I drove my 06 XK8 Victory convertible from Redondo Beach to Clear Lake CA a month ago. The trip was around 1100 miles and the Jag averaged 24 MPG, what an incredible machine. My brother has an 07 XK and we had allot of fun driving them around the lake.

 

Big pictures are even better!

Graham

 

Is that some brotherly rivalry going on with the 'Wash Me' written in the dust?

Graham

 

Yea, I couldn't resist ...

 

Rdyoung,
Did you do some city driving on those tanks, as I often drive from L.A. to the bay area and back and average in the 26-29mpg on my 130K /XKR. I would bet you got better mileage than you think.

 

Yea, I did allot of city driving but averaged over 60 MPH on the trip. You can really open these cars up on Interstate 5 ...

 

Just got back from a 3 day stay in Galveston, Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. Very relaxing and the weather was great! About 700 miles round trip including driving around the city. Some really interesting architecture from the late victorian period.

Here are a few pictures of the trip.





The wife thought it a bit chilly on the beach.

The third picture is of the Bishop's Palace in town. It was originally a mansion of some local magnate, but bought later by the diocese for the bishop's residence. And the statue is of Sam Houston (you non-Texans can google him) just outside Huntsville. And yes those are full size trees. A big man like Sam needs a big statue.

 

That's some statue.

I Googled to find out what size it is - 67 ft.



Graham

 

A three day loop through northern Arizona and some Americana.

North to Payson and east toward Christopher Creek for a leisurely tour through the pines.


Then on north through the wide open spaces to Holbrook.


A stay at the Wigwam, a piece of Route 66 Americana. There was some decorative cars there, pulled in for the night next to a 59 Impala.


Next morning a tour through the petrified forest to see some fascinating formations.


It was a strangely foggy day for the desert, and out of the mists we were attacked by birds.


And then a dinosaur on the way to Winslow.


And then there was a blizzard while heading south on 87.


But a stop at Tonto Natural Bridge gave a chance for some twisty roads and 14% grade to give the J shifter a workout.


All around, an entertaining little jaunt. 530 miles and 24mpg in all, including all the pull offs for pictures and roadside attractions, so not too bad.

 

With all these giant sculptures in the US, I thought I'd stretch the thread title just a little and photo my XK at the Angel of the North in Gateshead on a cold, gray day in the North of England today.




The largest angel sculpture in the World. It is:

1. 20 metres (65 feet) high
2. 54 metre (175 foot) wingspan
3. weighs 200 tonnes - the body 100 tonnes and the wings 50 tonnes each

Graham

 

We drove down to Charleston SC for Thanksgiving weekend.
First trip in the new (to us) XKR. The trip total was 1534 miles.
Great drive in a great car.
I guess this next part should be in why we love our car.
This car does everything so effortlessly it is amazing. You want to just cruise great, you want to move through traffic hit it and go. I really think this is a closer relative to the E-Type the the new F-Type Having owned the E for around 7 years It was more of a GT than a sport car and it did everything
it was asked, including having a place for luggage. What a great ride this XKR is.

 

GGG Enjoyed the picture and the info. Cool to hear about.

Sandy

 

Me & Ms. Jig happily reunited after too long in the mechanics' hands at local dealership.

Those people have problems, nuf said.

But I was happy once it was all done.

Sandy

 

Resting after a drive at her temporary lodging with my BFF in Brentwood, California. A much warmer, sunny day.

I drove with the top down yesterday. Clear day, medium jacket - but I felt the chill!

Sandy

 

Thought this one was unusual enough to share.

I was admiring a hot rod driving near me, so we took a stab at catching that. Then -- notice the other convertible going in the opposite way. Coastal road, sunny day, guess it brings out those who like to cruise.

Sandy

 

Howdy Folks:
Just finished my last day of work this year. Started the celebration with a trip to Lake Lure for dinner. After that we took the twisties to see Christmas lights through Chimney Rock and over to Hendersonville, then a turn around to do the twisties again. I asked my wife if she trusted the Jag. Her reply was "yes"-- but that it was "MY" driving that she did not trust and also that it was much twister at night!
We continued back through Ruth, Spindale, and the Grand Finale with the top down temporarily in Forest City. (The attached pics do not do it justice-- it is upscale beautiful and yes I live next to and have already seen "Christmas Town USA", McAdenville NC.
I wish you all the best as we celebrate His birth. Merry Christmas!

 

We took Kitty Paws out for a nice Christmas Eve drive tonight. The temps had fallen to the low 60's and we bundled up and let the top down.

 

Tommy,

Explanation required.

You bundle up to let the top down?

Graham

 

Dr. D
I also live in the Charlotte area and am familiar with your route. Great drive. Next time you can get away try highway 64 from The Asheville / Brevard area to Franklin NC. Great curves and scenery is beautiful. Lots of waterfalls and places to park and enjoy. Cashiers and Highlands are really nice places to overnight along the way. Very upscale and good restaurants. Lake Toxaway too! Whether on the motorcycle or in the Jag, it's my favorite part of the state.
Merry Christmas,
2X

 

We don't get too many opportunities to break out the winter clothing, so this is about as cool as it gets so to speak.