The 'E' Type Forum

Dear all:

It's a pleasure to introduce myself. I'm the proud Spanish owner of a S1 FHC 3.8 LHD E-Type. You can see details and pictures on the XKE Data page: http://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?car=887278

I've bought the car in Spain in October 2014, and conducted an extensive restoration that finished on early March 2015. As far as I know, the car has been in Spain since 2000, and before that date in the States; in fact I'm really interested in completing its story through its different owners (no luck for the moment with the first one, a lucky October 1962 guy -I guess- called H. McPhail)

The car has still its original Moss box, and I've to say that I'm pleasantly surprised about its performance (too many horror stories in the Internet about this gearbox, I'm afraid) The main problem I'm suffering right now -and I prefer not to think in how life will be in a couple of months here in Spain- is regarding the heat inside the cabin. Heat shields were installed during the restoration, but I'm missing fresh air, so I'm considering to install an air conditioning solution in the future (really interested in hearing experiences and seeing pictures about the Clayton Classics one)

Another future plan is to change its color to Opalescent Grey (Carmen Red, its original color, is OK, but the car is asking for a good paintjob) Let's see! For the moment it's incredible every minute in the car, and I'm counting the days between ride and ride.

This forum has been an incredible source of know-how and experience during the months the restoration progressed; I preferred to delay my first post to the moment the car is finished, at least with the wished configuration to drive it. As some wise guy said, you never end a restoration!

So thank you to all of you for every one of your posts and, from Spain, I hope to participate from time to time on the ongoing topics

Welcome! Stunning pictures that you have on xkedata!

Welcome to the forum. Lovely looking car, well E Types are beautiful!
Changing colour may get various adverse comments, but remember the car is yours and if a paint job is needed go for the colour that really appeals to you.
Enjoy driving and looking back at you at as you walk away.

Welcome! The car looks great.

Fitting air con to a 3.8 is quite difficult and is usually best done whilst the body is completely stripped. You should check out this conversion: http://www.claytoncc.co.uk/index.php?op ... view&id=20

Even with air con you should seriously consider lining the interior with Kool-mat: viewtopic.php?t=181 Easy to do and hugely effective - I have it in my OTS.

Welcome to the forum, a nice motor you have, I reside in the Murcia region of Spain. Don't worry about the air-con, open all the window's and drive it fast !

Thanks for all the comments and possitive feedback! Good to know there are other Spaniards onboard!

Regarding your advice David, yes, the car has been partially lined on the interior to avoid the heat as much as possible. But indeed an Air Conditioning unit, at least a discreet one (it's terrible to alter the cabin' original aspect, IMO), it's my logic option. The Clayton Classics solution you mention is also my preferred one -although I would be delighted if Clayton offered some real examples through pictures- and, yes, the best moment to install it would be one I proceed to carry on a complete paint job. But right now, as some of you say, enjoying every drive is my priority!