Epic restoration saves forest-find early E-type

By Lizzie Pope

| 30 Aug 2019

Classic & Sports Car – Epic restoration saves forest-find early E-type

You’ve heard of barn-find classics? Well, this Series 1 Jaguar E-type was hauled out of a Gloucestershire forest before undergoing a nut and bolt restoration – and the transformation is incredible.

A matching numbers car from 1964, this was the 10th right-hand-drive E-type Series 1 4.2 fhc off the production line.

But, as you can see from the photos, it had been lost to the undergrowth, presenting the restoration team at specialist E-Type UK with a host of challenges to complete the ‘Lost in Gloucestershire’ project.

The E-type had been at the mercy of the elements for the best part of three decades, so a total rebuild was called for.

Indeed, the team had to source or hand-craft everything other than the original logbook, running gear and the rear suspension – all the bodywork was unsalvageable.

If a part could be saved, it was, including the original cam covers and cylinder head that have been painstakingly machine polished, while the Opalescent Silver Grey paint benefited from 60 hours of polishing to achieve the perfect finish.

The Jaguar’s new owner requested a few discreet upgrades, including a stainless-steel sports exhaust.

And with its return to the road getting ever-closer, it wasn’t just an improved soundtrack that was on the cards.

This E-type also has what the team describes as a “upgraded fast road specification” bringing high-lift cams, a balanced and lightened crank, and a five-speed gearbox.

“This historic sports car certainly came with its own unique challenges, bringing out the best from our in-house team through the extent and quality of the work required,” said E-Type UK founder, Marcus Holland.

“We have seen and completed a number of ‘bush-find’ restorations, but this must be one of the most significant E-Type UK has ever undertaken. Learning of its wonderful history, and being able to restore another Jaguar classic to its former glory has been a pleasure.

“It is now back on Britain’s roads, upholding the incredible legacy of the E-type and ready to be enjoyed for the first time in over 30 years.”

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