The 'E' Type Forum

Evening all,

I had hoped to introduce myself under different circumstances, but having spent nearly a year trying to get the balance of the parts and the V5 or missing chassis/body plates for my 1967 Series 1 2+2, I have drawn a blank at every turn...police not interested (civil matter, apparently), solicitor getting too costly and Citizens Advice suggested mediation (difficult when seller won't respond!). A very expensive life lesson....

In the meantime, I shall follow your builds and enjoy the pictures!

Richard

Hi Richard, and welcome.

It's disgraceful the way some people behave and take advantage of other people's trusting nature. You won't find people like that on this forum.

If you let us know a bit more about your car we might be able to help you trace information about it.

Do you have any details on the car. How do you know it's a 1967, for example.

Regards

Nice to be here, Stuart! I have been lurking for some time and it does seem to be a positive place!

Happy to be guided as to any other ways of narrowing down what I have...all help very gratefully received!

Richard

Hi Richard...welcom to the forum.....there are various places that the body number may be written in crayon...try a search...body number.....but possibly on the bulkhead under the dash, behind the trim panel on the rear hatch...various places under trim panels......Steve....edit....just realised you mentioned dipping....was it the whole body......did you have this done or the seller.......where did you buy it.......can you post some photos we may be able to help

'Sven' will have to post a set number of times before he can add photos. In the meantime here is the photo of the car he linked to:

No signs of any numbers on any of the interior parts I have - door panels, rear trim and back seats.

Richard

Hi Richard....so what was the basic story.....did you go and view what you was buying.....did you buy it as a shell with all the parts but then not all was delivered.....from what i can see it looks like a S1.... can you post anymore photos.....all the best... Steve

Hi Steve,

A mixture of rose tinted specs and being in love, I suspect! The car we bought has been largely restored, the parts were all boxed up and came with lots of promises...There are many positives to the story; I do have a fantastic shell, professionally restored, lead loaded and then dipped and primed, so part of me is reluctant to move the project on!

Anyway the sun is shining for Bank Holiday in the UK - miracles do happen!!

Richard

If you have the funds and especially the time I would be inclined to stick with it.

I have been going through a 2+2 restoration for nearly 2 years and the body is now in the exact same state as yours awaiting final prep.

You should be mindful that the cost could be a little eye watering. Parts and labour to date excluding the car purchase amount to £38,000. So the good news is you are through this part.

I believe I have another £28,000 to go at least. Bear in mind that I am paying specialists and hopefully heading for A1 to Concours condition with professionally fitted interior at around 9K.

If you take a look in the USA there are project cars available for around 20,000 USD but they are basket cases. There have been a few in the UK for £20 to £25K recently. I would recommend you get a 1966 car if you can or you may not end up with a very valuable example at the end of it all (Poss £50 - £60K for a 1.5). You will need to check whether your current bonnet is series 1 or 1.5 as this would be a significant piece of work to change. A company in Australia called Monocoque, produce a metalwork kit to change a 1.5 bonnet. I have used them for other parts and they are good to deal with.

Your Series 1 finished car could be worth £70 - £90k if very good or possibly more if exceptional and in the best colour combinations. But its all down to finding the right buyer. Probably someone over 6 foot.

I am afraid my project will outstrip the cars value but I am learning a lot from the experience and the mistakes to avoid next time.

The most expensive parts will be engine, gearbox, back axle and triple carb setup so if you do find a project car make sure these are all there and rebuildable with numbers matching the VIN plate. Things like the RHD pedal box are hard to find and will cost over £400 second hand. Glass and surrounds will be expensive but can be found second hand if you are patient. Windscreens are available from Pilkingtons. Most trim is available although fit and finish can be questionable at times.

Loads more to overcome like fitting of bumpers and lights which will all require a lot of fettling and no doubt rechroming even if you buy new. Most second hand chrome I have bought has also been rubbish after all who would sell the good stuff.

If you haven't got an engine, have you considered making it electric? I wouldn't do it if the car had an engine, but...

http://evwest.com/
These guys were featured on the last Wheeler Dealers series (season 13 episode 12) - where a guy had put an electric motor in a Maseratti Bi-Turbo, in the 90s! The original conversion worked well, and with the above company, they updated it to current technology.

http://www.zelectricmotors.com/ feature many conversions they have done. They seem to specialise in swapping the VW/Porsche air cooled engines.

I don't want to make the woe worse, but I think that since all you have is a non-identifiable shell and some non-identifiable mechanical parts, whatever you do you are in danger of ending up with it on a Q plate . The implications of that for ultimate value , and indeed any ability to re-sell, are considerable. I advance the view with some hesitation , but all things considered I think you would be better cutting your losses if you can

There is a 2+2 on ebay now which is a basket case but with VIN etc..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1968-JAGUAR-E ... SwYVBZttna

Sven/Richard
I have pm'd you.

Regards
Pat

Other than through this forum does anyone know how to get in touch with Sven?

Thanks
Pat