Back To Where It Began

It all started in Kent for this Series 1 4.2 Fixed Head Coupe, having left Henlys London in 1965 and delivered to the first registered keeper in Beckenham, June the same year. The E-Type spent the next 40+ years on the beautiful Kentish roads in the garden of England, until 2007 where the Series 1 was shipped to its third owner in Koerich, Luxembourg. Skip forward nine years and this truly British car has returned home to Kent and begins its restoration story with E-Type UK.

Original right-hand drive.
Full matching numbers.
Understood to be a genuine low mileage example.
New to Kent, exported to Luxembourg and then back again.
Blueprint specification with subtle tweaks for comfort.

And so it begins

Once delivered to our Kent based facility, the team began their inspection of the vehicle establishing the work required. While the vehicle arrived as a driving MOT car, the metalwork told a different story. The team begins fully stripping the car until just the E-Type shell remains, prepping the E-Type ready to be sandblasted. Once blasted the metalwork team can see exactly what they have got in store. Due to long-term exposure to the wet British climate, this Jaguar E-type returns showing extensive rust and heavy pitting throughout the shell. Once reviewed it was only a handful of elements that could be salvaged, such as:

Front and rear bulkheads
Gearbox tunnel
Roof
Nearside and offside doors
Seat posts
Tailgate

Starting a new

Moved into the metalwork station, the team get cracking on this Series 1 E-type Coupe. Having already addressed the unsalvageable panels, all new parts and sections are ordered and the fabrication can begin, pushing the build closer to being painted and then rebuilt.

All corroded panels and sections were removed.
New front floor plan, boot floor, rear arches were fitted and fabricated.
Pre-paint preparation is undertaken to return the perfect bodyline and gaps.
The E-type trial fitted with its original chrome, prior to it being refurbished.

A fresh coat

Once complete, the shell is cleaned, prepared and given a mouth-watering coat of period-correct Jaguar Signal Red! A further 4 coats of solid colour is sprayed across the shell for maximum coverage, before several rounds of clear coat to lock that fantastic colour in! Once complete the shell and panels are subjected to over 60 hours of polish to really give the new finish depth and shine. With paintwork complete, the E-type hits a milestone of moving from bodyshop to workshop for its component rebuild.

Building the specification

Since the shell and all panels (bonnet, doors and tailgate) have been treated to a fresh coat of Signal Red, the E-type has flown along in its rebuild process following the client's personalised specification. While looking to create a 'classic' finished example, consideration has been given to introducing some subtle upgrades to ensure the E-type runs smoothly, safely and reliably, these upgrades include:

Adjustable front suspension
High torque starter
Sports coil
Electronic ignition
Silicone cooling hoses
Stainless steel exhaust system with period cast manifolds

Now fitted with its original fully rebuilt 4.2L engine, 4-speed synchro manual gearbox and necessary running components and aforementioned upgrades, the team are ready to wake up the beating heart of this classic within the chassis for the first time since starting its restoration. With several turns of the key to prime the engine and new auxiliary running parts, the engine roars to life! Following a successfully run the team continue to build up the engine bay, edging closer for this classic to put rubber to the tarmac.

Fresh Biscuit

With a successful first start, the remaining engine bay components were fitted and the E-type was sent away to be trimmed. Now complete, this Series 1 Coupe returns to the workshop looking truly stunning. The interior has been finished in a fresh and mouth-watering Biscuit, which beautifully pairs with the new Signal Red paintwork. Now, back to the ramp to finish exterior build-up, edging closer to road testing and completion.

That's A Wrap!

Since arriving at E-Type UK, this original right-hand drive Series 1 E-type Coupe has completed a full nut and bolt restoration, stripped back to bare bones and rebuilt to better than factory fresh condition. This Jaguar E-type completes its restoration finished in a heritage correct Signal Red over a gorgeous Biscuit interior, treated with desirable reliability and sports upgrade program. Now ready to begin our shakedown mileage testing, ensuring everything is operating as it should be before being delivered to one excited client.

Back To Where It Began