Registration, Swap Meet, Fashion Show

Day one of the official program started fairly slowly with Jaguar owners arriving and registering. It was great to see cars arriving after being driven for substantial distances, from as far as New England, the Pacific Northwest (yes, that's an Oregon Plate on this e-type) or South Florida.

Numerous displays were being setup including a strong Jaguar presence with a number of new 2004 XJ8 and the recently announced Donovan - Jaguar Select Edition E-type Vintage Race Team. Long time JCNA sponsor Zymol, well known for their top of the line detailing products had a detailing area setup with free products and non stop assistance in how to get the best finish.

Inside the Mariott, a few cars were displayed as well in the ballroom area lobby including event chair Dennis Eynon's stunning XK120. A black FHC, it has been extensively modifed and turned in automotive art with great attention paid to details. On the outside, the headlight have been faired in the fenders, like a C-Type with special trim similar to what is found on E-types. The interior is trimed in leather, everywhere including headliner, floors, door panels, etc... as is the boot. The engine bay is carefully detailed with a lot of highly polished aluminum. Stunning Jaguar!

Registration was setup in the ballroom lobby area as well as vendors and sponsors booths. In addition to the usual catalogues and brochures found in the registration bag, the event program was stuning with excellent graphic and good articles. In addition to a beautiful commemorative event poster, participants received beautiful souvenir gift, a clock for men and a growler pin for the ladies, specially designed by Molina Jewelers.

Members of the host club, JC of Central Arizona, were out in force helping with registration, hospitality suite, etc...

The very first item on the official program was the JCNA Swap Meet where JCNA members were able to display parts and regalia for sale. Steve Kennedy, of the Rocky Mountain JC, was there with his newly published book Jaguar The Classic Marque (see review on the website).

Across the hall, a fashion show was presented, probably for the ladies not to get bored...

Land Rover Experience at Scottsdale Jaguar and dinner at Molina Jewelers

Jaguar Cars and Scottsdale Jaguar / Land Rover were the hosts of a wonderful welcoming party at the end of the first day taking place at the North Scottsdale dealership, a huge complex which offers a number of brands in one location including all of course all of Ford's premium brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin.

The dealership also includes the Penske Museum where a number of cars raced by the Penske team over the years can be seen; from early stock cars to the latest IRL open wheeler. The upper level contains an large selection of trophies showcasing he accomplishments of the various Team Penske stabbles.

Outside the museum in a semi circular courtyard where the cocktail party took place, JCNA members where able to take demonstration rides in Range Rovers and Land Rover on a special course designed to showcase the outstanding capabilities of the Land Rover line.

The cars where driven on the course by company instructors and it was a very unique experience. Too often these cars are purchased because SUVs are the in thing these days, giving their drivers a false sense of safety and invulnerability... Most of them are confined to city pavement and will never be used off road where they belong. Sort of like a trailer queen E-type confined to a trailer and concours field grace but never driven on the open road... But back to the Land Rover track, with its water crossing, extreme rock climb and other obstacles.. that was an eye opener, and more than one passenger confessed being nervous at the incredible angles the cars can achieve.

In addition to the Land Rover demonstration, JCNA members were able to test drive the all new aluminum 2004 XJ8 and the constant insterest received by the new big cat is proof that Jaguar got it right!

Back to the comfort of the dealership patio, a special presentation of the dealer of the year award plaque was made by JCNA President Gary Hagopian and JCNA Challenge Championship chair Dennis Eynon. The award was announced at the recent AGM and recognizes the Jaguar dealership which best supports their local club. Dealer support is important to JCNA affiliate clubs and establishing a good relationship is not always easy despite the fact that clubs represent an group of potential customers faithful to the Jaguar marque.

After the presentation and cockail party, members where taken by bus to a dinner hosted by world renowned Molina Jewelers, in a large tent outside their store in Phoenix. The buffet was superb and after dinner, JCNA members were treated by special presentation of some stunning jewelry presented by Molina in their store. Molina Jewelers was also responsible for the design and manufacture of the growler pin offered to ladies in the registration package.