(previous page)We had an unqualified blast in the UK. England is magic. The people are friendly, the tubes (subways) are safe and spotless, and the towns are clean and charming. The rolling green hills of the country, spotted with an occasional castle, are nothing short of spectacular. Everything, however, is more expensive than stateside (alcohol at $11 per cocktail!) and British sausages seem filled with sawdust.

Unquestionably the high point was the Goodwood Circuit Revival. Lord March (real English royalty!) is the visionary who conceived the ultimate vintage race car meeting, giving attention to the smallest details. Only pre-1966 vehicles are allowed in the pit and paddock. No cell phones or beepers, please. Competitors must dress appropriate to the theme of the weekend (1948-57). Ladies are asked to dress "sympathetically."

Lord March surprised 1,000 guests by debuting our lavender lowrider, bathed in purple-gelled lights, on a slowly rotating turntable. It was the centerpiece for his black tie dinner. Upon arrival, we told the stage crew that we had a theatrical smoke machine built into the car. They had four smoke machines built into the platform, so they outbid us. The stage and even the rugs were purple. Titanic flat killed 'em.

After dinner we fired up the engine, cackled the glasspacks and the 18-ft long tailpipes to the delight of the audience, and drove it off stage with our stereo cranking at the max. The bluebloods loved it.

Hanging out with a bottle of champagne chilling on the roof of the Titanic, cranking Little Isidore & the Inquisitors through the exterior speakers, surrounded by vintage cars and people in vintage togs, it was crystal clear that life just doesn't get any better than this.

Coming March 19th in Part 2: We tour the English countryside and head for the continent.

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