1969 jaguar e-type series 2+2 4.2 rhd
Following a romantic proposal in the Cotswolds in a rented Series 2, this customer followed his heart and decided to commission his very own E-Type. Still en robed in its original colour from the factory, this American sourced 1969 Series 2 2+2 was entrusted to us by the customer to have a fresh re-spray in Original Jaguar Cotswold Blue, new supple Black leather interior trim, conversion to RHD, and re-commissioning ahead of his up-coming nuptials. Although half eaten by mice, this rust-free treasure, complete with the original date stamps, was going to provide the perfect base for a fully fledged family cruiser.
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The starting point was obvious. Remove the mouse house from the propshaft area and completely strip the car ahead of its appointment in the paint shop. The strip stage is always an interesting time for our technicians. Not only are they contributing towards improving the car, but they also discover and learn a lot about how these cars were put together in the factory. This particular car revealed the original date stamp when the roof lining was removed and even bore the Chinagraph body number inside the rear hatch. During the final stripping stage the technicians were faced with damage to the LHS floor pan which was caused by careless jacking in the past.
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Much to our delight, once completely stripped the car wasn't going to prove to be a challenge. Despite a handful of dents needing to be removed from the bonnet and lower valance, the team could now commence with removing the paintwork from the shell ahead of the vital panel work stage.
With the paint removed and the necessary repairs made, now came the all important focus on re-capturing the original lines and curves during the filling and flatting stage. One aspect that our Technicians always uphold is retaining as much originality and integrity towards these cars as possible and with skillful eye, the iconic shape was formed back to its former glory before being handed over for priming.
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With the lines all correct and smooth, the body was eagerly awaiting to be transformed back to its original identity of Jaguar Original Cotswold Blue. Each panel receives layers of primer, a minimum of two layers colour, with a final high-quality, gloss clear protective lacquer. With a nod to the car's previous life, a unanimous decision was made between the customer and the team to keep the under bonnet completely un-touched. Leaving the paint shop looking like the Blue skies of California, the car was ready to come back in to the workshop for the rebuild to commence.
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With the shell now safely back in the workshop, the team could now focus on the all important Engine bay strip and rear Axle removal. With only one surprise of the Torsion Bar Reaction plate being cut along its length, the team were finding no major issues to report. The period air-conditioning system was deemed futile by the customer, as most of his motoring was to be in the UK, so this was removed whilst a new wiring loom and RHD dash was fitted to accommodate for the driving conversion.
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With the rear Axle fitted, the wiring loom installed, instruments cleaned, and centre dash finally in place the E-Type was coming along perfectly. However, upon discovering a leaking core plug and inside the Engine block looking less than desirable, the best course of action was for a full Engine rebuild. With the customer in agreement, removal of the 4.2 Jaguar Engine and Gearbox progressed destined for refurbishment and rebuild.
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Anxiously awaiting the return of the newly re-built Gearbox and Engine, the team could turn their focus to less major (but equally as important) aspects of the project. The Front Suspension was successfully installed prior to the Auto Box being re-instated and most importantly all the re-chroming was back in the workshop and poised for reattachment. Ahead of the Engine and Gearbox fit, a re-cored Radiator was put in place with refurbished cooling fan motors.
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With new UJ's fitted to the propshaft, and the technicians making sure the bolt holes were clear for the torsion bar reaction plate, the 2+2 finally got its re-conditioned 4.2 Engine installed along with the Gearbox.
With such massive milestones completed on the outside of the car, the team could now address the neglected and tired interior. The customer wanted to keep the trim the same to the original so opted for a classic Black leather with newly upholstered Moss Jaguar sport seats. With an ever-growing family these were an essential to withstand lots of family orientated touring on the horizon.
Anticipating the arrival of the new front and rear windscreens, the team meticulously began glueing down the rubber seals to the bonnet and boot hatch.
With such massive milestones completed on the outside of the car, the team could now address the neglected and tired interior. The customer wanted to keep the trim the same to the original so opted for a classic Black leather with newly upholstered Moss Jaguar sport seats. With an ever-growing family these were an essential to withstand lots of family orientated touring on the horizon.
Anticipating the arrival of the new front and rear windscreens, the team meticulously began glueing down the rubber seals to the bonnet and boot hatch.
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The checklist for this 2+2 was getting shorter and with its new rubber seals, interior trim panels, and rear windscreen fitted, we were now finally able to build up the door chromes and interiors as well as attaching the sparkling bumpers, headlights and sidelights. Bonnet beading was delicately attached giving definitive lines back to the iconic nose of the Series 2.
Improvements were made to the brightness of the light coming from the headlights thanks to the upgrade option and wiring modifications.
Improvements were made to the brightness of the light coming from the headlights thanks to the upgrade option and wiring modifications.
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With the exterior almost complete, attention was now back under the bonnet where the team had arranged for the dampers, grill, and heater intake plenum to be painted and refurbished before going back on the car. Freshly powder coated bonnet dampers were completely re-built and fitted along with the exhaust manifolds and carburettors. Firing her up was not far off which meant final testing could soon commence.
The front and rear windscreens were now secured in place so the all important chrome components could be attached. Sill finisher strips, gutter chromes and the RHS mirror were duly fitted.
The front and rear windscreens were now secured in place so the all important chrome components could be attached. Sill finisher strips, gutter chromes and the RHS mirror were duly fitted.
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Ahead of final testing, checks were being carried out on the wiring following the installation of the upgraded rear lights. At this stage the newly refurbished fuel tank was installed.
Due to the remarkable condition of the car, the team were able to use as much of the original underlay as possible to address road noise issues. The beautifully trimmed door cards and boot shelf were also fitted adding subtle yet noticeable changes to the interior. The Series 2 was now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the stunning upholstered seats to carry the family in comfort and safety.
Whilst waiting for the seats, the team completed minor tasks such as fitting the new fuel pump, stripping and cleaning the speedo, re-building and re-connecting the wiper motor, and installing an upgraded servo. As added security and peace of mind for the customer, the removable steering wheel was decided upon and rightly fitted.
Due to the remarkable condition of the car, the team were able to use as much of the original underlay as possible to address road noise issues. The beautifully trimmed door cards and boot shelf were also fitted adding subtle yet noticeable changes to the interior. The Series 2 was now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the stunning upholstered seats to carry the family in comfort and safety.
Whilst waiting for the seats, the team completed minor tasks such as fitting the new fuel pump, stripping and cleaning the speedo, re-building and re-connecting the wiper motor, and installing an upgraded servo. As added security and peace of mind for the customer, the removable steering wheel was decided upon and rightly fitted.
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Following a successful engine start and achieving zero advisories on its MOT, the team were now ready to get the all important registration process underway so that they could get some miles on the clock. The heavenly-soft Black leather seats were finally delivered to the workshop providing the perfect finish to this very special car ahead of its wedding duties.
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With an extremely happy bride and groom, Jaguar World were keen to feature the 2+2 in their December 2017 issue telling the story of the journey we embarked upon with the customer in the lead up to his wedding. Not only did we want to achieve an E-Type that would stand the test of time and family, but we also wanted it to be a lasting legacy. A constant reminder of their love from the moment they were engaged in the Cotswolds to their big day. It is safe to say we built something Cotswold Blue and new with the help of something old all because of something borrowed.
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