Jack Flynn | January 23, 2014 

Stowe in September: Autumn in Vermont begins with splashy color and an annual gathering of British Cars on a green field not far from town. It looked beautiful when I rolled in on Friday afternoon after a lovely drive, behind Frank Wnek in his ’64 DHC and Bill and Sheila Alexander in their ‘84 Plus 8. The field is divided into orderly rows, with Classes marked out for Saturday’s concourses, surrounded by white tents for vendors of parts, clothing and memorabilia.

The British Invasion hosted 675 cars this year, plus many visitors who just came to admire the show field. It was a massive operation, and yet it clicked like a welloiled machine. Clearly, the organizers have learned over the years how to run a big show, integrate it with the host town and generate a singular experience.

After registration on Friday afternoon (and cashing in our ‘free beer’ ticket in the beer tent), we gathered at a long table in Frida’s Taqueria and Grill in town center. Linda and Mike Baker had arranged our evening, and, as usual, they set the tone for a weekend of friendship and fun.

Most elegant in the Tailgate Competition.

Saturday morning I straggled onto the show field after the early arrivals were in place and parked with the Morgans. How, I wondered, does one experience 675 British cars? The answer is that one walks a lot, lingers over things that attract our interest, and visits with owners along the way. But walking and looking and chatting is a thirsty business, and I found myself at midday in the pub tent, sipping a pint and watching the ladies’ hat contest. It was easily as interesting as watching concours judges look for dust on valve covers. The ladies, some dressed in proper afternoon dresses and gloves, were having fun. Before I could order another pint, it was time for the parade of concours winners.

First prize in the Concours d’Elegance went to a 1948 Jaguar MK IV DHC. Very nice indeed. Our crowd did well in the People’s Choice concours: In the three-wheeler class, Marc and Lynn Wunderman took first place with their ’34 Super Sports. Of the four-wheeler Morgans, Tom and Elaine Austin took first place in their ’62 Plus 4, Brent and Anne Follweiler took third place in their ’69 Plus 8. Second place went to a ’60 DHC owned by Bob Shaw from Illinois. He had suffered a stroke some years ago, and, unable to drive a manual shift, he replaced the DHC’s drivetrain with a Volvo automatic and power steering as part of a complete custom restoration: it is a lovely and interesting car.

Best in Show: 1948 Jaguar MK IV DHC.

The Morgans comprised concours Class 20. Maybe one of our number stayed through Class 62 (British Military Vehicles), but most of us soon photos: decamped the show field to Linda and Mike Baker’s home. Linda provided food and hostessing, Mike was in charge of beer and TV sports, and Frank Wnek provided entertainment. But Frank’s story is not for me to tell. In all, it was great to kick back with Morgan friends and enjoy an evening together.

We’re the Morgans: Concours Class 20

Sunday started early with the annual Smuggler’s Notch Driving Tour. (I slept in.) This was followed by a very fun Competition of Colors, in which cars were grouped on the field by color for people’s choice balloting. Of the MANY red cars, Brent and Anne Follweiler took First in their Plus 8. Nearby, the traditional Tailgate Picnic Competition once again selected Beth and Bill Jouris with their 4/4 picnic as “Most Elegant.” How could Maid Marian and Robin Hood huddled around a spitted animal carcass over a roaring campfire fail to be other than Most Elegant? The Jourises really are legend at these things. And so from Stowe to home, I cruised with hood up, ignored the raindrops on the windscreen and drips from under the dash, and pondered fresh memories of a well-worth-it weekend. Many thanks to the Bakers for getting us organized and providing great hospitality.

For info on this year’s British Invasion, check out their website.

Jack Flynn