SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER • VOLUME 78
SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER • VOLUME 78
Tom answers your Classic Car questions.
Question 1 from Mary R. in Laguna Nigel, CA
Is it just me, or
have rare and collectible Porsches gained in popularity recently? I
followed numerous Auctions the last 6 months, and they seemed to have been very well
represented; What in your opinion are some of the years and models
to be on the lookout for?
Tom's Answer:
Virtually
all years of Porsches, as well as select Turbo editions and limited
production models have all seen increases in value, and continue to be
very sought after by serious Porsche collectors. As usual, the better
the quality, the higher the value will be.
Question 2 from Frank S. in Redondo Beach, CA:
I have been looking to purchase my first E-Type and have been torn on what series to choose from. I understand that Series 1s are the most coveted, but I am more interested in driving and showing the car….As a marque expert in Jaguar restoration, what is your opinion on restoring a Series 2 or 3 XKE? Do you believe it is a worthwhile endeavor for collectors and enthusiasts, and what are some of the challenges?
Tom's Answer:
With Series 1s continuing to go up in value and becoming harder to find, the Series 2s and 3s are
starting to appreciate in value, as well as scarcity. What is also benefit to
the later series E-types is not only are they starting to appreciate, but they
also offer more features that are a positive for taller people.
Question 3 from Richard B. in San Diego, CA:
I have a 1965 E-type that is missing one of the horns; How do I tell which one is missing?
Tom's Answer:
Tom's Answer: The E-type had two horns located on the frame just behind the radiator, one a High note, the other a Low note. The horns will have a “H” or an “L” engraved in it, so you can determine which is which. Once you have determined which one is missing, then it can be purchased easily at one of many Jaguar suppliers.
Question 4 from Thomas S. in Culver City, CA:
I've noticed several Jaguar XKEs on your website that include recessed driving lights in the Bonnet; I really like the look and am interested in achieving something similar for my XKE. Is this look easy to replicate on XKEs? How is this look achieved?
Tom's Answer:
We have fabricated driving light assemblies for XKEs that recess into the front of the bonnet and are very efficient in operation. In fact, the XKEs original factory wire loom includes an extra wire incorporated into it for an auxiliary light system such as this. We have prepared several assemblies for installation in various alloy and steel bodied bonnets of Series 1 XKEs in the past, and are able to accommodate your E-Type as well. Please contact us if you would like to achieve this kind of sleek look for your E-Type.
Question 5 from Scott S. in Mesa, AZ:
I recently inherited a family member's 1965 Porsche 911 that has been sitting in his garage since the mid-1990s. I have been thinking that it would be great to have it freshened up or restored so my family and I can enjoy it for weekend drives and possibly showing it at local shows and events. My uncle purchased this from the dealer when new, and I know that he took great care of the car. Where should I start?
Tom's Answer:
Since the car has been sitting untouched since the mid-90s, the first step will be getting the car to us to do a complete evaluation and let you know the condition of the vehicle and all of its systems. If any rodents have entered the car in the last few decades, they can cause a great deal of damage, and we'll need to investigate that, as well as the condition of everything else. We would do a complete report with photos showing issues, and then will have a meeting with you to discuss it and give you recommendations for moving forward. This is the best way to approach a project such as you are describing.