Quarterly Newsletter Volume 79
Quarterly Newsletter Volume 79
A Classic Showcase restoration in process, soon to be available!
Beyond its provenance and originality, the 2+2 configuration offers practical advantages that make this model especially appealing. With added cabin space, higher roofline, and a longer wheelbase, the 2+2 is ideal for taller drivers or those who prefer a roomier cockpit. The rear seating and expanded luggage area also make this E-Type far more accommodating for longer drives, additional passengers, or weekend touring with full travel gear—qualities that set it apart from its coupe and roadster counterparts.
Now undergoing a full show-driver level restoration, this example retains its factory-original color combination of Silver Blue over Dark Blue—documented by its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate. With only two owners since new and an extraordinary level of originality, this 2+2 offered the kind of foundation every restorer hopes to find.
The team's first step was a complete visual assessment and a full set of pre-restoration photos. Then the real work began. We stripped the car to bare metal, mounted it on a rotisserie, and tackled the metal finishing and leadwork with care. Getting the body lines just right on a 2+2 takes time—but we wanted this one perfect. Every contour, crease, and seam was carefully shaped, checked, and corrected to ensure the car’s elegant profile remained intact.
Panel alignment on an E-Type is a nuanced process—doors, bonnet, hatch, and trim must not only fit, but flow. Our team test-fitted each component multiple times, making subtle adjustments to achieve uniform gaps and symmetry. The chrome pieces, which were also being replated, were temporarily installed and aligned with the body to ensure a seamless visual integration once final assembly begins.
Once the bodywork was right, it moved into the paint phase. We applied primer and sealer, followed by base and clear coats in the original Silver Blue—a color that brings out the car’s shape in spectacular fashion. But the transformation didn’t stop there. We spent additional hours color sanding and buffing to create a smooth, glass-like finish. Under the shop lights, the curves of the E-Type shimmer—and out in the sun, it’s even more striking. The attention to detail throughout this process can’t be overstated. From how the light plays off the fenders to how the bonnet shuts with precision, everything was approached with the goal of restoring—not just repainting—a piece of automotive sculpture.
Our Master Trimmer is recreating the cabin with materials matched exactly to original Jaguar specifications and every element from the seat covers to the door panels, carpeting, and headliner is being custom cut, sewn, and fit by hand using premium Dark Blue materials. This is not a kit installation; it’s a bespoke re-trim, done to concours-quality standards. We are also meticulously restoring or replacing any trim components as necessary, ensuring every detail reflects the factory-correct appearance. Small components like fasteners, clips, and hardware are reviewed and replaced as needed, and care is taken with every seam, pleat, and panel fit. The goal is not only to return the interior to showroom condition, but to do so in a way that honors the original craftsmanship Jaguar intended. The result will be a cabin that feels authentic, refined, and ready for both concours and the open road!
The E-Type’s original 4.2-liter engine is undergoing a complete rebuild—starting with hot tanking, line boring, and magnafluxing of the block. New pistons, rings, and bearings are being installed, and the crankshaft is being machined to factory spec. The head has been fully rebuilt with new valves, guides, and seals, while the SU carburetors are being carefully restored and calibrated.
The mechanical overhaul also includes a new clutch system, flywheel machining, and the installation of a rebuilt fuel pump. We are replacing the entire hydraulic system and installing new u-joints and shocks, while also balancing the driveshaft to ensure smooth operation. Each component is being rebuilt, replaced, or machined to exacting standards, ensuring performance that is both period-authentic and road-ready.
With major mechanical and cosmetic work wrapping up, the Jaguar is now progressing through assembly. A new cloth-bound wiring harness is being installed, along with a rebuilt power brake booster, a factory-style radiator, and a new battery. The gas tank has been hot tanked, epoxy-sealed, and refinished, ensuring clean, reliable fuel delivery.
All gauges, knobs, and switches are being evaluated individually—restored, rescreened, or replaced as needed. A new windshield is being carefully fitted in our assembly area, and all brightwork has been replated to match original finishes.
This phase is where every detail counts. Our team is dedicating focused time to ensure that panel fit, hardware alignment, and final adjustments meet concours-level expectations. Fasteners are chosen not just for function, but for finish and correctness. Electrical connections are tested thoroughly, and component tolerances are checked and double-checked to ensure reliable integration with adjacent systems.
As each part comes together—original and restored working in harmony—the car begins to reclaim its complete form. This is where the craftsmanship becomes visible in every joint, seam, and component interface. It’s a rewarding, hands-on phase that reflects the discipline, patience, and pride our restoration crew brings to every build!
When completed, this rare French-market E-Type 2+2 will represent one of the most complete, factory-authentic restorations of its kind. But its appeal goes beyond the surface. With more interior room, extra storage space, and true grand touring comfort, this model offers a distinct advantage for taller drivers, collectors who travel, or enthusiasts who want an E-Type they can truly use—without compromising style or pedigree. Whether destined for concours showing, refined road use, or long-term collection, this Silver Blue 2+2 offers a rare blend of authenticity, craftsmanship, and usability! Contact our sales team for more info on this soon to be completed 2+2 XKE!