Driving the Jag XK140 roadster in the fast lane, Pt 1

Nov 02, 2020,10:12 AM
 

[Capt Scarlet - this is for you]


In 2002 my friend Steve proposed a trip to New Mexico for some kind of old car rally. We had plenty of cars to choose, but they had to be old to qualify. We took some time to review our options:

My old Lotus - too fragile, my new Lotus -- too new; my 2 Citroens -- too slow.
His Mini -- too uncomfortable; his Peugeot -- too unreliable; his Jaguar -- longest legs and was most recently upgraded, though limited for room, comfort and amenities.

As we both worked for the same auto repair publisher, we had intimate knowledge of our cars. No prep shop was involved - the preparation was on our backs. BTW, Steve's dad bought the Jag in 1955, so he knew it well. This is no garage queen -- at the time it was 47 years old, had been ridden hard & put away wet, crashed a few times, repaired, overhauled, and upgraded with better cooling and new brakes (carried home from Coventry in suitcases...)


If you aren't familiar with the model, it followed the XK120, but preceded the XK150 and the XKE. There were 3 models - Roadster, Drop Head Coupe, and Coupe. 
We had the roadster -- sportiest, fastest, smallest cockpit, least protection and equipped with the MC engine with the most power, recently rebuilt by our friend Jim and running well.


Notice the lack of cockpit space and no windows or top on our car!

Here we are packing - one limitation was the Jag's trunk must be opened to fill the tank, and any fuel splashed goes right onto the clothes (no hard suitcases would fit).



As we headed out, we discussed our relative lack of planning...



Our minimal technology support (it was 2002 so we did have a phone of sorts)



We hammered it across the desert at about 75-85 mph. 



I can't recall the fuel economy but we stopped a lot.



We spent the first night in this motel in Arizona somewhere.





If you are not familiar with US geography, Taos is in New Mexico, about 1000 miles from San Diego. That's 40% of the way across the US. We took the darker northern route going East.



Sometimes the desert can be a bit boring, but not when you are IN it like we were.



We traded off every couple hours as the wind, sun and noise can get to be exhausting.



Notice the complete lack of room in the cabin.



Taos is at 7000 feet (2200M) elevation so there was some climbing involved.



More gasoline, please, said the Jag.



This is the Wild West that Europeans want to see on their vacations in the US



And this is the weather they often experience in September. We had several thunderstorms. Going faster does NOT stop you from getting wet -- believe me, we tried.



Wipers were pretty useless so we gave up on using them.



We made it to our rented condo and were ready to join the festivities! Stick around for part 2 please.



Cazalea







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Driving the Jag XK140 roadster in the fast lane, Pt 2

 
 By: cazalea : November 2nd, 2020-10:51
Our mission in New Mexico was to join up for one of those old car rally events - no fancy timed things, this was just drive around and have a good time. Let me show you some of the participants and the scenery: here's an XK 150 which has a wider grille, b...  

Driving the Jag XK140 roadster in the fast lane, Pt 3

 
 By: cazalea : November 2nd, 2020-11:21
We left Taos after the event wound down, and against our better judgement we both agreed it would be rude to miss the free lunch. Of course we figured it would be a diner, or a Howard Johnson's or something .... we should have know those kind of restauran...  

Hi Mike ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : November 2nd, 2020-12:13
Many thanks for answering my call for your story of this epic road trip. The XK140 is absolutely stunning. I drove a 120 for sometime, including on the track. It’s the smell, sound and lack of interior space that you remember at first but it’s hugely enjo... 

There are more chapters awaiting, from another trip

 
 By: cazalea : November 2nd, 2020-13:17
If you are up for it Mike

Driving the Jag XK1410 in the fast lane, Pt 0

 
 By: cazalea : November 2nd, 2020-15:11
I think this has to be the Prequel to the Jag-to-Taos story. As I said there, Steve got this car from his dad, who bought it many years ago. When his dad passed away the car was at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. That's an artificial lake created b...  

Another great story!

 
 By: mkvc : November 2nd, 2020-12:24
Lacking any mechanical (or photographic) skills, I am grateful to be able to live vicariously through yours. Beautifully done, as always.

Thanks for taking us with you on that rosd movie!

 
 By: mrds : November 2nd, 2020-14:27
Looks like a great „toys for the boys“ couple of days... We should gave more of them. Oh, and you‘ve been traveling in top style! Best, Daniel

With a stable full of French cars, Style is my middle name

 
 By: cazalea : November 2nd, 2020-15:14
Cazalea Adventures in Style Toronto to San Diego, solo. Do my eyes look bloodshot? (or are they closed?) ...  

Incredible adventures...

 
 By: JustaGuy : November 2nd, 2020-19:28
thanks for sharing, especially in these COVID times. Really lifted my spirits!

Wonderful read!!!

 
 By: KamalRostov : November 2nd, 2020-21:22
Thank you for sharing your adventures 🙏🏻 I would love to someday do a road trip such as this... although perhaps not in an open top. Tropical thunderstorms and blistering heat are all too common where I’m at 😬

Very exciting...

 
 By: KMII : November 3rd, 2020-05:26
And just the kind of trip I would be looking to do some time when this becomes possible again Looking forward to pt 2

Hello dear Mike! What a wonderful post and story! I enjoyed so much reading and viewing your superb pictures. You know I´m a fan of Jaguars and that 140 is pure Magic!

 
 By: Subexplorer : November 6th, 2020-18:08
Such a lovely and charming car, testimony of a golden era long gone. I had only one experience with a long trip driving a car. But it is memorable for me. My dad and me crossed USA from Miami Beach, Fla. to San Francisco along two driving weeks aboard a F... 

That must have been an exciting trip

 
 By: cazalea : November 6th, 2020-23:01
Thanks for reading this Abel, and for your contribution. I have driven across only 3-4 times; I have friends who have made two round trip journeys in the past 3 months! Crossing America is always memorable.

My big pleasure dear Mike! I enjoyed so much indeed! Great to know you´ve done it several times too. You have a great Country and I am very fortunate of having visited many times...

 
 By: Subexplorer : November 7th, 2020-04:23
... and always is a big pleasure to visit again. I keep the memory of that trip very deep in my heart! And two round trips in three months! Wow! That´s awesome!! Your friends must really love driving! Fantastic! Look forward to read more post about your d...