WOODWORK
(USA) 2002
 While
in the USA I thought I would take in the annual Woodwork
event in New Jersey and meet up with the TVR North
America members. I didn't know what to expect especially
as it
would be the first time I would be at a TVRCC event
without a TVR, I would be arriving in a borrowed
VW diesel!
After the enjoyable drive from Pennsylvania into
New Jersey I arrived at the hotel where the TVRNA
members where staying. It was easy to
hide the VW before I made my way to the rear of the hotel where
all the TVRs where parked. What a sight....
Vixens, Griffiths (old and new), Wedges, Ss,
Ms etc where all there and not just one or two
but loads. What was more impressive was how
and where they had come from. Some had driven, some had been trailered
and one arrived in the back of a purpose built 53ft auto trailer.
(Hopefully Jim will be contributing to Sprint with an insight into
what he transports day to day - it is worth waiting for!). The
cars had come form California (3400 miles ),
Florida, Montana and Canada
to quote a few number plates, with club members coming from as
far away as Norway!
After a quick look around I got the chance to
speak to a few of the owners as we headed to
the bar for a quick drink before the banquet.
As well as finding out how nuts these Americans and Canadians are
over TVR I also found out that many of them have more than one
TVR,
many of them another 2, 3 or 4 at home! Greedy is an understatement.
The banquet was superb, if you have never eaten
in the USA then you must be skinny, followed
by an interesting talk by Mike Mooney who
is completing a book on the original Griffith. Mike was a police
officer who had a thing about fast cars and ended up being a test
driver for the new Griffiths. If the book is anything like his
talk then it is worth a read.
 There
was an interesting auction that took place after
the meal, these Americans will buy anything TVR
especially if there are parts from the latest
models! A certain chap from the west coast seemed
to be
trying to import a new Tuscan bit by bit buying
everything from a cylinder to a wing mirror control
panel. After the auction there was time for a
few stories over drinks before it was time to
hit the
sack as some had an early start in the morning.
On the Sunday morning several convoys set off
for the Richmond Park where the main get together
takes
place. After a few digs from the "locals" about
how the British had brought the weather we set off in the familiar
TVR column with a few hire cars and a VW that the Brits had brought!
The sight was fantastic, the noise was even better and the look
on the State Trooper on the freeway was even
better- jaw dropping was
an understatement!
Once at the park the TVRs signed in and lined up with the other
British made cars that make up the meeting. There where Minis,
old and new,
a couple of MGAs, Jaguars and Triumphs parked up with the Blackpool
mob.
The day was spent looking around all these fabulous vehicles and
chatting to the owners and enthusiasts. As well as the grounds
of the park and the large lake, there where various auto jumble
and
a club stand which offered some interesting objects to fill your
hand luggage.
The whole event was very enjoyable and Marshall
Moore, Jeff Loss and all the other TVRNACC members
who helped in the organisation
or who just attended made us all very welcome. A great weekend,
a great hotel, great cars, great people and the
weather..well it did
stop raining on Sunday just!
If anyone is interested in going next year then
please do get in touch as we are trying to negotiate
airfares for next year - just
email events@tvrcc.com Hopefully
we may be able to take a few cars over from Europe to help fill
the show.
Richard Mayoh
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