British Invasion - Stowe

The British Invasion in Stowe Vermont has been a tradition for over 34 years.  Those of us who remember the e

arly days of the show, complete with windstorms, hurricanes and chilly temps, making the trek every year is a highlight of the year.  The 2025 edition of the Invasion held September 19-21 was absolute perfection.  Mid-week temperatures in the 80’s gave way to mid 40’s, perfect for our little British Cars.  What began as a modest gathering of British car enthusiasts has grown into one of North America’s premier British motoring events—and this year, over 400 classic British cars joining the fun. For those of us from South Florida, the lure of New England in September is always a magic time.  The lawn of the Stowe Events Field filled with MGs, Austin-Healeys, Jaguars, Lotus Elans, Minis and sleek Aston Martins, brought decades of automotive design together in one celebratory scene.

This year’s special focus was on Triumph, Lotus, Mini, and Aston Martin as featured marques, but of course our beloved Jaguars were there in force. The show spanned three days, with the official launch being the Friday evening Block Party on Main Street Stowe.   A fantastic live band (with the associated dancing) food and drink, with the many of the show cars lining the street made for a really vibrant event.  Saturday was the main show day when the field was fully alive with polished chrome, hoods open, judges inspecting details, and crowds strolling between rows of vehicles.  Catching up with friends from JCNA clubs such as the Jaguar Association of New England (JANE) was fabulous, with special mention of the famous Jaguar collectors Tom and John Brady (along with their third twin Don). 

One of the enduring charms of the British Invasion is that, despite its scale, it retains a friendly, down-to-earth feel. You’ll see longtime restorers chatting with newcomers, children inspecting engine bays wide-eyed, and spares vendors along the perimeter swapping parts or restoration tips. Tailgating is more than a sideline — it’s part of the show, with themed picnic spreads and props popping up between rows of LBC’s on Sunday.

Judging in the concours class is serious business: cars compete in several classes, sorted by marque, model year, body style, or era. More than engine tuning or paint shine, judges look at originality, mechanical integrity, cleanliness, and how sympathetically restorations have been handled.  But the majority of the event is people’s choice, so fan favorites hold the key for those taking home trophies.  Congratulations to Ray and Dianne Crook with their first-place win in the Series I Etype Class, and Tom Brady from JANE, with his 1952 Jaguar XK-120 with his second-place win.

Beyond the show field, driving tours are a signature element of British Invasion weekend: past years have included routes around Lake Champlain’s islands or through scenic mountain passes such as Smuggler’s Notch. These drives allow owners to enjoy their machines on the road and create a rolling spectacle across Vermont’s back roads, including the mandatory covered bridge sitings!