I went to the British Invasion last weekend in Stowe, VT and took my 52 120 Coupe for the first time. I have taken a MK 9 for many years, which has plenty of room for my wife and all our cargo. She could not attend this year so the 120 was my choice. Fellow 120 owner Adrian Curtis accompanied me in his 120 DHC. We stopped for lunch in Woodstock, VT, our usual stop.
After lunch we we took Rt. 100 north which is a twisty mountain road that follows a river and goes through parts of the National Forest. It was a great mildly spirited drive.
We rented a suite in Stowe and enjoyed a relaxed three days with fellow Brit car fans, the smell of oil smoke and cigars wafted through the area. Around 500 cars attended this year, still reduced from years past, but those who attended were as enthusiastic as ever. Last year the Canadian border was closed, this year it was open, so it was great to see our Canadian friends once again.
The weather was perfect, no rain at all for three days, which is rare for this event. In years past we have encountered torrential rains, the remnants of hurricanes, and have sat in our cars while the event took place, just to stay somewhat dry. At 6:30 on Friday evening Main Street is closed down and Brit cars are backed in on both sides for a festival of cars and music. An excellent band plays in the very center of town, the Joey Leone Band, which has played for many years now. They played old classic rock continuously until 9:30 with no break, very impressive! This is Main St.
Saturday the field event takes place, and there were two 140’s and two 120’s, a reduced showing from the normal. And yes, my bonnet was open, the engine is just too spectacular to hide.
On the return trip I followed a friend in his TR-3 trough a beautiful set of mountain and rural roads along Rt. 12 south. Another great drive. We parted ways in Quechee, VT where he stopped at an antique emporium. I took major highways home from here.
All in all it was another great event. I covered 554 miles, 2/3 of it highway driving at 70-85 MPH, and averaged 20 MPG, very good for an XK engine. I look forward to next year’s British Invasion and hope I see some of you there.
Tom Brady