Most classic cars have a story and this E Type is no exception. The journey started with Gavin taking a call in September 2015 with the enquirer asking “can you restore me an E Type Jaguar for my 50th birthday?” The answer was of course yes, but two questions quickly came to mind – when is your birthday and how good (or bad) is the E Type that needs restoring? The deadline was April 2017 (so 18 months) which was borderline achievable, but a suitable car needed to be sourced. As the vision was clear right from the start to restore the car perfectly but to also integrate a whole host of upgrades, the choice of model had to be a series 1 4.2 roadster.
Chassis 1E14073 was built on the 22nd of November 1966 and was dispatched to Jaguar Cars, New York on the 7th of December 1966. Originally finished in Opalescant Golden Sand with black interior and a black convertible top, that is how the car presented when purchased by the current owner. Displaying 80,020 miles, the car had never been restored, was full numbers matching and was in very original condition. A perfect candidate!
When the car finally arrived at the end of January 2016, the team quickly set about dismantling the car to a bare shell. The shell was alkaline dipped and then set up on our restoration jig to be restored and the new alloy bonnet fitted. Whilst the body was taking shape, the mechanicals were being attended to and the integration of the upgrades.
When it comes to upgrades this roadster has a lot, all with the aim of making the car a real drivers car. Faster yes, but more capable in a wide range of conditions and situations. Top down to the beach in summer. Top up for country cruising in winter. Cars and Coffee on any Sunday. Whatever it may be, every drive in this E Type would be an exciting one!
Let’s start with the engine. This is not a racing car, so the objective was to enhance the torquey nature of the 4.2 litre 6 cylinder. The original numbers matching engine was fully rebuilt with custom designed forged pistons, bigger camshafts and valves, CNC ported cylinder head, electronic ignition and those beautiful stainless steel exhaust headers. With the original triple SU carburettors fully restored and jetted accordingly, the engine produced over 300ft/lb of torque and a nice boost in power too.
The gearbox is a brand new all alloy 5 speed designed specifically for converting an E Type Jaguar and a new alloy flywheel and late model diaghram clutch was fitted. The original limited slip diff was fully rebuilt and then the suspension totally upgraded to improve handling. Larger diameter front torsion bars and sway bar, uprated rear coil springs and externally adjustable GAZ shock absorbers are fitted all round. An adjustable front reaction plate and adjustable rear spring platforms allow the ride height of the car to be easily adjusted. The brakes are all new. Alloy callipers designed specifically for an E Type and vented disc rotors provide far superior stopping power. A quick ratio steering rack was fitted as was a slightly smaller diameter version of the classic E Type wood rimmed steering wheel. An aluminium radiator and large thermo fan keep things cool, a high output alternator to keep up with the upgraded electrics and a gear reduction starter was also fitted.
The car rolls on the eye catching 15 x 6 triple laced chrome wire wheels with Avon CR6ZZ tyres providing a huge advancement in grip and roadholding.
With the bodywork completed, the boys in the paintshop took their turn and refinished the roadster in stunning Opalescant Dark Blue using only the best paint materials from Glasurit. With the fresh engine dyno tuned and all of the mechanical componentry rebuilt into sub assemblies, the assembly process was streamlined and efficient which it needed to be to make the deadline. Darren and the team at Stitched Up Custom Trim were called on the restore the interior in dark red and a black convertible top. The quality of trimming is second to more and the colour combination is arguably the best there is.
The result is simply stunning. In terms of how it looks – the colour, the stance, the wheels and of course the series 1 E Type is the best looking E Type model anyway. In terms of it’s performance – the weight reduction over the front of the car is quite noticeable improving handling and steering response, the slick 5 speed gearbox, the extensive suspension and braking upgrades then the big 6 cylinder providing a smooth surge of power all add up to a very rewarding drive. In terms of the restoration – every single nut and bolt restored and the entire restoration executed to the highest quality possible by the leading E Type restorer in the country. Stunning in every way.
