Hello from Shropshire

[Series1 Stu]

Hi, Stuart here.

I've finally got around to joining the forum. Although I'm sure I have done it before.

I have a 1962 FHC, which is still undergoing restoration after a lot more years than is decent.

Its not that far off now but this is how I found it.



And this is its current status



Regards

[Gfhug]

Stuart, welcome to the forum. Your car is certainly looking much better than when you found her, keep up the good work. Have you done all or most of the work yourself?

You have done well so far without asking for help, but you'll find lots of friendly advice if you need it.

All the best with getting on the road

Geoff

[mgcjag]

Hi Stuart...welcom to the forum.....im not to far from you Ludlow......if you fancy a day out the forum is having a meet a Bicester in April have a look here viewtopic.php?f=12&t=10138

[Series1 Stu]

Hi Geoff, Steve

I was in Ludlow 2 weeks ago after a few days in Usk. I love the drive down (and back up) the A49.

I like to do things on Drive It Day although I obviously won't have the E-Type available by then. Could possibly make it in the Speedster replica though, if the re-wire is finished and the roof fitted properly.

Should be fun.

[AshM]

Welcome Stuart

I have been on the forum for a few short months and have found it extremely helpful and friendly.

I have a S2 which is under a race to be back on the road for the JEC Windsor event in May.

Based in Edinburgh but family from your part of the world so, you never know, maybe a meet up one day.

All the best with finishing the restoration.

cheers
Ash

[andrewh]

Welcome Stuart from another Shropshire Lad. Born and brought up in Shrewsbury but now a shandy drinking southerner!
I wonder whether your 62 is my old car? I sold an unrestored 3.8 FHC in late 70s and have not been able to recall who bought it or seen it since. Can only remember the first three letter of the registration. PEY or PEJ from memory? Is it yours by any chance?

Anyway, welcome to the forum, you will find it great help and good fun.

[Series1 Stu]

Hello Andrew

I don't think my car could have been yours as it is a US re-import. In fact, I'm absolutely sure that it hasn't been driven in this country since the day it left for New York in December 1962. It has never been used on the road since repatriation in 1989 when it was imported along with a Series 1 OTS.

So yes, its a US re-import which I've owned since late 2001 and converted to RHD during the restoration process. It left the factory in Carmen Red with black interior and had been (badly) painted yellow at some point. There was about 2 inches of filler in the right hand door. Car number is 888007.

I would love to trace my car's history but my tentative efforts have got me nowhere so far. I do have the registration document from Maryland. Maybe one day, I'll progress it.

I'm originally from the North East so, to me, I'm surrounded by Southern Softies here in Shropshire.
My youngest daughter lives in Windsor and, sometimes, we're allowed to visit as long we promise to behave. My oldest daughter lives in Chicago which means we've got to travel to see either of them.

Regards

[malcolm]

Hi and welcome! Looks like car is coming on great.

[andrewh]

Hello Andrew

I don't think my car could have been yours as it is a US re-import. In fact, I'm absolutely sure that it hasn't been driven in this country since the day it left for New York in December 1962. It has never been used on the road since repatriation in 1989 when it was imported along with a Series 1 OTS.

So yes, its a US re-import which I've owned since late 2001 and converted to RHD during the restoration process. It left the factory in Carmen Red with black interior and had been (badly) painted yellow at some point. There was about 2 inches of filler in the right hand door. Car number is 888007.

I would love to trace my car's history but my tentative efforts have got me nowhere so far. I do have the registration document from Maryland. Maybe one day, I'll progress it.

I'm originally from the North East so, to me, I'm surrounded by Southern Softies here in Shropshire.
My youngest daughter lives in Windsor and, sometimes, we're allowed to visit as long we promise to behave. My oldest daughter lives in Chicago which means we've got to travel to see either of them.

Regards

Ah well, I must keep looking I suppose. The problem is that I cannot recall who I sold it to for sure. I have a vague recollection that it went to the American chap who ran Vicarage at Bridgnorth but that was before it became CMC. Anyway, one day it will turn up. Its was my first E type, cost £1000 totally complete but as rotten as a pear, fibreglass bonnet etc, infinitely restorable today. My Mother paid for it as she knew what an E type fan I was. Sold it to buy my first new car or flat or something like that. One of my big regrets and as Mum is no longer with us, I would dearly love to buy it back.

Anyway, glad you are progressing well with your car, is that Opalescent Dark Blue?

Andrew

[Series1 Stu]

Yes, Its Opalescent Dark Blue. Amazing how the appearance changes depending on the type and intensity of light its in. I love it.

I might have gone for Opalescent Silver Blue but was worried about the risk of poor shut lines, darker colours being more forgiving in this respect. I don't think I need to have worried as it turns out but I'm really pleased with it as it is. No regrets.

Regards

[kinglaw]

Your car looks great.

I am a new member and in Southern California. Owned first Jaguar in 1966 OTS Primrose/Black

Good to hear from all you folks across the pond(s).

Never trust the condition of USA cars without a thorough inspection. Yes, even an original Californian car can be suspect, although the ones from the Midwest and East are of concern.

Hope to take part in the forums. Have a lot of experience with these beautiful vehicles. Also, many NOS parts.

Cheers,
Barry P. King

[Series1 Stu]

H Barry and welcome

Its great to be in touch with people from around the globe, especially when they've got a common interest, and what better interest than E Type Jaguars?

I have many times cringed at some of the "improvements" made to Jaguars in the USA. Biggest sin, of course, is replacing the engine with a Chevy V8. Its like swapping a rapier for a broadsword. I can understand that parts cost and availability drive people down that road and that its probably saved quite a few cars from the crusher but it completely changes the character of the car. Still, an E Type is an E Type....

My car came from Maryland and has had just about every panel replaced; floors, sills, wheel arches, door skins etc. Although the roof, hatch, bulkhead and bonnet are all original.

Regards

[richard btype]

Welcome Stuart, do you know the date of manufacture?

[Series1 Stu]

Hi Richard

My car (888007) was built on 28th December 1962

Regards