Series 1.5 covered headlamps

[alastair_james_cox]

Good evening,

I've just popped my first post into the welcome section with links to my 1967 Series 1 restoration project and thought to kick things off I'd see what everyone's thoughts were on the covered headlamps. From previous posts it sounds as though these aren't original but what are the tell tale signs to look out for / check?

The bonnet is original and stamped on one of the ribs and I believe that the whole car is still wearing it's original paint ... although this needs a touch up ;-)

I'll try using the Post Image option but if that's not working there's a link to some images here:

https://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/196 ... c-1386.htm

Best, Al

[neil4444]

Hi Al,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase.

Hard to tell if the closed in headlamps were original on your car but from a quick scan on xkedata many earlier S1.5 cars had the open headlights (mine included). Furthermore the sugar scoops look to have been finished in body colour (would have been silver originally) so some work has gone on with the headlights. I prefer the closed in headlamps look (I've bought the monocoque metalworks conversion kit for my S1.5). But purists might prefer originality. Just go with your own preference.

From the looks of the car I guess headlamps are probably quite a way down the priority list. What's your plan for it, are you restoring it yourself ?

Cheers,

[Whitact]

Who knows the exact spec of the cars shipped during the transition period but for what its worth I have a US import August 67 S1 FHC that appears to have all the S1 features except the closed headlights. So I would agree with Neil's assessment.
Good luck with your restoration.
Cheers

[Gfhug]

Al, a very useful book to get is this (Anders Clausager's Factory Original E Type):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Factor ... 1906133360

It shows you how things changed as the model was developed, changed, modified. It shows the change to open headlights starting in January 1967 for USA and Canada, with the rest of the world in June-July 1967.

Though there will be some with new/different bonnets fitted due to damage, etc.

There are many photos in the book showing original fit for the various models, explanations as to why some changes were made (often for/due to the dominant US market and their legislation). It is well worth getting.

Geoff

[christopher storey]

I think it is likely to be what is colloquially known as a Series 1.25 which had many of the series 1.5 interior features, as this car does, but retained the S1 exterior features. The engine, by the way, looks as though it has come from Mark IX or a Mark2 3.8 saloon

[Heuer]

Read this for more information:
JCNA S1.5 Judge's Guide: http://www.jcna.com/library/concours/2006/e-type1.5.pdf

[alastair_james_cox]

Thanks all,

Just checking. Technically it should be open headlights so I'll post some photos of the (presumably) period conversion if there's anything interesting to see.

The head shown on the BHCC photos didn't come with my car either so I'll share a photo of the actual head and number later.

I'm hoping the original will turn up soon

Best, Al.

[eddiecross]

Good luck Alistair. I purchased a 1.25 FHC from BHCC a couple of months ago. Mines due to arrive early to mid August.

Cheers
Eddie
(Egham)