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jaguar e type restoration

Diving Deeper Into our 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe

May 8, 2024

Our technician Jon has been diving deeper into the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe currently in our care for its new owner.

As part of the appraisal process, he has drained the engine of oil and all fluids along with removing the oil filter to inspect. As part of removing the fluids, the team remove drain the fuel tank to inspect the fueling side of the car.

Because of the car being sat for an extended period of time (multiple decades it would appear by the paperwork) the corrosive nature of the fuel left in the tank has wreaked havoc. When Jon removed the sediment filter, which also allows the fuel tank to drive, it became apparent that the fuel had spoiled whilst in there. In Jon’s own words ”Fuel more like paraffin”. With the tank drained, it could then be removed and allow Jon to strip down the tank of its sender unit and pump. After inspecting these components, his opinion is that these components will need complete replacement and cannot be recommissioned, as he reports ”All fuel system items require replacement”.

Then, Jon could go under the bonnet to remove the fuel sight glass and blow through the fuel lines with compressed air to clean through any sediment or debris which could be lurking inside the fuel system.

Jon then began work on tearing down the carburettors on the Jaguar’s straight-six. Beginning with cleaning out the float bowls and then could clean out all of the jets and bridges to make sure that again, no sediment or debris had found their way into the carburettors.

Jon then went through his check lists of resealing the engine with all its various sumps and bungs before cleaning down and continuing on with the carburettor rebuilds.

Once completely stripped down and cleaned, Jon then used vernier gauges to set the static depths of the carbs to their base specifications, and reusing components where possible, in preparation for the team to begin testing ignition and compression once the fueling system has been resolved.

Level Checks – Fueling Issue with the 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster

April 28, 2022

The workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ has been getting to the bottom of a fueling issue found on the 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster during final testing.

After noticing an issue with the fueling on the Stromberg carburettors, the team began by stripping the carburettors back apart to double-check adjustments. After removal, the team noticed that one of the carburettor bowls was completely dry as opposed to the others which were full as intended.

Our technician John then began to replace the all-important needle valves and work on perfectly resetting the float levels to ensure the bowl is properly filled at the correct rate and then stopped when it is supposed to.

After that, the team could put the carburettors back together and resume testing the classic E-Type.

Covered Up – Finishing the Hood Cover on the 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster

April 25, 2022

The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on completing the last few jobs to do with the interior of the 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster, Fern Grey.

The trim team have completed the handcrafted hood cover made specifically for Fern Grey. The team have hand-finished the piece by putting in the stud fasteners to the material to it can be held down tightly to the body of the classic Jaguar.

With this piece finished and put onto the car, the workshop team can continue with the final tests of the one-off E-type.

Final Inspection – Testing the 1973 Triumph TR6 and 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster

March 16, 2022

Recently, the owner of both the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster and 1973 Triumph TR6 came to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to test drive and inspect his newest projects by the team.

Each of the cars was inspected by Stephen before being taken out on several test drives to sort of suspension setups and any small changes to the car before their delivery to Europe for Stephen to enjoy for many years to come.

Teething Issue – Fixing the Door Mechanism on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster

March 9, 2022

The technicians in the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ have been working on a slight issue with the driver’s door on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster, Fern Grey.

Jon has been looking into the door mechanism which when the window is closed, cannot be opened from the inside.

Upon inspection, Jon found that the window regulator was interfering with the door latch mechanism and had knocked the release bar out of its guide. After removing the bar to modify and straighten the piece, he reinstalled the mechanism into the door and tested its function.

With the slight changes to the door release bar, everything was all okay after testing.

First Fit – Test Fitting the Removable Hardtop on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

February 10, 2022

The restoration teams at Bridge Classic Cars have been working together for the first test fitting of the removable hardtop on Fern Grey. The bespoke 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster being built at our Suffolk HQ.

The hardtop has been completely restored by the team here at Bridge Classic Cars and gone through by every department. Brian, our head trimmer, worked alongside our other restoration technicians to get all the trims, seals and hardware onto the roof. Then, gingerly slip it over the back over the car and down into place.

This has to be done so that Brian can check to make sure all of the brackets and fittings line up perfectly between the body and the roof.

On the Edge – Fitting the Sill Chromework to the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

February 9, 2022

The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, which we here at Bridge Classic Cars have come to know as Fern Grey, has had the last few bits of trim fitted to the car on the door sills.

Jonn, has been working on getting these onto the car. To begin with, the pieces were dry fitted and offered up to the car to make sure everything around them was correct. Once the techs had got everything ready, the sill chrome was officially and permanently put onto the stunning one-off E Type.

Systems Check – Check Over of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 27, 2022

The Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster ‘Fern Grey’ is getting closer to beginning its road tests here at Bridge Classic Cars.

Scott, our in-house restoration technician in charge of the build of Fern Grey, has begun going through and completing his electrics and wiring checks on the one of a kind E Type. Scott has also been going through and fitting all the necessary covers and shields under the bonnet of the E Type.

After Scott has completed all of these tests and checks on the Roadster, it will then begin its series of road tests and inspections to make sure the car is 100% ready for handover to its very lucky owner.

Final Details – Fitting the Bonnet and Wiring Changes to the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 25, 2022

The team at Bridge Classic Cars are on the final stretch in getting the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster ready for road testing.

One of the biggest and most delicate jobs of the whole build was fitting the bonnet to this one-off E Type. Carefully (and using almost everyone in the workshop) the bonnet was gently lowered onto the nose of Fern Grey. Once in place, our technicians Jon and Scott could begin the task of firmly attaching all the necessary brackets and braces to secure the bonnet to the car. Along with our bodywork expert Chris, the team worked on getting the hinges and clips aligned so the bonnet sat perfectly on this beautiful car.

Along with the bonnet being fitted, the team went through the car to add some last-minute adjustments. A new passenger grab handle was made and fitted by Brian, our lead in-house trimmer, and the headlights have been removed and rewired for a new pair that feature sidelights incorporated into the unit themselves.

It’s all coming together on Fern Grey, so keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for updates on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster.

Small Details – Post Test Checks on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 21, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians, Jon and Scott, have been working on some minor repairs and revisions to Fern Grey after its tests.

Fern Grey is of course the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster we have been building in our Suffolk HQ. After the tests, Jon and Scott noticed some issues with a couple of interior/dash lights which were solved by removing the cover plate and rerouting some of the elaborate wiring with a few pins needing to be recrimped and shielded.

Along with that, Jon has made a new fuel return pipe for the car as he found the original was not returning correctly to the fuel tank. So, with all of the underside jobs finished on Fern Grey Jon could begin to fit the shields to the underside of this one-off E Type.

Now, with everything buttoned up on Fern Grey, our technicians can begin retesting and rechecking the car before its road tests begin.

Catches and Hinges – Fitting up the Bonnet Hardware on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster

January 20, 2022

Our in-house restoration technicians, Jon and Scott, have been preparing the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

They have been fitting up the refurbished and new hardware to the firewall and the front frame of the E Type ready for when the gorgeous one-piece bonnet of Fern Grey is fitted. Before then, our technicians want to test run the V12 and all of its systems whilst they have easy access to the engine bay for any adjustments or changes to be made.

Soon, you will see a big move ahead with the E Type here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

The Small Touches – Polishing the Rear Valance of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 17, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been getting together all the final touches on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, Fern Grey.

One of the final pieces to finish off the rear end is the new valance cover. Our technician, Jon, spent hours getting the finish just right on the piece which is somewhat of a centre-piece for the back of the bespoke E Type.

With the valance fitted and the other brightwork in place, the rear end of Fern Grey is near enough complete.

Ready for Brightwork – Ready for Chrome on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 13, 2022

The team at Bridge Classic Cars have begun work on the stunning bonnet of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster we have built for a client. With all of the weatherstripping installed into the headlight surrounds, they can now begin with the final brightwork.

All of the chrome for Fern Grey was sent off to a specialist, Wyatt Polishing, for refurbishment and polishing to make sure it looked as good as the rest of the incredible car. Now Paul, one of our in-house technicians, will start the meticulous task of getting the chrome back onto the headlights ready for when the bonnet is finally installed onto the car in the coming weeks.

Expect to see a lot more on the progress of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster here on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage.

Coated – Exhaust for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 11, 2022

The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, Fern Grey, is getting closer to completion by the day. Recently our in-house restoration technicians have been working on completing the exhaust for this amazing project.

Our technician Paul has been working on cleaning, preparing and coating the exhausts for the 5 litre V12 that sits at the heart of this E Type. Paul carefully cleaned and prepared the original headers for the car before applying several coats of glossy black exhaust paint. This paint is specific for the use on exhausts as it can withstand incredible high temperatures and the environment.

Paul also worked on cleaning and painting the exhaust brackets for Fern Grey to match the rest of the immaculate underside of the car.

Finishing Touches – 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 7, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house have been finishing the final pieces for the interior of Fern Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster before it goes into the main workshop for final assembly.

Brian, our head trimmer, has got the cars handmade seats back into the car to complete that part of the interior and they look absolutely fantastic. This car is intended to be a true GT car so they are comfortable and well-padded to add to that sense of comfort while covering huge distances.

Next, Brian began fitting up the Hardura padding underneath the dashboard. Hardura is a vinyl wrapped sound deadening material used in place where it is remained exposed and is also close to the original style material used on the car.

Then, for the final piece Brian fitted the chrome stalks from the old sun visors onto the new pieces. These were then fitted up into the car and really finish of the dash and windshield surround.

Out & About – Charlotte’s New York Car Spotting at MoMA

December 15, 2021

Charlotte, our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions presenter, has been off on holiday but she’ll always manage to find something cool and classic for us back home. This time, she found a familiar friend in the Big Apple.

Whilst in New York, Charlotte went to MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and one of the exhibitions was to do with AutoMania and what better way to sum that up than with a gorgeous early E Type Droptop. A car we here at Bridge Classic Cars have an undeniable soft spot for and definitely deserves its place in a museum dedicated to modern works of art.

Hope you had an amazing time Charlotte! but you’ll all be able to see her tomorrow night for the live draw of the Mustang and the Mercedes 250SE. There is still time to get your tickets!

Click the link below for your chance to win your very own dream classic.

www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk

The Next Phase – Dash and Hood Pieces for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

December 9, 2021

Brian, Kath and Lydia have been working on the next phase of the interior for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster that Bridge Classic Cars calls Fern Grey. Now that the windscreen has been fitted and cured, it’s time to start getting the trim, dash and hood in place.

Using the original dash panels and A-Pillar trims, Brian stripped apart the panels ready to be recovered. The original foam for these pieces was in remarkably good condition so they were refreshed and reused. The trimming in the rich black leather however is all brand new. Brian selected a hide that compliments the rest of the interior but also matches closely what would have originally been used on the E Type’s to trim the pieces with.

Each of the panels and trims was hand-cut and finished by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim team to ensure the best fit. Including the dash pad which now that the windscreen is safely in place could be secured to the top of the dash after test fitting multiple times.

With all of the dash and trim around the windscreen fitted, Brian and the team began to work on getting the foldable hood mechanism in place. Checking the mounting points for the front and back of the hood, Brian began the task of gently manipulating the mounts to ensure the best possible fit as well as making sure each of the spars sat level and true. Thankfully after some skilled moving, the hood sat perfectly inside the gorgeous roadster.

Touch Points – More Progress on the Interior of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

December 6, 2021

Brian, one of our incredible in-house trim experts here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work getting the interior of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster.

Brian and the trim team are going full force at the interior of the E Type we know as Fern Grey in preparation for its completion. Brian began by lining and fitting the new boot liner to the Roadster.

The boot of the E Type is actually rather large. This is due to its design as being a long-distance grand tourer. Carrying 2 people in as much comfort, luxury and speed as was possible was the name of the game when it came to the E Type’s original design brief. Throughout its development, that always remained the same. Brian, finished the boot of Fern Grey in a beautiful soft camel colour to compliment the smooth green of the bodywork.

Next, Brian and the trim team got to work on the convertible hood for the E Type. This is being entirely built from scratch around Fern Grey. Using original templates, Brian has managed to recreate the padding for the top rail where it will meet the elegant, wrapping windshield of the E Type.

Whilst working on his next piece of the puzzle, Brian has wrapped the transmission tunnel in the vibrant green carpeting that is found throughout the entire car from front to back. Hand edged in leather that matches the exterior, this gives another level of sophistication and style to Fern Grey that helps to compliment all the small details.

Small details such as the cubby/armrest. Brian has worked really hard on getting the fit and finish of the armrest cubby to such a level it almost deserves a story of its own. The entire assembly was handmade by Brian to ensure the best fit and the best surface on which to wrap the green leather. Neat, precise cuts in every opening allow for a brand new feel to this and the trims to fit tight and close to the cubby.

Expect to see much more on Fern Grey in the coming weeks here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Every Angle – Trimming the Rear of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

December 3, 2021

Kath and the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim team have been continuing to fit-out of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster that we call Fern Grey.

Kath and Brian have been working the rear of the E Type to get the rear compartment entirely trimmed and installed into the car. Below the rear hatch is also trimmed in matching green carpet with leather accents. Kath and Brian test fit each piece multiple time to ensure that each component of the rear of the interior in Fern Grey worked together and had the right fit and finish.

After the carpeting and rear bulkhead had been trimmed, it was time to install the deck-lid which Kath had built for Fern Grey. This really finishes off the rear part of the interior and completes its bespoke look in some ways. Next up, Brian and Kath will be working their way forward into the cabin of Fern Grey by trimming the tunnel and footwells with that incredible thick green carpeting.

It’s Whats on the Inside – Beginning Install of the Interior on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

December 1, 2021

The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster which we know as Fern Grey has officially been moved over to the the trim shop! A massive milestone in the build, which means now Brian, Kath and Lydia can began work on getting the handmade interior into this stunning E Type.

To begin with, Brian started to mark out and prepare the sound deadening panels for the car. This will be a crucial part of the interior as not only will it help with the final fit and finish of each of the handmade pieces, but will also be key for a pleasant driving experience for its owner. So, Brian used his years of experience and reference photos to place the sound deadening panels in just the right place which should mean all the piece go into the car perfectly but it has less intrusive cabin noise.

With the sound deadening now secured into the car, Brian could turn his attention to the doors. Brian and the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim team have custom made these absolutely stunning green door cards to match the rest of the interior accent colours. These are two piece door panels with an upper cap and a lower door card but were created specifically for this car. The door cards needed to be secured into place for Brian to do the last piece for passenger side doors. The all important sill cap.

The sill cap for Fern Grey is much like the rest of the car, entirely bespoke to the project. Wanting to continue to the elegance and comfort all the way from the centre of the car out, Brian wrapped the sills in upholstery foam to give them a totally new look and feel. Like they had become an extension of the dash/seats/consoles. Then, wrapped in a colour matched vinyl the sills look absolutely sensational and there’s still so much more to come!

Expect to see quite a few more updates in the coming weeks on Fern Grey here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

First Signs of Life – Firing Up the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

November 19, 2021

It’s Alive! The beautiful 5 litre V12 that sits at the heart of Fern Grey has cracked into life for the first time since its rebuild. This is a milestone for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster that we have been building at Bridge Classic Cars.

The engine has been completely rebuilt but this was the first time it had been run since returning to our workshop and being installed in the nose of this unique, one of a kind E Type. The engine still has open headers so it sounds like an absolute animal whilst being run in the workshop with all those involved in the build to witness such a massive moment.

Scott and John have worked incredibly hard to get Fern Grey to this point and it was such a sight and sound to hear the engine run for the first time.

Moving Forward – The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster Gets Closer to the End

November 19, 2021

Our in-house restoration technicians have been hard at work on Fern Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, which is being built and restored in-house by Bridge Classic Cars here in Suffolk.

Whilst John, our workshop manager, has been working on getting all of the wiring on the E Type preparing it for its first fire up. Our other technician Paul has been working alongside Scott to begin to fit the brightwork and body trim back onto this stunning Fern Grey Jaguar.

One of the big bits of the update is that the fuel tank is now in the car and wired/plumbed up also in preparation for the first fire up of that newly built 5 litre V12.

Expect to see a lot more very soon as parts of Fern Grey are in multiple departments here at Bridge Classic Cars currently so keep an eye here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Must Dash – Covering the Dash of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

November 15, 2021

Brian has been working on the dashboard on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster in preparation for the rest of the car being finished off in the workshop over the next few weeks.

Brian, one of our master in-house trim experts, has worked his magic on the dashboard of Fern Grey. Once the original covering had been carefully removed, Brian could then begin to prepare the surface for it’s new cover.

Fern Grey is a special car. Everything on the entire car (not just the interior) has been worked on by our in-house restoration teams. Brian completely recovered the dash in a new black leather piece. But, it’s not just the cover that Brian worked on. The Trim team also refurbished all the trim pieces, especially the air vents on the leading edge of the dash.

Carefully, Brian cut the new cover to accept the dash vents. Then, began to fit them up onto the panel. It looks absolutely sensational.

Working in the Background – Wiring and Plumbing Continues on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster

October 28, 2021

Scott has been hard at work on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster that is being built by Bridge Classic Cars.

Since the last update, Scott has fitted the new radiator along with its dual Spal fans to make sure that when this freshly built 5 litre V12 is fired off for the first time and gets up to temperature, it stays safe and stable in the green zone. In preparation for that important moment, a lot of wiring has to happen along with the plumbing of hoses. Scott has been working on wiring up all the switchgear and gauges so that during the testing period and when the customer is doing many happy miles in the car, they are safe in the knowledge that everything is showing accurately and properly.

The detail of this car is truly amazing. Scott is testing the systems and then going back to make sure all the wiring is bundled and routed correctly to each individual component, should it ever have to be inspected in the future. Along with that is yards and yards of hard and Flexi lines that criss-cross the engine bay. Providing vacuum or air to different systems that run within or off of the V12. The throttle cables have been run from the large disc-shaped rotor out to each of the newly in-house rebuilt Stromberg carburettors so that when all that power is released on the road, it can be modulated and applied precisely.

Importantly aswell, Scott has been working with John to get the brand new belts in place for the engine. In total 5 belts are needed to drive the different systems for the Series 3 V12. These must go on in the right order as they are staggered specifically for the different components they drive. Once the final belt was wrapped around the alternator, Scott could then wire it to the car and its harness so when the car is running it is charging correctly (which will be able to be seen on the dial panel on the dash)

There will be more updates on Fern Grey very soon! Keep an eye on the blog page.

And Breathe In – Assessing the Carburettors on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster

October 7, 2021

It’s crucial for any classic car to be able to breathe properly. Especially when it’s the V12 from our 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster.

The V12 has been completely rebuilt for this very special car and now it’s time to address the carburettors. Our in-house engine builders will begin by carefully inspecting the originals and begin to dismantle and check each and every component and seal.

The carburettors for this V12 will have a very important role to play in the dynamic of this bespoke E-Type. The performance from the V12 has been calibrated to reflect the unique nature of the 1970s super tourer. These carburettors maybe some of the first rebuilt in-house to become E10 compliant, a service we offer to all classic car owners.

Expect to see more on the rebuild of these carburettors on our projects page.

On the Ground – Checking Fitment and Set Up on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series 3

September 27, 2021

Scott has been hard at work on the one-off 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster that is being built here at Bridge Classic Cars.

This marks a milestone in the cars journey. Since this is a bespoke E Type project for a very special client, it has had a very bespoke suspension set up. But, to make sure everything fits and works as it should, the car needed to be down on the floor. This meant fitting up its wheels and starting the suspension set up.

Once this unique E type was down on the ground Scott could begin work on adjustment to the set-up. This is not the final set-up as we still need to have everything in the car before its complete suspension can truly begin. But, Scott wanted to check there would be no interference from any components as they cycled and as they rotated.

Success. Everything fitted just as Scott had hoped and as intended like any of the Bridge Classic Car Projects.

Next up for Fern Grey, is getting started on the wiring…

Staying Planted – Fitting the Rear Arms to the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series 3

September 23, 2021

The latest update in the story of our unique and one of a kind 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series 3 is happening underneath.

Our amazing technician Scott has been fitting up the rear arms to the E Type to work alongside its GAZ adjustable coil-overs. There has been lots of measuring, and checking of clearances to make sure that all the components underneath this Fern Grey one-of-a-kind E Type will work together and give the lucky owner a true confidence-inspiring driving experience.

Scott has worked extensively on this car. Spending his time to make sure that every system compliments the next and works seamlessly in terms of its dynamics.

Check in again soon for more updates on this unique Jaguar at Bridge Classic Cars.

Poise and Elegance – Painting the bonnet on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series 3

September 17, 2021

The long, elegant and graceful lines of an E Type bonnet are best highlighted in a flattering colour.

This is very true for our incredible 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster that has been finished in a very rare Fern Grey. Our in-house paint team worked hard to make sure every surface on this vast and prominent part were perfect before even the first coat of primer was laid down.

The bonnet of an E type is such an important and recognisable part of the cars overall character. It couldn’t be anything less than perfect for this particular build.

Matt and Chris worked their magic in our paint booth, getting the right shade to match this very special car.

Next up for Fern Grey, getting it fitted to the rest of the car that Scott, our technician, has worked so hard on.

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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