When this important 1962 E-Type Series 1 FHC came to WinSpeed in June 2020 – under its own steam (!) – we were all excited. It sounded just that little bit different from most, hinting that its documented history could well be correct. Here was an exciting, two-owner, early E-Type Jaguar – possibly unique – with a well-documented and fascinating provenance.
The brief from the two owners was simple: investigate and confirm what its history file implied; inspect; report; estimate; restore and, importantly, preserve its `key` features.
On the surface the car looked…..`OK`, but our experience of E-Type restoration told us to expect some hidden dramas. The shape alone was the biggest clue – it looked `heavy`; none of that lovely, svelte, sweep of Malcolm Sayers` inspirational pen. Before us sat the proverbial `lemon`.
A WinSpeed E-Type restoration is thorough and forensic. Stripped back to its shell – and then media blasted with care – its 58 year history was revealed. Layers of paint, followed by a rendering of filler covering panels welded over panels revealing a web of perforated, tissue-thin, steel beneath.
This was not just `remove & replace`; this was “where do we start…..and where do we finish?”
After six months, with good planning, knowledge and skill, we now have a shell that is once more resembling the original E-Type`s integrity and purity of line. Suspension, brakes and steering have all been stripped and rebuilt awaiting their re-fitting.
The original XK E-Type 3.8 Litre Engine is being rebuilt and blueprinted to the standard expected of WinSpeed (whilst retaining the hidden Hallmarks of a very, very, great name in the history that IS JAGUAR.)
Follow this WinSpeed E-Type restoration as we go…… (NOTE: 2 pages of images)
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