Edition 38 Show

Overstone Park, Northampton
4th - 5th September 2004
Sunday, a day of rest, a day of laziness, waking-up mid morning, relaxing and taking it easy. For the rest of the country maybe, but for the hardcore J29er this wasn't the case!
All across Essex, in the early hours, alarms were sounding. For some J29ers this was at an ungodly hour of 5.30am. For other sleepier enthusiasts, the alarm just wasn't enough and it took additional phone calls from other members to rouse them awake. For those that did manage to stick to the schedule and make it to the Total garage in Brentwood for 7.30 (uh hum 8ish), a scrummy McDonalds helped ease the pain.
Paul and Bonnie were the first to arrive in the Shiny Oak Green MK2 16v and eyebrows were raised as they realised they were the first! They weren't waiting long however, and shortly after 7.45 the Colchester mob arrived: namely Justin and Jo in the gleaming Black VR6 highline, Jamie and Andrea in the dazzling Green VR6 Corrado Storm, Joe in his brilliant Red Mk2 8v and Paul and Gemma in the bright and shiny MK4 GTI.
It was soon realised that Damo was nowhere to be seen (he was the above mentioned lazy-one)! A phone call was made by side-kick Paul who established he was on his way. A final quick dash was made by Justin to the nearby McDonalds and soon after they arrived back, Damo appeared in his Oak Green 8v which was looking particularly smart! Normally a substantial grilling would have ensued being an hour late but all was forgiven as the 14hr day in preparation with fitting of pop-outs to Paul's valver, hardcore polishing and just a few hours sleep had made this normally hardcore man a very tired boy.
With a last roll-call, the troops set off into the sunshine. Up onto the M25, finally making tracks for our destination: the well known, much talked about Edition 38 show in Northampton. The journey went relatively smoothly and good headway was made until Damo and Paul missed the turning for the M1 due to a tussle with a Mercedes AMG! After the J29 name was upheld, it was quickly realised that the rest of the convoy had disappeared. Several phone calls were made and the troops slowed to allow the two Essex Boys to catch up. Progress was finally made and Edition 38 was in sight!
After arriving at around 10ish, a semi-circular artistic, or should I say autistic, display was attempted. After about half an hour of manoeuvring the dubs their pansy owners finally managed to formed a half moon shape! The J29 banner was erected, number plates were changed and the cars were given their final shine. When the hard work was done it was time for a wander to check out some of the very admirable, dare I say it, sexy cars. The standard of cars was absolutely outstanding and as agreed by all, this was by far, the most organised, well-laid out show this year.
If the Best-in-Show Audi TT on air, with wire wheels didn't grab your attention then you were bound to be drawn in by Westside's presentation of super dubs; the flushed, slammed purple polo or any number of the cars that made the trek from across the seas. Attention to detail was fantastic from all of the cars that displayed, let alone those in the car park! If all that failed to impress then there was a Bentley Continental GT with an Edition 38 sticker to eye spy, a few good trade stands and a whole lot of grub to sample.
The weather was superbly fine; for some too hot and once again our faithful dubs provided much needed shade to chill out and enjoy the day. This was also a day of triumph for Junction29 after finally making it into PVW! After having a good chuckle at the wording and accusations made, a few of our proud members paraded the article in their cars on full view for the rest of Edition 38 to see. For those of you who haven't managed to get hold of a copy or just cant wait, click here for the very article as printed in the one and only PVW. Thumbs up boys!
By late afternoon the day was definitely deemed a success - and after rests; second, third and even fourth looks at the cars were made; more ice cream was bought and beer was supped.
There were lots of familiar faces around to have a chat with including the likes of Richgit and Rags. It was also nice to be joined by other members of J29 during the day such as Haddy & Steve, and Wayne who had a very early start indeed.
Purchases were made by some including much needed adapters for Paul's Design 90 wheels - whilst others couldn't stop selling goods and some were lucky enough to win items from the raffle! Yes that's right... you guessed it - He got out of bed late, enjoyed the sunshine, feasted on a hotdog AND a burger, had two ice creams and just as we were leaving - in the cars, engines running, ready to go - Damo's ticket number was called! A quick dash was made and he was the proud owner of a set of crystal smoked indicators! Jammy git!
All said and done, an exhausted troop of Essex boys and girls made a slow journey back to their homeland whilst taking in the sights - including a free airshow courtesy of Duxford to pass the time whilst sitting in a traffic jam. All the while content and safe in the knowledge that the day had been a success! Speaking on behalf of everyone, a sure fire winner of an event, not to be missed next year.
Words by Bonnie, pictures by Justin & Damo.