1968 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 2 4.2 RHD FHC
Sourced through our Brokerage service, this extremely sound rust free Texas-found Series 2 was entrusted to us to have a full end-to-end restoration with continental specific touring upgrades. Destined to be an understated combination of Gunmetal Grey with a contrasting red leather interior, this project was special before it came through our doors. Prior to its current owner, this E-Type known as "Toby" was originally purchased by an eminent musician who sadly passed away and as a tribute to him the car now bears his name. Not only is this car of a notable past, it was assigned to a then young Murray to be his first solo restoration as a newly qualified Mechanic at just the age of 20.
As Murray's first complete restoration project, Toby fortunately was a superb example of how the team would favour a donor car to be. Having never been painted or welded since it left the factory in 1968 - and thankfully residing in the dry states of the US - the apprehensive task of stripping and cataloging the Series 2 was more enjoyable than onerous.
Revealing its original factory body number inside the rear hatch, we always find the strip stage of a restoration so fascinating. Due to the cars immaculate condition, we were only faced with rust issues involving the exhaust system. With a new manifold added to the parts list, the tub and bonnet panels were delivered to the blasters. This is where the team can gauge the true structure of the body prior to the repairs and panel work.
With the bonnet panels and tub with the blasting team, the focus was now on the strip down of the tired rear axle and delivering the 4.2 engine to be re-conditioned. As a matter of caution the brake calipers were split, cleaned, painted and fitted with new seals and pistons. Once the 3.07 ratio differential was fitted back in its cage, all Murray had to focus on was to build up the drive shafts with brand new UJ's. With some damage found to the splines on the drive shaft, work was temporarily halted on the rear axle with the focus now on the stripping of the Series 2 synchro gearbox.
As Murray's final flourish to the IRS, the pipework for the brakes were beautifully hand formed. We believe the components that are hidden away should look just as aesthetically pleasing as the outside so high levels of care and attention to the details are upheld at all stages of the build.
Blasted in a fine grit and coated with a rust preserver, the tub and bonnet panels were now ready for the team to start the necessary repair works. Interestingly, we only changed the outer sills in order for us to have a look at the condition of the inner sills. The footwells were replaced due to denting, not rust. Small, localised repairs were made but overall the structure was impeccable thanks to the dry US state where the car was discovered.
With the body almost ready for the paintshop, the iconic 4.2 engine is welcomed back to the workshop following a full rebuild. Removing the bell-housing prior to the engine being sent away meant that all bushes were replaced with new along with a new clutch fork, and pin and release bearing before being married back up to the reconditioned engine. Converting the car to RHD was a priority for the customer which meant that the pedals needed to accommodate for this change along with the appropriate pedal box.
Preparing for the next phase of the build - painting - the team took the opportunity to attach the rear hatch and carry out a trial fit of the chrome components. Coinciding with the final shell adjustments, the strip down of the iconic bonnet to allow for bonding and the flanges to be painted, was completed so the team were able to concentrate on rebuilding the bonnet before finally re-attaching it to the car.
Preparing for the next phase of the build - painting - the team took the opportunity to attach the rear hatch and carry out a trial fit of the chrome components. Coinciding with the final shell adjustments, the strip down of the iconic bonnet to allow for bonding and the flanges to be painted, was completed so the team were able to concentrate on rebuilding the bonnet before finally re-attaching it to the car.
Now with the bonnet finally built and fitted to the car, the team had some final shimming and adjustments to make prior to re-shaping the headlight apertures. The rear hatch fit was also now finalised and fitted with replacement hinges to solve the issues we were having with closing.
All gapped and ready for final filling and painting, Murray was able to build up the front suspension and the uprights and complete the all important re-build of the brakes.
All gapped and ready for final filling and painting, Murray was able to build up the front suspension and the uprights and complete the all important re-build of the brakes.
Destined for heritage correct Gunmetal Grey, the first stage of the painting process was to stoneguard and add body colour to the underneath of the floor pan. Deciding to dry build the bonnet, including bumpers and headlight buckets, until after painting the shell meant that the entire body could be evenly coated all at once. With the underside complete, the first noticeable area of the car to receive colour was the interior. Looking too beautiful to cover up with supple red leather trim, the team were happy with the results and progressed to the outside of the car. This will always be an exciting time, both for us and the customer, as we can really see the car take on its final identity.
Back in our restoration bay from the paintshop, and carefully overseen by Murray, the meticulous and timely build could now commence. With every car we build, the first part to rightfully go back on the car is its original chassis number plate. We believe that this is the heart of the car and should never be replaced with new. With the engine frames attached, and the front suspension now in place, Murray's aim was to get the car back on its wheels as soon as possible. With this being Murray's first single-handed, end-to-end restoration, the customer was extremely supportive that the build would take slightly longer than most builds and was happy to wait for the perfect car. Knowing that it will be taken to compete in the Silver Flag Vernasca hill climb in Italy, Murray was intent on achieving the highest possible standard for the client.
Nearing the ever exciting engine installation, there was still a long list of tasks needed to be completed. The wiring loom and dashboard were now in place and testing well so Murray was now faced with re-instating the completely rebuilt rear axle. Bearing beautifully hand bent pipes, the IRS was installed making way for the new Competition wire wheels and sport tyres. Close to emerging from the restoration bay, the team were able to start preparing the chromework for re-attachment, and were also preparing the roof and cantrails for the fresh grey cloth lining.
Finally sitting on its suspension, and now fully rolling, the stunning re-conditioned 4.2 engine could be married up. With the triple SU carburettors, steering rack, and re-cored radiator all in place, Murray now focused on fitting the radiator hoses, the powder coated and POR15 sealed fuel tank, and an upgraded alternator. All hydraulic lines would be bled using Silicone fluid before Murray could move on to building up the doors, installing the glass, and entering the trim phase. A slight wait in the arrival of some chromework meant that Murray could confirm the internals and locks in the doors were all matching.
Enrobed in Dynamat, the floor pan was stripped of old sound-deadening and was now ready to absorb any road noise received on the roads leading to Italy. Noting the neat and crisp gaps whilst installing the rubbers, and fitting the upgraded heater motor and box, Murray would soon see the arrival of the newly trimmed boot boards and the re-attachment stage of the accentuating chrome components.
Boasting the Series 2 exhuast manifolds, and with the chrome starting to bring the car to life, the team were finally entering the last stages of the build with the arrival of the vinyl luggage boards and sumptuous upgraded sport seats. With the windscreen and heated rear screen in, we were now ready to put some Hertfordshire miles on the clock. The Italy trip looming, Murray wanted to get a minimum of 100 miles on Toby before he could hand the keys over to the customer.
Boasting the Series 2 exhuast manifolds, and with the chrome starting to bring the car to life, the team were finally entering the last stages of the build with the arrival of the vinyl luggage boards and sumptuous upgraded sport seats. With the windscreen and heated rear screen in, we were now ready to put some Hertfordshire miles on the clock. The Italy trip looming, Murray wanted to get a minimum of 100 miles on Toby before he could hand the keys over to the customer.
Driving beautifully with a successful MOT under its bonnet, the time had come to hand Toby over to his rightful owner. Equipped to handle lengthy Continental touring, and most importantly the Silver Flag Vernasca hill climb, this car that Murray single handedly built would be one of the most poignant, and emotional, builds we have ever achieved.
As a final compliment, and to immortalise Murray's impeccable work, Jaguar World's article entitled "Coming of Age" spoke about how young people today would rarely get an opportunity such as this, and re-iterated the skills and level of finish that Murray has absorbed whilst being part of the Moss Jaguar family.
February 2022 saw an in-depth article in The E-Type Club magazine, written by the customer himself, about the astonishing trip he made with a friend and their Aston Martin DB6 through France, Switzerland, and ending up on the Silver Flag hill climb in the Vernasca hills.