I just returned from a whirlwind trip of England and Germany. After reading
some of the trip reports from other members of the SOL list, I didn't expect
to see much, car-wise. But I was proven wrong!
After adjusting to the left side of the road in my Hyundai Lantra (no
beginning "E" in England), I remember these bits on the road:
1. In south London (Purley) I saw lots of Minis. Must have been a Mini run,
since I saw somewhere around 40 of them!
2. Minis everywhere! There is a real Mini revival in England.
3. In the village of Beaulieau there was a nice little Mini for sale for 495
pounds.
4. The police cars are Jag XJSs, painted black and white complete with
cherries on top.
5. I saw at least two mint Mark II Jags in England.
6. I saw one E-type.
7. I saw two Lotus Super Sevens. One was in Wales, near Portmeirion, where
The Prisoner (along with No. 6's Lotus Seven - KAR120C) was filmed.
8. On the autobahn in Germany I passed a beautiful Mk II Spitfire, as it
tooled along.
9. Went to the British Motoring Museum in Beaulieau. Lots of nice cars, but
short on the Triumph side. Only two Triumphs were a TR2 and a Herald.
10. Driving at 100 mph on the autobahn (the Hyundai's top speed, almost)
Mercedes and BMWs passed me like I was standing still. They must have been
doing 150 or better.
11. Got to meet SOLer Adrian Jeffries, and rode in his TR4. What wonderful
cars. I want one. Don't tell my wife.
All in all, I recommend Portmeirion for Prisoner fans, and for anyone wanting
to see a beautiful estate. If you want to tour the museum in Beaulieau but
have a better half who couldn't care less, she can rent a bike in the village
and ride through the New Forest. The ferry across the channel is expensive!
Guess that's all. Thanks, Adrian, and I look forward to going back!
Larry
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