We’ve just completed our fourth SCM 1000, a thousand-mile tour for pre-1975 cars.
There will be more about it in upcoming issues of SCM. But with my bags barely unpacked and the SCM cars still being put away, here are the highlights.
First, riding with SCM contributor Ken Gross and Amelia Island founder Bill Warner in a 1971 Citroën DS21 is not likely to be an experience I will ever repeat. What we all found most amazing about the car was the fact that, due to its aerodynamic design, you could roll the windows down at 75 mph and have a conversation. It covered the entire 1,000 miles with no drama.
Second, my 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 coupe is a splendid grand touring car for this type of event. The Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic is perfectly suited to the effortless torque produced by the 5.3-liter engine. While cruising at 75 mph in the DS21 pushed its 2.1-liter pushrod engine, at that speed the Jag was ready for more.
Further, the a/c fitted to Jag blows ice-cold. Perhaps it is a byproduct of reaching my maturity, but in the hot Oregon summers I am finding a nicely cooled interior to be a thing of joy.
I was also reminded that not mixing old and new sports cars is critical to the flavor of the event. It just sets a tone that I believe is essential to the event.
The same can be said to limiting the event to 45 cars. It’s just enough to have a visual impact, without being overwhelming. And we all fit into a reasonably sized room for dinner.
But what I will remember most is the smile on the face of my 15-year-old son Bradley. He was the navigator on day four in the Kevin Blount 1952 Allard J2X. Brutal is too mild a word to describe riding in that car.
Yet at the end of the day, including 10 parade laps at Oregon Raceway Park, the smile on his face stretched from horizon to horizon.
“Dad, next year I’ll be driving one of your cars on the SCM 1000. I can’t wait.”
Neither can I.
(Click here to join the mailing list for the 2023 SCM 1000.)
The tour looked like a lot of fun! My dad was a Citroen dealer in the late 60’s, early 70’s. I was amazed back then that you could put the windows down on a DS at 90 mph and barely notice the wind! Also, I had a 71 E-Type when I got out of college. Great a/c, even in Florida. As I recall it had a GM compressor on it, so no surprise there. Good to see your son’s interest in cars and his enthusiasm as you involve him in the hobby. My dad instilled a love of cars in me and it has been one of the driving (pun intended) forces in my life as I worked hard to be able to afford the hobby. Can’t thank my dad enough for all the fun I have had with the cars and car people in my life.
Looks like a good time was had by all. I can’t wait to see some more photos! I agree with your take on mixing old and new cars. Not only would it change “the flavor” of the event but the performance gap between old and new can make for some strained group dynamics when driving in a pack. A lot of times the old adage about herding cats rings true when it comes to automotive tour groups. But a group comprised of older felines and young cheetahs, well that would be a challenge!
Good that you are sharing so much with your son at this early stage.
About touring. I only have a 2015 Miata to offer but I would like a well organized experience in my old age. Sounds like you may be at point of a separate tour for more recent models so consider participants like me. My wife and I have been Oregon visitors since 1970 so we would try to fit in.
Hi Jim, might I suggest an annual event put on by the Willamette Valley Miata Club; Explore Oregon. Already been run this year but there’s always next year (providing no further calamity😬). I have not done it personally but I hear really good things about from others. http://www.oregonmx5.com/.
Hey keith Martin,
Nice wonderful moment you shared.
Still love for cars and their wide scopes are unlimited among everyone. Thus your son’s love of cars shows a nice hobby of him.
He is a best knowledgable personality in upcoming years, Wishing.
thank you for shared Wondering time…