Hosted by the Dawn Patrol Motorcycle Club in Sommerville NJ, on their own property, a beautiful tree studded open field with clubhouse, "The First Annual N.J. Jag Lovers Picnic" was a SMASHING SUCCESS!! The excellent planning and logistics by Michael Eck and friends (Dawn Patrol) made the day's activities all worthwhile, and provided a good time for all who came. They came from Vermont, Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Massachusetts, Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Ohio, Georgia and of course New Jersey. The morning started off with Coffee and donuts around 8:30 am. Most everybody had arrived by 10:30, and the 50 mile caravan style drive left the grounds at 11:05. There appeared to be about 20 cars participating in the run. All that were involved reported a wonderfully scenic drive. The bunch returned around 12:45, and the Dawn Patrol had the food on the grille by then. Hot dogs, hamburgers, Philly steak sandwiches, French fried potatoes were had by all, cooked to order. Also served were Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, and Cole Slaw. The atmosphere was as pleasant as the weather, sunny and in the mid 70's. There were approx. 40 -50 cars there, covering models such as XK120, XK140, XJ6, XKE's and a few old Mk’s, in various stages of restoration. Newer XJ's were to be seen too, including the "S" type. Some were Show quality, (IMHO) while others were on their way there. Lots of daily drivers, in various states, and a few that were real nice! Some people arrived without their Jaguars, due to various repair stages, but came anyway, in their beautiful Corvettes, and an older Nissan Pickup. It was exciting to meet, for the first time, all the people that had been exchanging mail from the various lists. The camaraderie never ended and everyone had compliments for one another. Also made were some new acquaintances, a very nice bunch of people, I must say. All very down to earth and supportive of each other, no matter what was driven in. Lumpers exchanging info with XKE people, Mark owners advising and teaching about their intricacies of their cars, XJ 40 folk admiring the XK140 and 120's, on and on the day went. Not a single ill word was uttered anywhere. This (again, IMHO) is how it really should be! Later in the afternoon, a 50/ 50 was drawn, along with door prizes of Leatherique products (donated), CDs or cassettes of 8 Hot Rod Rock songs called "Full Speed Ahead", whose jacket insert has a photo of the XK140, and more. Most people started to leave around 4:30 or so with a few hangers on staying a while longer. All in all, if you missed it, you missed it! But don't despair, It was the "FIRST" annual NJ Jag Lovers Picnic, and given the success of it, there will be many more! Below are some pics of the event. Next time maybe we'll see you and your car too!
Questions/Comments or to add your pics of the event.
