Concours Sportscar Restoration

Testimonials

The following are references or testimonials from our customers:

Jaguar E-Type Mk1 3.8 Roadster

Gavin King and his team at Concours rebuilt my Jaguar E-Type Mk1 3.8 roadster from the ground up in 2002. I was delighted with the project, from start to finish.

Like most E-Types of its vintage (1962) , it had suffered horribly at the hands of some bodgie restorers over the years. While it looked ok on the surface, beneath the skin it was a patched-up mess in almost every way, so badly out of shape that the chassis had bent like a banana.

Working with Gavin over a period of months, we decided what could be salvaged and what should be replaced. The instruction was to rebuild the car close to 100% A1 concours condition, but with modifications that would retain all the original Jaguar style and spirit while adding subtle touches to make it more driveable in the modern era.

His craftsmanship was meticulous. Gavin sourced parts from both the UK and the USA or, where they were not readily available, or of sufficient quality, he made them himself in his workshop. (This particularly applied to body panels, some of which are, quite literally, a hand-built work of sculpture.)

I particularly appreciated his willingness to have me, the client, involved at every stage of the process. Many workshops won't do this, but I was welcome to drop in at any time, unannounced, to see how things were going. He kept a complete photographic record, and every item was carefully costed and billed, so I knew exactly what was happening and when. Modifications included wheels slightly wider than the original, to improve handling, (although only a truly expert eye could tell), bigger calipers and pads for the disc brakes, and conversion for the engine to run on high octane unleaded fuel.

The result is an E-Type as close to perfection as could be certainly a far better car than the original that rolled off the production line at Brown's Lane 41 years ago. You can see the project on his website. I can thoroughly recommend him as a classic restoration expert without peer.

Mike Carlton

Radio 2UE

The Sydney Morning Herald.

Jaguar XK Restoration & Accident Repairs

To Whom It May Concern

Dear Sirs,

I have used Gavin King's Concours Sports Car Restoration on several occasions over recent years, both for the restoration of my Jaguar XK and for accident repairs for my road cars on a couple of occasions.

The substantial restoration work was carried out in an exemplary manner and the workmanship was to the highest standard.

The work done for me on normal crash repairs was done to the same high standards.

I have no hesitation in recommending their quality of work and performance.

Yours Faithfully

Richard Crawshay

PS.If you wish to verify my strong recommendation I can be contacted on:

Work 02 9982 6000
Home 02 9982 5139
Mob 0411 226 117

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Why I Chose Concours Sportscar Restoration

In May, 2000 an email alerted me that a very rare XK140 OTS SE was for sale. The car was special, being the only original right-hand drive XK140 OTS SE model with a C-Type head, sandcast carburettors and 9:1 compression ratio ever built.

Although being involved as a member and director of the Jaguar Drivers Club of Australia I knew little about XK's, my other Jaguars being a Mark 2, an XJC and an XJS. I did know that I loved the sweeping lines of the XK and I did know just the person to talk to... Gavin King of Concours Sportscar Restoration in Brookvale, Sydney.

Why did I choose Gavin?

From knowing him in the JDCA, I was aware he had an amazing knowledge of XKs and had undertaken successful restorations in the past. Restoration of an XK150, which went on to win many awards at Concours events, was followed by a beautiful restoration of a multiple Concours-winning XK140 DHC. If he could do that 140 so successfully he certainly had the technical skills to do mine.

But there is one thing even more important than technical skills and that is integrity. How many people have been ripped off by restorers overcharging, undertaking unnecessary work or taking shortcuts and not doing the work correctly. I knew I needed someone I could trust and Gavin was such a person.

I knew he would take a personal interest in the vehicle and would assiduously oversee his in-house tradesmen to ensure the work was done correctly. Gavin has a policy of performing only first-class repairs, ensuring that cars they restore will be something special, great to own and drive and will retain the highest possible value commensurate with the work undertaken.

That's why I chose Concours Sportscar Restoration.

Ken White 23 July, 2002