Hello Everyone!

First, I have to say that this forum rocks! It has helped me immensely in finding the right car. Thanks everyone!

So, who am I? I'm a long time British car fanatic who lives in the Seattle area and has been hankering for a Jaguar for a lot of years. I owned and restored a 76 Triumph Spitfire, which I drove weekly for 19 wonderful years, as well as being around other British cars of fiends and family. Funny how once you know something about these cars, you become a friend of everyone who owns one!

I'm very handy with a spanner, so handy in fact that I'm currently building out an XJ6 Series 1 hot rod (long story for another time - if anyone is interested, my blog is here: Jaguar XJ6 V8).

The car I've wanted since it's release however was an XK8. Fortunes have turned my way recently and have just purchased one last week! A 2002 Topaz coupe with 79K on the clock. I just love this car! What fun it is to drive!

Professionally, I manage software developers (was a software developer myself) at a large company in the Seattle area. I also have other hobbies than working on British cars, including 3D visualization / Visual Effects / Animation (http:Megalith Studio - Portfolio for Edward Cicka) and fly fishing.

I will post some pictures of the XK8 soon.

Cheers!

 

Welcome to the forum. I have fond memories of the Seattle area. I lived in Issaquah for 25 years during the boom in Seattle. My son lives in Redmond working for a large software company as a software engr.---probably can't guess the company.

 

welcome ed. youll love the forum and can learn alot. i have an old high school friend, jimmy barrier, in belleue who own a bunch of car dealerships there. do you know of him? i think he trades under the name of barrier motors.

hope you enjoy your jag.

rock on, bud

 

Hey Ed welcome aboard....nice intro btw only short of a pic or two but I'm guessing you'll soon rectify that?
Good to have you here and hope yopu enjoy the site

You might find the off topic good for fun, maybe check out the mug shot thread and add yours?

Some really good guys and great techs, top vendors offering good pricing levels and great service, and more to come....all good

In the meantine you are upgraded to full forum access so you can better view the forum

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Thank you everyone for the great welcome!! What a fantastic group!

Thought I'd throw some pictures out in the Photos section: Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum - Ed C's Albums

Enjoy!

 

Welcome to the forum Ed,

Good to have you here with us, have fun with the new Jag.

 

Mike, I can guess which company. I almost mentioned in my bio that I don't work for that one!

Good to hear from someone who knows the area. I've been here 10 years and have loved every minute of it. Mountains, lakes, ocean, metropolitan city with fly fishing 20 minutes away. Definitely can't complain. And as you know, it does rain here every day!

 

Bud, I don't know Jimmy Barrier but I do know of his auto sales! I've often driven by his lots and said, "Man, I'd love to have one of those!"

Thanks for the welcome!

Cheers

 

I remember when no one had ever heard of Mr. Gates in Seattle unless it was in reference to the law firm his dad worked for. As far as the rain---we always joked that summer started on July 5th. That's why I live in Asheville---got the mountains, rivers and sunny skies. Although I wish I'd driven the Chuckanut in my R when going to Bellingham. Enjoy!

 

Hello Ed.

I'm in Seattle, too (West Seattle, actually) and have just purchased a 1994 XJ12. I don't have your experience with British cars, but now I have no choice but to get learning.

It's a great forum.

Take Care.

Robert Booth
Seattle, WA
oddjobbob@gmail.com

 

Welcome Ed!! I was raised in Seattle, and my big joke on myself is that I left here when I graduated from the U-Dub trying to find the place of my dreams. During the next 4 years I was in 43 states and 17 foreign countries and couldn't wait to get back to the Northwest. Best place in the world to raise a family. Also was NOT going to work for that airplane company where my dad worked. Alas, been there for over 30 years now, too.

For the rest of you, yes, it does rain all the time, so don't move out here. Silly me with two convertibles, a T-Top and a ski boat. Seriously, we are looking forward to having our first 70 degree weekend since September. Really has been a rotten Spring.

Barrier runs a class operation. I was disappointed when they gave up the Jaguar franchise in Bellevue. I saw my first XK8 there when I was getting parts for my '93 VDP, and just about fainted because of 1) its beauty and 2) its price.

Anyway, welcome aboard, Ed. You already know that this forum is a fantastic resource. It's kind of a fun place to hang out, too.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome Ed, I live in Seattle as well. I am picking up my 2000 XKR vert this weekend. Can't wait!

Looks like the PNW is strong with Jag enthusiasts!

 

Welcome, welcome. The XK8 is a great car. Love Seattle. Go Mariners! luxury cars portland

 

Thanks everyone for the great responses. Good to see so many people in the Pacific Northwest who are Jaguar enthusiasts!

I'm thinking about entering my car in the Western Washington All British Field meet in July. I did this meet thrice with my Spitfire (Actually won 2nd in class one time!). May be a good opportunity for others in the area to show off their cars. You can find info at: Western Washington All British Field Meet | From your friends at the Puget Sound British Automotive Association

Cheers everyone!

 

I've wanted to go to the All British Field Meet for the last 5 years and it always conflicts with another event. This year it's a wedding, but maybe I can catch part of it. I only live about 2 miles from Bellevue College. Earlier this year I had a gentleman and his wife ask me about my XK8 while I was getting tires on it, and it turns out they have like and X120, an MGA and a vintage Rolls Royce that they show there every year. I'd like to go just to see them again.

Cheers,

 

This has been a really fun event for me. I've been sans British car for about five years (not counting the non-running V8 conversion XJ6 in the garage) but now that I have one running, I'm heading back. It is neat to see all the local area British car people.

I've also attended the big one they have in Vancouver BC in May (Western Driver | All British Field Meet) in 2006. That one is a blast because you get to see a bunch of cars that were imported to Canada but not to the US, cars you only read about in magazines.

Hope you can make the event.

Cheers

 

I'll be looking to attend this as well.