Dan, his mother (Diane), father (Ray), and dog (Jack) featured on the front page of The Times Argus on their 1998 British Invasion trip
Young Dan with Ray’s 1967 Jaguar E-type OTS
For many, the British Invasion is more than an annual show, it’s a family tradition. Dan Crook has been coming to the British Invasion since he was five-years-old. In 1991, he and his sister squeezed into the back of their 1971 Jaguar V12 E-type 2+2 for the four-hour trek to his first British Invasion (our second show). Every year since he and his family have been making the journey in various Jaguar models. Dan’s father, Ray, recalls one particular journey in their 1962 Jaguar, Series I, E-type roadster in 1998. Dan was twelve at the time and they were short on space. Dedicated to the cause, Ray removed the center console so that Dan could ride in the middle next to his mother and their dog.
Eventually, Dan was old enough to fit in the driver’s seat. After two Fords, his father reports, “It was time to experience a taste of the Prince of Darkness. My advice to Dan was to get an affordable car, so his first British car was a 1979 Triumph Spitfire.” Dan poured himself into the Spitfire, brought it back to life, and up to the British Invasion. Dan dove headlong into the hobby. Since the Spitfire, he has brought a 1963 Jaguar E-type Roadster, a 1952 Jaguar XK120 roadster, two 1967 Jaguar 420 sedans, and a 1965 Jaguar S-type sedan to the show.
Dan’s 1978 Triumph Spitfire (the brown one)
Dan’s 1967 Jaguar 420 sedan
At 34-years-old, Dan has been faithfully attending the British Invasion for 29 years. A devoted attendee and Stowe supporter, he was even married at the Green Mountain Inn and honeymooned at the British Invasion the weekend after! (Welcome to the British Invasion family Lauren!) This year Dan will be celebrating the British Invasion’s 30th in his 1967 Jaguar 420 sedan.
Dan driving onto the field in his 1952 XK120 OTS
We are privileged to have attendees as devoted to our show and the hobby as Dan and his family. Thank you for sharing your story and the last 29 years with us!
Dan in his 1962 Jaguar E-type OTS
