Jags from Holland on Rt 66

[BobT-47P15]

Went by the local Ramada Inn around supper time tonite and spotted a whole bunch of neat old Jaguars lined up. Turns out they are all from Holland, doing a Route 66 tour. They started in New York, went to Niagra Falls, then on to Chicago to begin the road trip. Tomorrow to Oklahoma City. Before finally reaching California, they will take a side trip to Las Vegas. Then back home.

After supper, Mary Ann said she would like to see the cars, too, so we drove back thru the hotel lot. Visited with a fellow named William who was driving a totally original 1960 fourdoor sedan......said it doesn't drip much oil, but it sure burns a lot of it. He told us a story that earlier today he had a flat tire....took it to a tire shop wherever they were....while the tire was being fixed he went next door to some bar and had a drink. When the bartender learned where he was from and what he was doing, the drink was "on the house". Then the tire man, when asked the cost of the repair, said "My mother always told me you should do at least one good turn every day", so the tire repair is free to you. Needless to say, William was greatly impressed by the friendliness of midwestern people.

William said there are around 65 cars in this group. Many had lettering saying "GANT" on their cars. He said that is because the tour is being sponsored in part by the Gant Clothing Company. And in concluding the visit, William said there had been 3 accidents involving their cars so far. He had us pull up just a bit to look at a nice maroon and black sedan, with a big gouge down the right side. It had been backed into by someone. Even though it bent the front fender pretty badly, they were able to straighten it out enough so the car can continue the trip. Another car was rear-ended, the driver taken to the hospital for examination, then released as OK.

I guess some of those vehicles may have been Diamlers, but did not get out and walk around them. Just drove thru and looked from the car. A fun visit with William, who was pretty humorous and spoke good English.

[Norm's Coupe]

Nice cars and story Bob. Let's all hope they still have their cars and shirts after visiting Las Vegas.

[Dennis Hemingway]

Thanks Bob, I'll have to keep my eyes open for them, but with my luck they will come thru Barstow on a week day when I'm at work.

Dennis

[James_Douglas]

I can move my XKE as far as I can push the bare body...about 10 feet at this point...

[Normspeed]

James, I hear that with British cars, that's good practice for when you take them for a drive.

Just kidding, your jag is looking good.

[1949P17BC]

Bob, I passed this group on Friday morning ( We live by the a section of th original Rt 66) I wondered where they were going.