Concours Sportscar Restoration

E TYPE SERIES 2 2+2 RESTORATION

Restoration of this very original Series 2 2 +2 E Type commenced in early 2005 and the brief was to simply restore the car to "as new". The owner knew exactly what he wanted, red paint, and black interior, remove the aftermarket air conditioning and remove the Webasto sunroof.

After careful dismantling and labelling of all components, the bare shell, frames and panels were dipped to remove all paint back to bare metal. The body shell was in quite good order but the bonnet had been poorly repaired from a previous altercation and there was some rust in the doors and rear bever area.

A new turret was made and welded into place where the Webasto sunroof was. Damage to the sills was repaired and all seams lead wiped and file finished as original. A new rear bever was made and fitted.

The bonnet required a lot of repair and re-alignment but we were able to restore all of the original panels.

Whilst the body was taking shape, the mechanics were also being attended to. The engine, gearbox, rear end and front ends were all dismantled, cleaned, bead blasted, re-plated or re-painted and then rebuilt back to original "as new" condition.

Mechanically, the car was in very good order and it only required the replacement of "wearing" parts. KONI shock absorbers have been fitted and the engine has been converted to run on unleaded.

After many hours of carefully rubbing down the body, the final coats of signal red were applied.

With the bodyshell, frames and panels all painted the assembly of the vehicle could begin. We had the engine, gearbox, front suspension and rear suspensions all built as assemblies so the car went from a bare shell to a roller with engine & gearbox fitted within a week.

Sound deadener was applied to the floors as original, an often neglected detail with many restorations but one that makes a big difference to the car. The engine and gearbox are fitted and the frames assembled around them, then the front suspension can be offered up.

Assembly continues with the fitting of the braking system, fuel tank, steering, hydraulic lines and piping.

The assembly continues, every single component is either restored original or replaced with genuine new old stock or the best reproduction parts available. The carburettors were completely rebuilt to standard. The interior trimming has begun here also with the carpets and hoodlining the first areas to be completed.

Whilst the trimmer is busy with the car, we continue on with the assembly of the bonnet.

Final stages of assembly as our deadline approaches. The retrimmed leather seats go in, the brand new 15x6in chrome wire wheels get fitted just prior to the car being driven for the first time. Wheel alignment, running in on the dyno, test-driving and final detail and the reborn E Type is ready to be delivered to sunny Noosa.

In Noosa one week later, delivered back to it's eagerly awaiting owner after 1 year and 9 months of restoration.

Back to Current Projects