British outfit E-Type UK gives iconic Jaguar a new lease of life
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen British company E-Type UK give Jaguar’s finest creation a new lease of life, and it surely won’t be the last either. Good, because the novelty hasn’t worn off.
This one was found ‘deep within the Norwegian mountains’ and in need of some serious TLC: 3,500 hours of it to be precise. It’s a 1964 Series 1 fixed-head coupe model, originally ordered with the ‘rare’ combo of a Pearl Grey finish and a Dark Blue leather interior.
E-Type UK set about restoring the Jag to its former glory, first rectifying any rust on the body shell and then getting its team to craft new floors, sills, rear chassis, gearbox tunnel, bulkhead, inner and outer wings, plus a new bonnet.
Filler and primer was then applied, with the car left untouched for several weeks to allow the latter to harden sufficiently. Several coats of paint and much polishing later, and the results speak for themselves.
What about the mechanical side of things? The independent rear suspension has undergone a full rebuild to perfect the E-Type’s ride, with new bearings, universal joints, brake lines and coil overs fitted to improve reliability. E-Type UK also fitted performance brake pads and a modern handbrake, plus six- and four-pot brake calipers at the front and rear respectively.
Meanwhile the 3.8-litre XK engine has been fettled to bring performance up to 21st century standards. There’s a new gas flowed head, high lift cams, a balanced and lightened crank and - purists look away now - a new, bespoke fuel injection system. At least it hasn’t gone fully electric.
The transmission has been overhauled too with a five-speed replacing the old four-speed gearbox, although the firm insists the car’s period feel hasn’t suffered as a result. Throw in an uprated alternator, electronic ignition, a high torque starter and a few other modern touches, and it’s job done.
The car is now ready for delivery to what the company calls its ‘eagerly waiting client’. We can see why…
