WINTER 2024   RESTORATION UPDATE

We began the restoration process by thoroughly evaluating, inspecting, and photographing the car in its entirety. The car was then disassembled, stripped to bare metal, placed on a rotisserie, and underwent meticulous metal finishing, leading, and fitting of all body parts, as well as the chrome. The restoration included primer preparation, sealing, painting, and applying the base and clear coats, followed by color sanding and buffing to achieve the stunning Opalescent Silver Grey finish you see today.

The mechanical systems and components have been carefully rebuilt, serviced, restored, or replaced. This included the engine, transmission, rear end, and suspension. The engine block was hot tanked, line bored, and magnafluxed, with all machining and calibration completed, along with the installation of new pistons, rings, bearings, a fuel pump, and a water pump. The crankshaft was machined, and the engine was outfitted with new valves, guides, seals, a timing chain, and a completely rebuilt head. The carburetors were restored and rebuilt, a new clutch system was installed, and the flywheel was machined. Additionally, the hydraulic system was renewed, new U-joints and shocks were installed, the drive shaft was balanced, and the fuel pump was rebuilt.

The electrical, hydraulic, cooling, and fuel systems have been restored or replaced as needed, including a new wiring harness, rebuilt power brake booster, rubber, and grommets. All electrical components, including the gauges, knobs, and switches, have been inspected and restored, rescreened, or replaced as necessary. The car now has a new exhaust system and battery, and the gas tank was hot tanked, painted, and epoxy sealed. An alloy radiator has been installed, and all bright work has been re-plated.

With the mechanical systems complete, the team is now focused on final assembly. This includes fitting a new windshield, refining interior details, and ensuring every component is properly aligned and functional. The luxurious Opalescent Silver Grey interior is being complemented by modern conveniences such as air conditioning, a Bluetooth-enabled Retrosound radio, and an auxiliary fan for added comfort. On track for completion by late January to early February, this 1968 E-Type FHC will soon take its place as a stunning, fully restored classic for its family to enjoy for generations!

1968 JAGUAR XKE HISTORY

The E-Type Roadster presented here is an early 1968 model, it is one of the few E-Types that are today popularly known as Series I 1/2 cars as they utilize the open headlight bonnets but are otherwise are very similar to the Series I cars retaining the very favorable 4.2 liter engine. Inspiration from the D-Type is unmistakable, as the E-Type had a monocoque passenger compartment, a tube framed engine bay and a tilting hood. The XKE has four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes with the rear discs fitted next to the differential to reduce unsprung weight and, most importantly, fully independent suspension on all four wheels.