We have had contact from Clarion Events – the organisers of the NEC Classic Car Show – who are aiming for November 12-14 2021 for the next show, so less than a year and counting… with all the news of successful vaccines about to come on stream, we ARE applying for a stand.
Life will never be back to the ‘old normal’ – I’m sure we all know that – but there will be something like that rosy glow of ‘old times’ should we once again be able to display a few of our beloved vans in amongst a hall full of finely restored motors.
We’ve even had a bit of a brainwave for organising vans to appear:
I was looking up some info on the ‘Surviving J chassis number list’ and noticed that 4 vans were together on it:
7418 WJ – ex MacFisheries, being restored to its original livery by Gordon Wilson
YMJ 702 – the wonderful British Rail Austin van owned by Mike Bell
5003 NX – mine
941 XMT – Steve Parkes’ ex-Graham Wilton van (currently about to be put up for sale, so who knows where it might be in a year…)
Four vans all within a production batch of 368 vans, which may well have been going down the line at Adderley Park in the same week – could be the same day even, for the last two, only 34 apart. All registered some 60 years ago come January… that would make for a great display at the NEC, wouldn’t it!
Mike’s up for it, I’m up for it, Gordon is too, with the proviso that it depends upon his van being finished. Fingers crossed that XMT finds a home with someone who will look kindly upon the idea of displaying for a few days.
The new digital Digest has been well received. Work is now underway on Digest 2, so if you have any editorial contributions that you think might be suitable for future use please do send them in. Publishing any form of newsletter relies on owners and enthusiasts sending in J-related stuff to include.
FOR SALE: As mentioned above, Steve Parkes is considering selling 941 XMT and 416 MML, his two J minibuses. If you are interested in either (or both) Steve can be contacted via steveparkes68@gmail.com or on 07973 405119.