THE INTERNATIONAL JAGUAR 'S'-TYPE REGISTER FORUM

I had Big Blue, my 1965 3.8S. out on a short test drive in my neighborhood today (it is finally at a stage where I can drive it) and had a most interesting encounter. At a four way stop I was a little distracted and didn't notice that there was a car to my left that I should have been yielding to. We both started out at the same time but a collision was avoided. I believe that, had we collided, it might have been the first ever collision of a classic S-type with a modern S-type.

It's been a while since I last posted and I am most pleased to announce that Big Blue will make It's first car show appearance at my club's annual show in Columbia on April 6th. It's a long way from being really in show condition but I am excited about it anyway.

I know how easy it is to focus on your test drive and lose sight of "the world" around you. I am always trying to take in my immediate surroundings when I have my 66 out- i.e.- the view of the leaper, the wood trim, the thinness of the wheel.... Im glad no damage was incurred though!

I try to practice 120% situational awareness whenever I take any of my cars out , which are all vintage classics, but the streets have become a tidal wave of rude, impatient, tailgating, and speeding drivers in over powered vehicles or massive pickup trucks. And in my area and there appears to be virtually no traffic enforcement now a days. It is risk I minimize by simply minimizing my use of the automobiles. Sad state of affairs.

I drive my car with awareness and always leave a large gap between my self the the car in front. Problem is other drivers take this as an invitation to pull out of a side road and jump into this gap. Now my S Type has good brakes but I also drive my friends 1953 Alvis TA21 which does not have the best of brakes being drums all round. So I also have to drive with anticipation of others doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.