Fixed Head Coupe "Toby"
Rust free car imported from the US. This car has never been painted or welded. It is 99% complete and will undergo a full restoration.
Rust free car imported from the US. This car has never been painted or welded. It is 99% complete and will undergo a full restoration.
7th June 2019
The car has had some upgrades fitted in readiness for his Italian sojourn. A removable steering wheel along with a power supply for the sat nav etc has been installed.
The car has had some upgrades fitted in readiness for his Italian sojourn. A removable steering wheel along with a power supply for the sat nav etc has been installed.
5th October 2018
Delighted to say that the car was featured in Novembers edition of Jaguar World.
Delighted to say that the car was featured in Novembers edition of Jaguar World.
24th August 2018
Finally, a really happy, excited owner collected his car. Absolutely delighted, he was last heard of in Scotland, chasing an Aston Martin DB5 around the highlands! He popped in last week - now completed 1500 miles! (and still smiling!).
Finally, a really happy, excited owner collected his car. Absolutely delighted, he was last heard of in Scotland, chasing an Aston Martin DB5 around the highlands! He popped in last week - now completed 1500 miles! (and still smiling!).
10th August 2018
The newly refurbished Tacho and Speedo finally arrived so we now have the car finished. The radio console is not fitted yet as we have to finish our shakedown miles and it makes it easier if you have to do any work behind the dash by not installing it yet.
The newly refurbished Tacho and Speedo finally arrived so we now have the car finished. The radio console is not fitted yet as we have to finish our shakedown miles and it makes it easier if you have to do any work behind the dash by not installing it yet.
20th July 2018
The car will be MOT'd on Tuesday next week now that the build is complete (well, just the shakedown miles and Speedo/Tacho to fit). Drives really well and we will be handing over in August.
The car will be MOT'd on Tuesday next week now that the build is complete (well, just the shakedown miles and Speedo/Tacho to fit). Drives really well and we will be handing over in August.
13th July 2018
The final bits of chrome have been attached and the gutter chromes have been glued back in place. The seats are fitted in properly and the forward 2 luggage boards built and in place. We picked up the bonnet in the week and that is coming together nicely. We should be MOTing the car next week (fingers crossed).
The final bits of chrome have been attached and the gutter chromes have been glued back in place. The seats are fitted in properly and the forward 2 luggage boards built and in place. We picked up the bonnet in the week and that is coming together nicely. We should be MOTing the car next week (fingers crossed).
6th July 2018
We have all the trim back (apart from the luggage boards) and next week should see the car complete (minus the bonnet as that won't be finished until Friday.
We have all the trim back (apart from the luggage boards) and next week should see the car complete (minus the bonnet as that won't be finished until Friday.
29th June 2018
Finally, the windscreen and heated rear screens have been fitted. Great job again by Dean. The fuel tank is in and happy to report we have no leaks. The trim will be with us this week so that will be the car finished. The bonnet, unfortunately, has to be removed and go back to the paintshop as we have found a few imperfections in the paint.
Finally, the windscreen and heated rear screens have been fitted. Great job again by Dean. The fuel tank is in and happy to report we have no leaks. The trim will be with us this week so that will be the car finished. The bonnet, unfortunately, has to be removed and go back to the paintshop as we have found a few imperfections in the paint.
22nd June 2018
We reached a major milestone when we started the engine for the first time. Fired straight away and sounded glorious!
We reached a major milestone when we started the engine for the first time. Fired straight away and sounded glorious!
15th June 2018
We can just about see the finishing line now and this week the upgraded speakers have been installed and the exhaust, heatshields, rear bumper and rear lights fitted.
We can just about see the finishing line now and this week the upgraded speakers have been installed and the exhaust, heatshields, rear bumper and rear lights fitted.
8th June 2018
Lots more work finished and finally, we have the exhaust manifolds which means we will be able to start the car very soon! Exciting times!
Lots more work finished and finally, we have the exhaust manifolds which means we will be able to start the car very soon! Exciting times!
1st June 2018
Now that we have the boot trim panel, we were able to fit the final panels. Looks fantastic and hopefully, the screens will arrive next week along with the chrome.
Now that we have the boot trim panel, we were able to fit the final panels. Looks fantastic and hopefully, the screens will arrive next week along with the chrome.
25th May 2018
We picked up the bonnet and continued with the installation of trim panels. Just waiting for a special PVC tailgate trim piece to arrive in order for us to complete the interior.
We picked up the bonnet and continued with the installation of trim panels. Just waiting for a special PVC tailgate trim piece to arrive in order for us to complete the interior.
21st May 2018
Most of the trim is installed and the floor pans covered in Dynamat. The doors are complete with just the trim panels to fit and the rubbers to go in. The gaps are really good and we should see the trim work finished by the end of the week. The door locks were stripped and checked to ensure they are matching key numbers prior to fitting. All in all, lots of good progress made.
Most of the trim is installed and the floor pans covered in Dynamat. The doors are complete with just the trim panels to fit and the rubbers to go in. The gaps are really good and we should see the trim work finished by the end of the week. The door locks were stripped and checked to ensure they are matching key numbers prior to fitting. All in all, lots of good progress made.
4th May 2018
The door rubbers, alternator and mudguards are now fitted and the doors are ready for build. They have been stripped out inside to remove all the old sound deadening and new dynamat glued in.
The door rubbers, alternator and mudguards are now fitted and the doors are ready for build. They have been stripped out inside to remove all the old sound deadening and new dynamat glued in.
27th April 2018
The upgraded heater motor and box are fitted. The mounting studs for the motor had all been sheared off so we welded on new ones. The bonnet is still at the paintshop but the dry build is complete and the chromework due back with us in a fortnight. We were hoping to start the car this week but the exhaust manifolds won't be available until mid May which is a disappointment but won't hold us up. The trim will be completed week after next so that is a massive milestone. The door internals and locks have been stripped, cleaned, lubricated and built up again. It gave us the opportunity to confirm they are matching locks. The bonnet terminal block has to be stripped and rebuilt using new double bullet connectors - we don't want any problems when the bonnet goes back together!
The upgraded heater motor and box are fitted. The mounting studs for the motor had all been sheared off so we welded on new ones. The bonnet is still at the paintshop but the dry build is complete and the chromework due back with us in a fortnight. We were hoping to start the car this week but the exhaust manifolds won't be available until mid May which is a disappointment but won't hold us up. The trim will be completed week after next so that is a massive milestone. The door internals and locks have been stripped, cleaned, lubricated and built up again. It gave us the opportunity to confirm they are matching locks. The bonnet terminal block has to be stripped and rebuilt using new double bullet connectors - we don't want any problems when the bonnet goes back together!
20th April 2018
We are just about complet in the mechanical side and the carbs, steering rack and radiator are in place. Next week should see the radiator hoses, upgraded alternator, fuel tank etc installed. The hydraulic lines will be bled (Silicone Fluid) and it will just be the doors to be built, glass installed and the final trimming completed.
We are just about complet in the mechanical side and the carbs, steering rack and radiator are in place. Next week should see the radiator hoses, upgraded alternator, fuel tank etc installed. The hydraulic lines will be bled (Silicone Fluid) and it will just be the doors to be built, glass installed and the final trimming completed.
13th April 2018
Lots of work completed this week and Callum was busy cleaning up and preparing the chromework for installation. The car emerged from the Restoration Bay in order for us to fit the engine. The new wheels and tyres were put on and Phil came over to fit the roof lining and cantrails. Looks great on its suspension now.
Lots of work completed this week and Callum was busy cleaning up and preparing the chromework for installation. The car emerged from the Restoration Bay in order for us to fit the engine. The new wheels and tyres were put on and Phil came over to fit the roof lining and cantrails. Looks great on its suspension now.
6th April 2018
More progress and the rear axle is installed along with the dashboards and wiring looms hooked up. The fuel tank is back from the powder coaters so all we have to do now is seal it with POR15 prior to installation.
More progress and the rear axle is installed along with the dashboards and wiring looms hooked up. The fuel tank is back from the powder coaters so all we have to do now is seal it with POR15 prior to installation.
29th March 2018
Lots of work on the completed and we are now ready for the engine and rear axle to be fitted. The trimming starts next week so its really coming together now.
Lots of work on the completed and we are now ready for the engine and rear axle to be fitted. The trimming starts next week so its really coming together now.
23rd March 2018
The guys, led by Murray have been working hard on the front end and the front suspension is now in place along with a myriad of other smaller parts. Plan is to get it on it's wheels in the next week or so.
The guys, led by Murray have been working hard on the front end and the front suspension is now in place along with a myriad of other smaller parts. Plan is to get it on it's wheels in the next week or so.
16th March 2018
The shell is now being slowly and carefully built up. The first thing we do is put the original chassis number plates on the car.
The shell is now being slowly and carefully built up. The first thing we do is put the original chassis number plates on the car.
12th March 2018
We now have the shell back from the paintshop and in our build area. Looks amazing!
We now have the shell back from the paintshop and in our build area. Looks amazing!
2nd March 2018
The Beige S2 FHC (PB) is steaming ahead and the pedal box has been stripped and prepared for re-assembly with new springs and master cylinders. The pedals have been cranked over for RHD. Meanwhile, Dean and the guys have been working hard on the shell and the interior is now painted. Looks too good to cover it all up with trim!
The Beige S2 FHC (PB) is steaming ahead and the pedal box has been stripped and prepared for re-assembly with new springs and master cylinders. The pedals have been cranked over for RHD. Meanwhile, Dean and the guys have been working hard on the shell and the interior is now painted. Looks too good to cover it all up with trim!
23rd February 2018
The shell is now at the final build stage and we have the underneath in stoneguard and body colour. Only the bonnet dry build to complete (bumpers, headlight buckets) to go but we have decided to complete the painting of the shell first.
The shell is now at the final build stage and we have the underneath in stoneguard and body colour. Only the bonnet dry build to complete (bumpers, headlight buckets) to go but we have decided to complete the painting of the shell first.
16th February 2018
We now have the inlet manifold checked and rebuilt on the Beige FHC (Toby) and the thermostat is now in place. Attention was then given to the air cleaner plenum and we had to convert the twim Stromberg type to the triple SU. Just a question of making sure the plenum seals well against the new joiner and moving the brackets that secure it. Then both parts are off for painting. The fuel sender was also stripped and cleaned.
We now have the inlet manifold checked and rebuilt on the Beige FHC (Toby) and the thermostat is now in place. Attention was then given to the air cleaner plenum and we had to convert the twim Stromberg type to the triple SU. Just a question of making sure the plenum seals well against the new joiner and moving the brackets that secure it. Then both parts are off for painting. The fuel sender was also stripped and cleaned.
9th February 2018
The car is now ready for the final dry build prior to paint. The bodywork phase of the build is finally complete and we are really happy with the result. The Mangoletsi throttle upgrade is fitted and we couldn't resist placing the triple SUs on the newly built engine.
The car is now ready for the final dry build prior to paint. The bodywork phase of the build is finally complete and we are really happy with the result. The Mangoletsi throttle upgrade is fitted and we couldn't resist placing the triple SUs on the newly built engine.
26th January 2018
Murray has been working away on the restoration of the components and the washer bottle, front uprights, wiper motor and dash are now complete (we will be fitting an upgraded washer motor but retain the old one in place to preserve the original look). We like to fit the Mangoletsi upgraded throttle pedal - so well engineered and changes the feel of the car.
Murray has been working away on the restoration of the components and the washer bottle, front uprights, wiper motor and dash are now complete (we will be fitting an upgraded washer motor but retain the old one in place to preserve the original look). We like to fit the Mangoletsi upgraded throttle pedal - so well engineered and changes the feel of the car.
19th January 2018
The car is now all gapped and ready for final filling and painting. Have to say, the gaps look fantastic and Dean and the boys have done a superb job. Murray has been working up the front suspension and the uprights and brakes are now built. It is interesting to look at the lower valance panel that we replaced on the bonnet. Lots of rust and fractured bonnet hinges.
The car is now all gapped and ready for final filling and painting. Have to say, the gaps look fantastic and Dean and the boys have done a superb job. Murray has been working up the front suspension and the uprights and brakes are now built. It is interesting to look at the lower valance panel that we replaced on the bonnet. Lots of rust and fractured bonnet hinges.
5th January 2018
The bonnet is now finally built and fitted to the car. Just the final shimming and adjustments to make prior to re-shaping the headlight apertures. The rear hatch fit is now finalised and replacement hinges sorted out the closing issue.
The bonnet is now finally built and fitted to the car. Just the final shimming and adjustments to make prior to re-shaping the headlight apertures. The rear hatch fit is now finalised and replacement hinges sorted out the closing issue.
15th December 2017
Barrie has been working hard on the dash board and instruments on the Beige FHC (Toby) and all the switches and instruments have been stripped and cleaned. The bellhousing was fitted and new bushes, clutch fork, pin and release bearing fitted prior to it being mated back onto the engine. The front brakes have been stripped and will be re-assembled next week. The pedals have been cranked over for RHD and the pedal box built. The rear hatch has been installed and the chrome dry fitted. The bonnet has been built and then stripped down while the bonding was completed and the flanges painted. Next week will see it built and fitted to the car. Finally, engine and gearbox back together again!
Barrie has been working hard on the dash board and instruments on the Beige FHC (Toby) and all the switches and instruments have been stripped and cleaned. The bellhousing was fitted and new bushes, clutch fork, pin and release bearing fitted prior to it being mated back onto the engine. The front brakes have been stripped and will be re-assembled next week. The pedals have been cranked over for RHD and the pedal box built. The rear hatch has been installed and the chrome dry fitted. The bonnet has been built and then stripped down while the bonding was completed and the flanges painted. Next week will see it built and fitted to the car. Finally, engine and gearbox back together again!
8th December 2017
The welding phase is complete on the bodyshell now we just have the bonnet to build.
The welding phase is complete on the bodyshell now we just have the bonnet to build.
1st December 2017
Work is well under way now and the sills have been removed and small, localised repairs made. The bonnet underpan forward panel has been replaced and welded back in place.
Work is well under way now and the sills have been removed and small, localised repairs made. The bonnet underpan forward panel has been replaced and welded back in place.
24th November 2017
The panels arrived this week and here they are, laid out in front of the car. The only missing panel is the rear tonneau (above the number plate). Interesting to note, we are only changing the outer sills in order for us to have a look at the condition of the inner sills! The footwells are being replaced due to denting, not rust. We picked up the newly rebuilt engine.
The panels arrived this week and here they are, laid out in front of the car. The only missing panel is the rear tonneau (above the number plate). Interesting to note, we are only changing the outer sills in order for us to have a look at the condition of the inner sills! The footwells are being replaced due to denting, not rust. We picked up the newly rebuilt engine.
17th November 2017
Barry spent some time rebuilding and testing the cooling fan motors on the Beige FHC (Toby). There is quite a lot of work involved in the rebuild and testing is simply a matter of leaving them connected to a battery, disconnecting them and making sure they 'windmill' afterwards. We then check the RPM using an external tachometer. It is really important that they work properly.
Barry spent some time rebuilding and testing the cooling fan motors on the Beige FHC (Toby). There is quite a lot of work involved in the rebuild and testing is simply a matter of leaving them connected to a battery, disconnecting them and making sure they 'windmill' afterwards. We then check the RPM using an external tachometer. It is really important that they work properly.
10th November 2017
The car is now out of the blasters and safely tucked up in the paintshop. The bare shell has been cleaned of all media and epoxy primed (has to be done same day in order to avoid any rusting on the bare metal).
The car is now out of the blasters and safely tucked up in the paintshop. The bare shell has been cleaned of all media and epoxy primed (has to be done same day in order to avoid any rusting on the bare metal).
27th October 2017
The gearbox is now built and here are the parts we had to replace. Should make for a smooth changing box when installed.
The gearbox is now built and here are the parts we had to replace. Should make for a smooth changing box when installed.
20th October 2017
We have spent a couple of days stripping down the interior trim. The photos show how much work is involved in retrimming just the hinged luggage board.
We have spent a couple of days stripping down the interior trim. The photos show how much work is involved in retrimming just the hinged luggage board.
13th October 2017
While we wait for the parts to arrive for the gearbox on Toby (PB), we finished off the rear axle. The brake pipes are all hand formed by Murray. Fantastic job!
While we wait for the parts to arrive for the gearbox on Toby (PB), we finished off the rear axle. The brake pipes are all hand formed by Murray. Fantastic job!
6th October 2017
The gearbox is now stripped on the Beige S2 FHC (Toby) and there is the usual wear and parts to replace. Meanwhile, Murray was building the rear hubs but this came to a halt when one of the splines on the drive shaft was found to be damaged.
The gearbox is now stripped on the Beige S2 FHC (Toby) and there is the usual wear and parts to replace. Meanwhile, Murray was building the rear hubs but this came to a halt when one of the splines on the drive shaft was found to be damaged.
29th September 2017
The rear axle is coming together and the brake calipers, discs and brake pipes are now all fitted. Only the drive shafts, shocks and hubs to complete.
The rear axle is coming together and the brake calipers, discs and brake pipes are now all fitted. Only the drive shafts, shocks and hubs to complete.
22nd September 2017
We have been putting together the rear axle. The brake calipers have been split, cleaned, painted and fitted with new seals and pistons. The diff is fitted in the cage and the drive shafts are being built up with new UJs.
We have been putting together the rear axle. The brake calipers have been split, cleaned, painted and fitted with new seals and pistons. The diff is fitted in the cage and the drive shafts are being built up with new UJs.
18th August 2017
The rear axle is now stripped and delivered to the powder coaters and platers for the Beige S2 FHC (PB). Not the most pleasant of jobs!
The rear axle is now stripped and delivered to the powder coaters and platers for the Beige S2 FHC (PB). Not the most pleasant of jobs!
7th July 2017
The engine is now with the rebuilders for the Beige FHC (PB). The top front wishbones are also marked up so we can note the position to set the caster from when we rebuild.
The engine is now with the rebuilders for the Beige FHC (PB). The top front wishbones are also marked up so we can note the position to set the caster from when we rebuild.
30th June 2017
The car is now completely stripped and the shell is with the blasters. Next week we will start the process of stripping down the sub assemblies ready for plating or powder coating. Really looking forward to this project. We don't normally give our projects names but this one is known as 'Toby' in memory of the last person who drove it. Toby Graffety-Smith, ex keyboard player of Jamiroquai - he was the last person to drive the car and sold it to me. Sadly Toby died aged just 46. A great guy.
The car is now completely stripped and the shell is with the blasters. Next week we will start the process of stripping down the sub assemblies ready for plating or powder coating. Really looking forward to this project. We don't normally give our projects names but this one is known as 'Toby' in memory of the last person who drove it. Toby Graffety-Smith, ex keyboard player of Jamiroquai - he was the last person to drive the car and sold it to me. Sadly Toby died aged just 46. A great guy.
16th June 2017
9th June 2017
The car is coming apart quickly and apart from the exhaust, we haven't come across any nasty surprises.
The car is coming apart quickly and apart from the exhaust, we haven't come across any nasty surprises.
19th May 2017
The strip down still continues and we are still working on the interior. When that is finished, we will turn our attention to the engine bay. The photos show how rust free this car is.
The strip down still continues and we are still working on the interior. When that is finished, we will turn our attention to the engine bay. The photos show how rust free this car is.
12th May 2017
The car is coming apart nicely but takes a long time as everything is being carefully catalogued. It would be a shame to miss an originality feature that will be lost forever if we hurry things along. The car has never been apart from the day it left the factory. The door cards were removed to reveal the thick plastic seal between the door and the card. That too was sealed where the apertures are in the door shells. Looking at the rubber seal profiles is also interesting (real nerdy stuff!).
31st March 2017
We picked up boxes of new parts for the Beige S2 FHC (PB) and these have been safely quarantined in the workshop. We have also begun the strip down with focus on the bonnet.
We picked up boxes of new parts for the Beige S2 FHC (PB) and these have been safely quarantined in the workshop. We have also begun the strip down with focus on the bonnet.
24th March 2017
One car that we have all been looking forward to restoring is the Beige S2 FHC (PB). Finally moved from the corner of the workshop (in the way of the door) she has been installed on to the strip down ramp. Next week we are hoping to get on with the detailed photography and strip of this highly original car.
One car that we have all been looking forward to restoring is the Beige S2 FHC (PB). Finally moved from the corner of the workshop (in the way of the door) she has been installed on to the strip down ramp. Next week we are hoping to get on with the detailed photography and strip of this highly original car.
17th March 2017
Car as purchased.
Car as purchased.
