XK70 Festival. What a show!
For those not in the know this year marks 70 years since the launch of the Jaguar XK120 in 1948 at the Earls Court Motor Show. There is much to be said on that subject but I shall limit myself on this occasion to saying that the XK120 significantly changed Jaguars fortunes and the XK engine went on the power some fabulous cars. To celebrate both the XK120 and the wonderful XK engine the XK Club put on the XK70 Festival at Shelsley Walsh and what a show it was. The XK Club managed to create a relaxed "garden party" fell mixed with high octane motorsport on the hill. It put me in mind of the early days of the Goodwood Revival. (Scroll down for photo gallery)
It was my first visit to the historic Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb near Worcester and I was simply not prepared for what a fabulous place it is. The hill climb itself is steeped in motorsport history having opened in 1905 and is one of the world's oldest motorsport locations. It is also a tremendously beautiful location, nestled in a stunning valley dotted with chocolate box cottages, country houses and stunning woodland. Pictures just don't do this place justice; nor do they do justice to quite how steep the hill climb is. This truly was a fabulous location to celebrate the XKs birthday.
On arrival for set up on the Friday Ian discovered that a former Twyford Moors customer, Robin Webb, is now operations manager at Shelsly Walsh and was kind enough to run us up the hill on set up day and talk us through the course. Thank you very much for the preview Robin. Aside from going up and down the hill climb we did have some actual work to do in the form of setting up our stand in the frankly amazing shopping village that had been created in the field adjacent to the hill climb. As the photos show, this was a most impressive creation centred around a huge traditional style marquee, sponsored by Twyford Moors, where technical seminars, Q and A sessions, a very good vintage fashion show and the 1948 party took place.
The main event of the Saturday was a competitive hill climb for XKs and other XK powered cars. This was a most impressive display which included several Twyford Moors cars which are show in the photos and the "Gomm" special which we built some years ago. I am thrilled to report that all the Twyford Moors cars went well throughout the weekend and all the drivers did a fabulous job. Well done to Neil, Nick and Patrick.
The action on the hill aside I was not prepared for the spectacle which was the car park. Having had a busy morning on the stand, in the paddock and generally catching up with the multitude of lovely people at the show I had not seen the car park filling up. I have never seen so many XKs in one place. It was an incredible thing to see. I don't think the final figures on how many cars attended are out yet but it was a truly impressive turn out. It was great to see so many Twyford Moors cars in the car park and catch up with lots of customers. There were a number of our full restorations and it has to be said that they really do stand out from the crowd.
A busy day on the Saturday was rounded off by the 1948 party in the central marquee. There were approximately 400 tickets sold and the truly colossal marquee was absolutely packed. Despite the large numbers the evening ran very smoothly and the food was good. Hats off to the club as that is not easily done for so many people. A big band played the evening away with the hits of Glenn Millar, Artie Shaw and the like and we were treated to some great swing dancing.
The Sunday brought demonstration runs and club groups going up the hill. It was great to see some of the international clubs going up the hill and truly amazing how many people had travelled over for the event. A special mention needs to go out to John Elmgreen and Terry McGrath who had come all the way from Australia (understandably they didn't bring cars). I must also say thank you to Patrick Hanratty who took me up the hill on the Sunday in his XK120.
All that's left to say is thank you to all the team that made the event happen and all the enthusiasts that made it into such a fantastic weekend. It demonstrates the strength of the XK world, that it is full of true enthusiasts and most of all nice people. Long may it continue and grow.
