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As the second week of March draws to a close, we are extremely proud to announce the completion of the 1966 Series 1 FHC restoration project just in time for her crowning moment this weekend at Stoneleigh Park's Jaguar spares day. From the paintshop to final polishing, this build has by far been the quickest in a record time of just 3 months. This week saw the final touches being added like the carpets and upgraded sport seats, including our bespoke seat runners, all fully installed. We believe, based on years of experience and exposure to E-Type's, that this is the best car we have ever seen and worked on. Dry State US sourced cars can be the best to use as the basis for an end-to-end restoration and this particular car is up there with the greats. We cannot wait to show off this special Californian girl and add some more miles to her - currently sitting at a mere 20 running in.
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Ending the week on a high note is the '66 Series 1 FHC. Having only been back from the paintshop for a mere 3 months, the pace that this car has been built at is incredible. Eager to start her up for the first time after a full engine rebuild, Murray conducted the all important clutch and brake bleeds before we turned the engine over and unsurprisingly it started straight away. Now confident that we will have her finished for the International Jaguar Spares day at Stoneleigh park in a week's time, and a first road test imminent, temptation took over and we carried out a trial fit of the upgraded sports seats, fitted carpets, and the restored original radio. We can finally start to visualise the many Spring and Summer drives we will be embarking on with her. Confirming the desirability of this special old girl, and a compliment to the level of finish the guys have achieved, we end the week with a new customer enquiring to be her new owner. The ’66 Series 1 FHC continues to amaze us. Quietly incubating in the restoration room, this week we completed a full wiring check confirming that headlights, sidelights, rear lights, and indicators were all in working order. Under the bonnet jobs have now been finished and the RHS door has been built up – bar the door cards. The temptation became unbearable when we just had to check that the engine turned over – and she did with no hesitation. We cannot wait until we can get some long distance on this special old girl. Noticeable work has been happening on the '66 Series 1 FHC (AM). This week saw the rear hatch window and heated windscreen being installed so the car is now really starting to take form. The team also took the opportunity to fit the RHS door with the attention on the alignment. The cars original bonnet chromes were in such good condition that replacing these was out of the question and they were refitted. Wiring under the bonnet was completed to make way for the sugar scoops and ultimately the headlight upgrades. But most noticeable of all is the cars original Blaupunkt radio console that only required a good clean and installing back in to the dash. Now bearing the elliptical Moss Jaguar logo, this old girl will soon be ready to go on display at the International Jaguar Spares Day held at Stoneleigh Park next month so please come along and say hello! Focusing on the sumptuous interior, this week saw the entire rear quarter enrobed in supple red leather. The evocative rear hatch is now beautifully trimmed with its tidy hinge covers in place. Fully ready to welcome weekend effects, the luggage boards were also installed with Continental trips on the horizon. With the interior progressing along perfectly, the team were able to start the wiring for the upgraded Halogen H4 headlights. Whilst the focus was at the front of the car, the 4.2 engine was also carefully centralised. Finally, we end Valentine's Day with the successful fitting of the vast iconic bonnet. With a small amount of shimming adjustments noted, the lines on this completely original Series 1 are lining up beautifully. |
