A Classic Showcase Restoration
We started the XKE’s restoration process by first evaluating,
inspecting, and photographing the car in its entirety. We then
disassembled it, stripped it to bare metal, placed it on a rotisserie,
metal finished, leaded, with all body parts fitted to the car as well as
the chrome, primer preparation, sealer, paint, base and clear coat,
finally color sanding and buffing to a beautiful Opalescent Silver Grey
finish that you see on the XKE’s body today.
All of the E-Type’s mechanical systems and components are in the process
of being rebuilt, serviced, restored or replaced as needed, including:
the engine and transmission, as well as the rear end and suspension. In
addition, the engine block was hot tanked, line bored, and magnafluxed -
which included all machining and calibration along with new pistons,
rings, bearings, new fuel and water pump and machining the crank. Also
installed, were new valves, guides, seals, timing chain, a completely
rebuilt head, restoring and rebuilding of the SU carburetors, a new
clutch system, fly wheel machining, new hydraulic system, new u joints
installed and balancing of the drive shaft, new shocks throughout, and a
rebuilt fuel pump. All other systems such as the electrical, hydraulic,
cooling and fuel systems are being restored or replaced where needed,
and the car will be in the process of receiving a new wire harness,
rebuilt power brake booster, rubber, and grommets. All electrical
components are being gone through, which includes the gauges, knobs, and
switches - all of which will be restored, rescreened, or replaced as
needed. The car will also receive a new exhaust system, and a new
battery. The gas tank has been hot tanked, painted, and epoxy sealed,
and a new stock radiator is scheduled to be installed. All bright work
will be re-plated, and a new windshield will eventually be fitted in our
assembly area.
Our master trimmer in our upholstery department has created a complete
new custom tailored and fit interior in the correct materials, which
included a full restoration of the car’s seats, frames, top bows,
convertible top, and the eventual installation of sound deadening to
achieve a quiet, comfortable driving experience.
The team is currently in the beginning stages of assembling the E-Type
and will install the newly created interior in the very near future, so
stay tuned to this page for updates! Once completed, this restored
show/driver level XKE is sure to be ready for a multitude of uses, from
campaigning at your favorite Concours events, to experiencing out on the
open road, to simply collecting as an investment; regardless of use,
this soon to be ready 1965 Jaguar is sure to please wherever it may
roam!
(tap or click on an image to view a larger version)
Launched in 1961 at the international motor show in Geneva, the XKE
echoed the sensation of the XK-120, perhaps even more. An astonishing
performance package, with amazing speed and handling, the XKE’s’
brand-new 4-wheel independent suspension system was so well conceived,
it was used by Jaguar for over thirty years. The Series 1 4.2 is a very
user friendly, sporty driver, and one of the most collectable of the
E-Types. These are wonderful cars with a 4.2-liter engine with 3 SU
carburetors and a fully synchronized transmission. Some of the features
of this model are covered headlights, toggle switches, full
instrumentation with styling and a design that was way ahead of its time
with center console, and arm rests. Other features of this Series 1 are
its steep windshield and tail lights, which are placed above the bumper
line in the rear deck. Similarly, the parking lights are above the
front bumper line in the front fenders. In 1964 when the 4.2 was tested,
fuel consumption was rated road reported at 22 MPG and a top speed of
140 MPH.
(tap or click on an image to view a larger version)
