Jupiter British Car Show

[pcoghlan]

So I took the GD out to its first show yesterday, the Queen Mary British Pub British Car Show in Jupiter. I have to say that it left something of a bitter sweet taste in my mouth.

On the bright side I met up with a solid guy, Richard Bailey, who has a totally down to earth, relaxed attitude. I also met a kindly old gent who had brought his AC Aceca with him, a really lovely car with some history to it. He told me of flying through Italy in a Maserati in the 60s, really enjoyable stuff.

Unfortunately I came across something I have seen back in the UK too often, snobbishness in relation to the almighty 'Cobra'.

It started when the show organizer informed me that I should be proud to have my car sitting on the same field as a 'real Cobra'. In truth, I would be. I have seen a few, sat in one and love to see them whenever I can. Seeing the car in question turn up was a replica, an AK, spoiled my expectation somewhat but no big deal. It was a well turned out car but to hear it described by the owner as a real Cobra had me biting my lip and sorry that this need to represent every bloody Cobra as being 'real' never seems to go away.

My own car had a sheet of paper on the windshield giving some background on the car and referring to it as being 'inspired by a British classic'. When I stepped away from the car (OK, I admit it, to get a beer!) the owner of the Backdraft next to mine came over and gave my wife a lecture on how there was 'nothing British about the Cobra' and that a Volvo was more British(?!). The fact that his car was covered in AC emblems and sitting at a British Car show had me both smiling at his hypocrisy and annoyed that my wife had had to listen to the guy's angry tirade. She expected a sunny day out in the car, not a lecture on motoring history from someone who didn't get enough attention as a kid.

The two most relaxed owners there had the only two ACs on display, an Ace and an Aceca. There was another Backdraft whose owner was intent on doing little more than catching some sun and enjoying himself, my kind of guy. Says a lot that the only angst seems to be amongst those with replicas. Inferiority complexes abound...

OK, rant over. the day ended on a high with my taking in several laps at PBIR without another car on the track.

Paul

[Goopie 18]

Hi Paul, car shows can be a mixed bag. Nice people outnumber the blowhards by a vast number. Attended a show yesterday which had close to 700 cars in attendance. Only 1 jerk. 2 Superformance cars, 1 Kirkam, 1 ERA. The vast majority of car guys and gals are great. Don't let the morons ruin the fun.
Ken

[pcoghlan]

Thanks Ken, I totally agree. I just needed get it off my chest. Having a debate with someone about the heritage of the Cobra wouldn't bother me one bit and over a beer in the sun would actually be something I would enjoy. It was more the way he tried to 'educate' the wife but wouldn't approach me.

We only managed a couple of hundred cars but with the temps in the low 90s it was a great day!

Paul

[Rickd]

Paul, glad to hear you have your car on the road - no British history for the cobra? Pretty uninformed 'cobraphile'. Are you in WPB or Jupiter? Here in Miami we haven't been able to get more than 3 cobra guys together for early am cruises. I have two buddies - one with a Unique and another with a Backdraft - and we frequently run down to the Keys. Might be interesting to make an "overnight" trip up the coast a bit if there is a nice cruise route and a hotel with security. Any thoughts?? Best Regards, Rick from Miami.

[pcoghlan]

Rick, apologies but I didn't spot your post until today!

I am in Jupiter so if you head up this way I would love to meet up.

I am not the best to ask apropos hotels in the area being fairly new to south Florida but if you do find yourself in this neck of the woods do let me know!

Have a good one,
Paul