From Restoration to the Riviera: The Love Story of an E-Type Tourer
Roaring Across the Pond
We have many E-Type stories to tell at P&K Thornton Restorations. Many of the E-Types that pass through our hands and get restored by us are actually exported Jaguar E-Types to the US that has made the long journey back to the UK. In fact, around two-thirds of E-Type Jaguars manufactured were shipped to the US. And around half of those come back to British soil in various conditions. It's about more than how they've been kept, too. Whether the owners looked after them well or let them fall into disrepair, it can be the environmental conditions. An E-Type kept in the dry heat of California will be in much better shape for one that's been hanging around the changing weather of downtown Manhattan even if it's stored carefully.
Pictured: 1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 ready to be enjoyed.
From Export to Import
One of our finished projects was a 1965 Series 1 E-Type with the bigger 4.2 engine. An international businessman and avid car collector had imported a white series 1 from the USA to add to his ever-growing portfolio of classic and collectable cars. Over sixty cars and counting. It was his dream car, and he'd spied it for sale when on one of his many trips across the pond. And well, when you see something as beautiful and elegant as the E-Type Jaguar, you can't blame him.
He wanted a touring E-Type that could withstand long hauls, especially in his favourite touring pad of Southern France. So, the E-Type needed to cope with higher running temperatures and the general wear and tear of constant driving without losing its English charm and classic car heritage. And because we are used to meeting our customer's every need, we went to work to restore the E-Type back to perfection with a few modifications to deal with extensive touring. Of course.
The Restoration Journey
The car came to the UK with some issues that needed addressing. Sadly, many E-Types that pass through P&K Thornton Restorations have either been neglected by previous owners or badly restored by other car restorers. And this Series One Jaguar was no exception. The paint had been finished to a decent condition, and the engine restoration wasn't particularly well executed. It's imperative with any classic car that it's stripped right back, and each part, no matter how small, is assessed, catalogued, checked, and, if necessary, restored or replaced. Luckily, the bodywork and overall structure were sound and in fine fettle.
We brought in a red E-Type Jag Series 1 1965 donor car for this particular build. With Jaguar producing only a few parts for E-Type, sometimes we have to use one or two donor cars to bring one car back to perfection. Unfortunately, these donor cars are usually beyond repair and have such extensive damage that they're not worth restoring.
Our customer's car needed a complete engine overhaul. It was entirely stripped back by our classic car technicians, and all engine components like pistons, crankshaft, bearings, and cylinder head were cleaned, re-machined to perfection, and upgraded to a higher spec in keeping with our E10 petrol times. It's this process that separates a good restoration from an outstanding restoration. It's all in the details. First, the engine was carefully disassembled, and each part was slotted back together like a mechanical jigsaw. Next, the trio of SU 2" carburettors were removed and rebuilt before being fitted to the engine for final testing.
Restoration projects are commitments. Unless the car is in good condition, to get it right, the restoration project can last well into over a year. And this particular E-Type was no exception, with a total restoration length of over 18 months. This allows us to ensure that every nut and bolt is checked before being put back in its correct place. It means that everything is noticed in the process and that when back together, the car performs as it should.
Pictured: A progress shot of the engine bay with suspension and Aluminium radiator fitted, awaiting the engine and gearbox installation.
All Mod Cons
We needed to ensure that it was 'South of France' ready and could sustain the heat and extensive touring capabilities that our client required. For this, we overhauled the cooling system to cope with the warmer climate, ensuring the engine runs and keeps cool through the 'Midi de la France'. This comes to our second upgrade and modification. Braking. With extensive driving, it's imperative that this big old classic can stop safely. So our classic car technicians upgraded the brakes with Fosseway performance brakes. So that slowing down and bringing this nimble cat to a safe stop. Critical for long-distance hauls.
Pictured is the E-Type 4.2 FHC tearing up the Nottinghamshire B-roads.
Pictured: Restored interior of the E-type.
Picture. Engine bay clean looks during testing.
The seat upgrades were one of the most controversial upgrades for classic car purists that we added to this E-Type. However, if you're going to be adventuring for many miles of open road, it's essential for driver and passenger comfort. So, and it's not the first time, we fitted a pair of early series Mazda Mx-5 seats into the E-Type, trimmed by car upholstery specialists GB Classic Trim, Nuneaton. These were custom-built to our customer's specifications, completely bespoke seats. So that they effortlessly blend into the traditional upholstery and dashboard without too much of the keen eye seeing them. We've done this many times, and the customer always keeps the original seats. Just in case they want to go back to the original style.
Once the E-Type is back together, Mazda seats and all. We then thoroughly test it on the road. We put it through its paces along Nottingham's roads, ensuring that every component, new, old and repaired, is working in harmony with each other. Finally, a pound coin is placed on the engine, and if it has fallen over after a minute, we're happy the engine is purring perfectly.
Trust us with your E-Type
It was a labour of love for us to get this car ready. Once it had been fully restored, our international businessman would keep it in storage for the winter. This protects the jaguar from the elements and gives longevity to the e-type so that it can be enjoyed for longer. Our customer took the jaguar to the Goodwood Revival 2022, where it performed well throughout the four days. The great thing about running a classic car restoration business is that it's not the last of the car we see once the customer drives off into the sunset. We've built up that level of trust that all our E-Type projects come back every year for a service and MOT. Plus minor improvements and repairs, of course. Doing the MOT allows a simple and cost-effective way of getting a trained pair of eyes to look over the car, so we always do it. And, with any luck, we'll be seeing this car every year for a check over.
Pictured: The restored E-type with its Engine on show.
Every project, every car, and every part is maliciously worked on. And when it's finished, it's like it rolled off the production line right at its birth (sometimes with a few extras!). At every stage of the restoration, we'll test whether every part is working together in unison before they hand it back to you. We’ll prepare your car for many more years of love and joy it deserves. The curves, the sound, the smell, the feel, and the drive, are everything we want to achieve when we commit ourselves to a restoration–celebrating and cherishing the legacy of the iconic E-Type Jaguar with unbridled adoration and devotion.
0115 9262266 or info@thorntonrestorations.com