian Fjords with Classic Jaguars
Classic Travelling offers motoring holidays and driving tours for classic, vintage and sports cars of all ages. Their meticulously curated tours run throughout the year and are a great way to get out and enjoy your classic. Sarah, the founder, is a dyed-in-the-wood Jaguar enthusiast often leading the tours in her 1965 E-Type. Over the past 15 years, she has visited 22 counties in her wonderful E-Type.
Sarah has kindly shared some words and photos of their 2023 Norwegian Fjords tour below. Classic Travelling have some fantastic tours lined up for next year including Champagne, Carngorms & Loch Lomond, Switzerland and Cotswolds. Head over to their website to see the full list of 2024 events, details and to sign up. Click here to view the Classic Travelling Website.
Introduction
In June 2023, Classic Travelling orchestrated an unforgettable tour to the Norwegian Fjords, bringing together a diverse fleet of 18 cars, ranging from a vintage 1923 Bentley to a cutting-edge Ferrari F8 Tributo. Among these, three Jaguar XKs and an E-type stole the spotlight, showcasing the enduring charm of classic cars. This adventure unfolded as a testament to the remarkable capabilities of these iconic automobiles and the camaraderie they fostered among like-minded enthusiasts.
The Expedition Begins
Our journey commenced in Harwich, where enthusiasts gathered for an overnight ferry to the Hook of Holland. From there, we embarked on a 225-mile traverse across the Netherlands and Germany, pushing the cars through a test of long-legged motorway motoring in scorching weather. Despite the challenges, the cars outshone the heat, outperforming the expectations of even the most seasoned drivers.
Overcoming Challenges
A minor setback occurred near the port when one XK experienced a fuel pump failure. Quick action from our tour mechanic ensured the car limped onto the ferry, with repairs promptly carried out upon arrival in Norway. This incident, while a hiccup, underscored the resilience of both the cars and the dedicated team supporting the tour.
Scenic Splendour
As we journeyed through Norway, encountering mountain passes amid a spectrum of weather—mainly hot sun, a little rain, fog patches, and snow at the road sides —the majesty of the landscape unfolded. The smooth, well-marked roads, virtually devoid of traffic, provided a canvas for an unparalleled driving experience. The beauty of the Norwegian Fjords, coupled with outstanding weather, resulted in an unprecedented number of photographs, marking this tour as a visual feast.
Luxurious Retreats
Our accommodations ranged from historic Gothic hotels to charming log cabins, fjord-edge gems, and mountain retreats, each exuding luxury and character. These havens served as the perfect backdrop for the daily love affair between drivers and their cherished classic cars.
Unforgettable Driving Moments
For even the most seasoned driver, the journey from Dalen to Bergen stood out as an epitome of driving perfection. Surrounded by snow, navigating quiet old mountain roads (many now replaced by modern tunnels for other traffic), it was a day etched in memory. Iconic routes like the Atlantic Highway and the Trollstigen mountain pass further added to the thrill, showcasing the prowess of the Jaguars.
Reliability and Resilience
The Jaguars, particularly the newly rebuilt XK140, proved their mettle, effortlessly conquering every terrain. With only a minor hiccup involving a headlight bulb replacement, promptly resolved with the help of a friendly mechanic in Alesund, these classic cars demonstrated reliability comparable to their modern counterparts.
Conclusion
Sixteen days immersed in the beauty of Norway, navigating its winding roads in classic Jaguars, epitomized the sheer joy and capability of these magnificent automobiles. Beyond being vehicles, these cars serve as passports to extraordinary experiences, fostering camaraderie among enthusiasts. The Norwegian Fjords tour reinforced the notion that the best part of owning a special car is not just preserving history but actively using it to explore the world and forge unforgettable connections.
