Hi all just wanted to share some good news,

My '97 XK8 faultlessly completed its first long trip since I brought it in Jan. I guess 500 mile round trip is not far by US standards but in the UK at Bank Holiday weekend along the south coast that is a lot traffic, start stopping, rain/fog etc....

Both me an the missus arrived at our 'romantic hotel' after 6.5hrs on the road feeling comfortable, stylish and still smiling at the Jag.

Now I'm convinced of the cars GT capabilities I will be taking it on the Continent next...

 

Well done! This is why we treasure these elegant beasts and hapily put up with their demands. No matter how long the drive home, I always approach the gate wishing for just one more turn around the block...

 

Always good to read a 'driving' post.

My favourite road in the UK is Junction 11A on the M20 - the entrance to Eurotunnel Terminal and gateway to France!

Graham

 

Graham . . . Graham . . . I'm shocked. What about some of those quite superb major highways up in the bonnie north. I particularly favour the Grand Scottish Circle Highway, stretching around the north west past Scourie Bay and down through Ullapool. My wife Chris preferred the Campbelltown Freeway down onto the Mull of Kintyre . . . especiialy the signposted bulges in the 8ft wide tarmac to allow passing with oncoming traffic!

Beyond ourselves and spread over many visits, I recall at least 2 other cars venturing along there, in the mist and fog, at the very edge of the world. However, beyond my brief tongue in cheek analysis of Scotland's autobahns, the incredibly scenery and friendly people are unique and powerful drawcards. Beats the traffic choked M2 any day. Same in Stralia mate!

Congrats to [laguillotine] for his trouble free happy trip in the XK8. Stories like yours help balance the forum from too often being seen as just a "trouble zone". Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Ken

 

Ken,

The last time I ventured North of the Border, Admin Jim was acting as translator because I was having difficulty understanding Glaswegian.

The time before I suffered mile after mile of camera enforced 50 mph speed limit on the dual carriageway from Perth up to Inverness. Give me the relatively empty French and Spanish roads any time.

Graham

 

Give me the the warmer French and Spanish weather anytime too..

I'll use the Volvo for driving that far north.

 

Some of your trips sound fantastic. Wish I was there to experience that area for a few drives. With a name like Sudderth my genes get excited. The piney woods of east Texas is nice, but not like that. How about a few pictures.