The 10th Annual Colorado British Motoring Conclave did, after all, let
the Delorean into the show (Thanks to all for the supporting email
telling me to do it !)
While driving the DMC into the show, the Colorado Lotus Club started
frantically waving me down, and asked me to park among the Loti.
As it turns out, one other intrepid DMC owner (1982, rough shape)
showed up to brave the scorn of the "TRUE" brit car owners.
A short ways into the show, a number of people must have asked
show management why the 2 DMC's were on the field. I assume this
since show management made a formal announcement over the P.A.:
"To all those inquiring, a Delorean is an Irish Lotus."
Which brought a round of laughs from the Lotus owners, and then
many recounted stories of A. Colin B. Chapman's unfortunate
partnership with J.Z. Delorean. One story had it that Mr. Chapman
was actually killed to hush up what happened to the Lotus/DMC
funds. First a bungled attempt to crash his airplane, and then
finally by his mysterious heart attack. A little mystery and
intrigue goes a long way while leaning on a James Bondesque Esprit :-)
(Sorry, there were no DB5's at the show)
The Conclave featured over 400 cars (less than last year, but not too
shabby!) A friend (from the Continental Convertible Club) took
a first place in the Triumph category with a beautiful Stag.
A nice Elan S2 took first for the Loti, and my DMC (found this out
a day after the show) took second in "Other." (Lawerence, you
should have brought the Daimler!)
There were too many MG's to even start describing them, although
one rough old Magnette stood out in the crowd. The Triumph's also
had quite a showing (never did see your infamous trans-continental
TR6 Scotty), many Austin Healy's, and around 8 or 9 Rollers, including
one very gaudy Red and Gold Shadow II. (Makes me miss Lady Chaterly,
my old White Shadow I)
The Lotus group had a very nice turn out of Elans, Europas, Esprits
and a Formula One. Towards the end of the show, a special edition
Esprit (the paint job made it look like a John Deere tractor)
showed up. One Lotus owner ('93 Esprit) had purchased his car
the day before, and was already showing it!
Many Land Rovers, and a good turn out of bikes as well. I'm
definately looking forward to next year.
BTW, it was nice seeing some old Front Range SOLer's again, and
meeting the fate tempting Scotty Paisley. (when's the next
FRSOL get together anyway???)
Regards,
Scott (Shor' an' begorra' that's an odd lookin' Lotus!!) Currier
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