Off-Side Undo - October 2009

A VERY BUSY MONTH

Almost too much going on during October to keep up with. The calendar was/is full with activities and everyone’s heading off in varying directions. My understanding is that all have made it home from the October travels and all have reported having a great time.

Early in the month, two weeks after Brits by the River, Mike and Alice Glare called looking for accomplices to travel the Memphis Euro Car Show. Martha and I had previously scheduled a long-range visit so we had to beg off. Sorry we missed that one as it’s always a great gathering and for a good cause. See the notes Mike made on their trip.

The next weekend Martha and I took a long trip up to Nashville Tennessee for the British Car Show. At mid month there were dual entries and obligations on the calendar. EMC's Tech Session III and Mississippi Classic Cruisers 6th annual Scarecrow Cruise and Car Show in Madison. See Barbara Cushman’s notes from the tech session. Dennis Loftin, David Bailey, Brother Clay and I made the Scarecrow Show.

In all a very busy month and it’s not over yet for October as on the weekend of October 23? 24 some EMC members will travel to Fairhope for the South Alabama British Car Show while some will remain local for The Renaissance Euro Fest. We’re looking for some great reports from the remainder of the month.

Memphis Euro Auto Fest / October 2-3 2009

This is how Mike and Alice’s trip to Memphis occurred.

Last week, while idling around my office, I started checking out the upcoming Memphis car show. It interested me because I had never attended and it was for all European makes. After a quick call home, my very understanding wife agreed to attend with me. Hotel reservations made, we headed to beautiful Braxton.

Early Friday morning, we awoke to a cloudy misting rain. Undaunted, we pulled out and quickly found I-55N. About 10am the clouds disbursed and a cool front took over. We tried the heater and it actually worked. How wonderful it really felt like fall. The remainder of the trip was cool clear weather. We checked into the guest hotel without any signs of other participants. Later that night, I met a wonderful older couple that drove (not trailered) a classic Mini from Minneapolis - over 1000 miles. You gotta love them. Friday night, the reception was held at the show site - food and drinks were served under a large tent all was good and many new friends were met.

Early morning of the show, the coin car wash was finally located and then we proceeded to the show. At registration the previous night, I failed to notice that the young ladies placed the Lotus Esprit in the Italian car group. I guess in East Memphis they don't see many Loti. After a few apologies, I got back in the proper English motorcar group. The site of the show was at the Youth Villages, which is a national recognized leader in the field of children's mental health. The grounds were truly beautiful and made our venue and layout of cars spectacular. I took many photos only to find out they weren't recorded in my high tech camera. Simply check out Memphis Euro Auto Fest and view some really professional shots of the event. Judging ended and awards started around 2pm. There were many door prizes and plaques to give out. Our Esprit luckily received 1st place in the British Sports 76 to present. I still can't understand how I edged out a lovely red Aston Martin DB7. After the show, we had a couple of hours before the banquet, so I washed the car again, of course.

Traveling south the next morning, we departed in a mild rain, perfect timing for the show, but I could not stop thinking about the elderly couple in the tiny mini and their 1000+ trip back. I wish I had their phone number to confirm that they made it home. Alice talked me into diverting west to Tunica for some rainy sightseeing on the River Road south to Vicksburg. Did anybody tell you the River Road was moved in the 30's east to an endless cotton field with no mentionable sights? Anyway being hungry, we stopped in at a diner South of Tunica called the "Blue & White Diner". It was moved there in 1 926 when the new Highway 61 was made. Please visit the restaurant anytime you find yourself close to it - it is a real snapshot of the past and the food was great.

We managed to make it back to beautiful Braxton before dark. Upon unloading the boot, Alice looked at me with a puzzled stare as I unloaded our WET belongings from the car. I didn't even offer an excuse.

Thanks Mike for the report from Memphis.

Nashville British Car Club’s Annual Show October 9? 10, 2009

Martha said yes although the weatherperson said maybe. On Wednesday night after a long day at work we completed our loading and dodging deer we ran up The Natchez Trace as far as Tupelo where we held up the night. Up early on Thursday we hit The Trace again north bound making several stops along the way one for a visit to the Meriwether Lewis monument just across the Tennessee state line. Other stops were made to allow my tinkering time with a cantankerous cruise control I had added to Ole Red just before leaving home. No, never did get it working properly.

Friday night we visited friends and sites in downtown Franklin TN. Friday with our first real threat of liquid sunshine we ventured over to the Lane Motor Museum near Nashville. As Mike Glore had promised from his trip earlier in the year we were overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of cars that Mr. Lane has gathered under the roof of an old Colonial Bread Bakery. It’s a must visit museum if you’re in the area and are interested in things, and I mean all things auto. Friday night was the Nashville British Car Club's reception that was held at the garage of Carl George. I had been forewarned by Keith Anderson that Carl was an MGA racer but had no idea of the depth of the collection of MGAs both competitive and non-competitive that Martha and I would be favored with on this evening. Coupes, roadsters from 1500?s to twin cams were in attendance along with a large collection of Porsche, Mini Coopers and other assorted makes for good measure. The host club was very warm and welcoming to us out-of-towners. The only rain seen was during the day and evening on Friday but as the front passed thru the temp began to drop.

Saturday I woke with the first signs that I’d get to spend the day under the cloud of a coming cold that came in with the overnight change in weather. The day was overcast, damp and breezy but that didn’t seem to keep these folks from a little further north from enjoying the day and bringing out some very nice cars. I really enjoyed the 120 or so cars that made it on to the field and really felt an appreciation for those that were willing to expose some very fine cars to the elements. Jeff Zorn was present with his trailer of goodies from the Little British Car Co. so Martha picked up a new blanket and contented herself with occupying Ole Red most of the day. Keith with son Bryan in tow also made the show during the day and it’s always warming to see automobile friends get together. I felt better all day.

I wish that I could name and say thanks to all of the members of the NBCC that went out of their way to put on a great show in a new location under less than preferred weather conditions. I have let several know that Martha and I hope that we can make it back up next year and perhaps with a larger contingent of EMCers.

MS Cruisers 6th Annual Scarecrow Cruise-Show/ October 16 - 17, 2009

Three members of the EMC made it to the Scarecrow Cruise on Saturday. Dennis made the Friday night dance party and although a bit cool indicated a good turnout to listen to the Chill bring back some of everyone’s favorite sounds. Saturday started early with the Primos breakfast club gathering which was a little sparse with many members comprising the staff and helpers at the Scarecrow Show. Dennis and I were late arrivals as David Bailey must have been up before sunrise to take his place on the ever-filling field. Dennis and I found a nice little corner and set up camp before making the first of many rounds to look at the very well turned out cars that made it out. Brother Clay rolled in about 10:00am. During the day EMC member Allen Spragins stopped by while in the area also with twinkles in his eyes from taking in all the very nice road candy. My supply of membership forms was significantly reduced by the end of the day so we may have some new members to the EMC shortly.

All in attendance from the EMC had a great time. The MS Classic Cruisers Scarecrow continues to gather momentum as one of the must do car shows in Mississippi. Thanks to all of the Cruisers for your hard work on putting together a well run and attended show.

EMC’s Tech Session III / October 17, 2009 They say you can’t be in two places at once so I’m glad that Barbara assembled notes from the gathering for the tech session at their place in Vicksburg. We had an even dozen people show up at the Cashman garage for the October 17th tech session. Jim and Faye Enzman, Mike Glore (wife Alice leaves tomorrow on a two week cruise and was packing), and Pat and Barbara Cashman, the hosts, from the English Motoring Club. Mike did bring three guests, Ann and Joe Eustis from New Orleans, and Charlie with the open wheel racer. Joe turned out to be one of Pat's long lost cousins who had moved from Vicksburg when he was 7 years old. Two couples from the Alfa Romeo club also came, Andy and Bonnie Menapace and Charles and Sherilyn Durning. Much food and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

Amazingly, some wrench turning actually took place. When Andy Menapace and Bad Boy Mike Glore tried to take Pat's Lotus Europa out for a spin on the Vicksburg streets, it was discovered to be pouring gas from one of the carburetors. All pitched in to work on it and discovered that an O ring needed replacing. Naturally a full carload of grease monkeys had to make the trip to the parts store. They did manage to return the same day and had the new part replaced in record time. Then Mike and Andy made their sortie and also returned car intact and sans any paperwork requiring later appearances before legal authorities.

In the mean time, a crew began to check out the malfunctioning electric driver's side window in the Gordon Keeble. Charles Durning determined from electrical tests that the motor was causing fuses to blow. So Jim Enzman and Pat removed the motor that took some time. Pat had discovered earlier that there is a guy up in New Jersey who says he can rebuild most English motors. This one is a Piper, a very obscure brand, so the future of it is uncertain, but it was among the ones the guy had listed in his ad in Hemmings. The real trick will be for Enzman and Pat to get it all back together as it should be. Stay tuned for part 2.

Thanks for the update Barbara and wow, it’s good to hear folks in the EMC really still have a penchant for things oily.

Next up on the ever-evolving 2009 calendar:

OCTOBER 23-24, 2009 - South AL British Car Festival / Fairhope AL

If you haven’t made this gathering, write it down now. The 2009 gathering was one of the best ever with a great turn out of cars. The Friday night gathering has become legendary. Date is tentative, so please check the website. Details: www.sabcc.org

OCTOBER 24, 2009 - Renaissance Euro Fest / Ridgeland MS

This will be an open show for European autos and motorcycles, as well as special interest autos, all of which must be twenty-five years or older (built prior to 1985). Awards will be given to Best Marque of Class. After entries are received classes will be determined and announced well in advance of the show. The Renaissance Euro Fest is a daylong event that includes a free show by the band, Vince Vance and the Valiants. Details and online registration: www.renaissanceatcolonypark.com

NOVEMBER 14, 2009 - Jenkins Garage / Grenada MS

Everyone had a great time last year and John Turbeville made the call for another visit. Travel north to Grenada MS to visit the fine garages of Bob and Betsy Jenkins. Bob has indicated that they have added and replaced some of their collection and we're invited for a visit. More info to come on this. If you missed it last year, you missed a great trip. Details: John Turbeville (601)940-5288

NOVEMBER 21, 2009 - EMC Tech Session IV / Ridgeland MS

The Chili Gathering is back for 2009. We’ll put together a project or to or perhaps take one apart. We hope everyone can make it to our place as we wind down the 2009 LBC season. Wrenching begins at 11:00am with lunch about 12:00pm. Details: Gene and Martha Johnston (601) 607-7021

That’s it for this edition of the Off-Side Undo.

Happy Motoring

Gene Johnston EMC