An example of elegance: What it takes to restore a Jaguar E-Type
Many classic car enthusiasts enjoy their cars so much because plenty of work can be done themselves. There aren’t the same issues with bonded bodywork, ECUs, and myriad sensors to have to try and factor in, with the adage that classic cars were built in simpler times a real boon to owners.
And of course, when something falls outside your expertise, there are always others who have been there, done that, and created something that can be called on for advice or professional assistance.
But what does it take to restore a classic? Naturally, each car has a different story and set of requirements, but we spoke with Footman James’ Chrome Collective member Nigel Kermode about what he has done to his Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2. It’s been perilously close to the scrapyard in previous years, prior to Nigel’s ownership, and has been saved, restored, and now arguably improved upon. As it is prepared to be shown at the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club (JEC) display at Salon Prive later this month, we found out what work has been done to this beautiful E-Type.
How long have you had the E-Type?
I bought the car in 2006 after a long search. I loved this car because it had been well restored in the nineties but was essentially original with most parts having been refurbished rather than replaced. In my search for the perfect car for me, I had decided upon a later Series 1 E-Type roadster which follows the original Malcolm Sayers exterior design but has the 4.2 litre engine, all synchromesh gearbox, and adjustable seats. At the time, it was considered to be the “driver’s E-Type” which is exactly what I was looking for. I had this car inspected by Ken Jenkins, who is a leading E-Type technical expert within the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club. Since this time I have maintained the car and made some subtle alterations with electronic ignition, Zeus brakes, and a Kenlowe cooling fan to improve driveability in modern traffic.
The car as it was after Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2022.
What is its history before your ownership?
Immediately after purchase I researched the history of the car. It was originally bought by Geoffrey Paul Stevens, who was the MP for Portsmouth Langstone, possibly as a retirement present. The car is quite unusual because it came off the production line in opalescent silver blue but with black seats trimmed with white piping. I have actually seen the coupe version manufactured at the same time. He owned the car for 13 years, when it passed to its second owner for 5 years. At this stage the car was in an undriveable condition and was sold to the car's saviour for £2,500. I still have the receipt which states quite clearly “this car 'must not be driven on the road'!” The third owner, Ian Hart, began an epic home restoration which resulted in the car being saved from the scrapyard and it was being driven again in the late nineties. It passed to its fourth owner in 2002 before my purchase in 2006.
The stripdown as it started at CBR
What changes have you had carried out?
During the time I have owned the car, I have taken it to many events both within the UK and on the continent. Apart from maintenance, the only changes I have made – referred to above – have been done on the basis of making it more driveable and safer on modern roads. I absolutely loved the originality of the car, down to the original leather and the hood cover which has the chassis number chalked on the inside from the production line! During this time, I acknowledged that the paintwork was very good, but the previous restoration was not quite Jaguar opalescent silver blue – it was at least a shade too dark, and I resolved to change this at some point in the future.
We removed the pedal box covers for LHD cars and saw the difference in opalescent silver blue (OSB) between original colour and its previous nineties respray
How much restoration did the car need, and where has it been completed?
A change of circumstances for me, namely retirement, had me thinking hard about upgrading the car. The interior needed a lot of work as the seats had essentially collapsed internally and I had resolved to restore the car back to the right Jaguar colour. But foremost in my mind was also to preserve the essence of this car – namely its original condition. I had owned the car for nearly 16 years, had enjoyed it immensely during this time, and decided that I was going to give it a full restoration but with the expectation we would preserve as much as possible of the car. This then took me on a long journey to find the right restorer. Whilst of course cost is a major consideration, I found that the choice of restorer mostly hinged on confidence and their restoration ethos. In my case I found Andy Waters at CBR in Wolverhampton. This company came highly recommended within the club and I could already feel a meeting of minds when we spoke about what was required.
Grey Jaguar E Type in rear end chassis
What has been restored or refurbished?
The car went to Andy after Goodwood Revival in 2022, and was dismantled and then stripped back to bare metal. I suppose this became the low point of the restoration as we found there was a lot of filler which had been used on the car and the floor was not perfectly flat as sections had been removed in the past and new ones welded in. At this stage we were committed, so we decided on a complete new floor assembly and new sills were lined up to the floor. In the end we created a straight bodyshell and then all the hard work began to ready it for paint. The choice of the paint consumed all our attention so we could get the best match possible to opalescent silver blue, both in terms of shade and texture. In the end I think CBR did a stunning job. The engine was also rebuilt, the gearbox refurbished and all other parts were cleaned and rechromed wherever needed. We showed the car at the NEC in November 2023 and it was fully roadworthy in April 2024. At the time of writing we have put nearly 1,400 miles on the clock.
Things are improving- first coat of OSB on the car
Bonnet sprayed
First fit of components to bodyshell
Engine installed
Interior finished as original specification
What’s your favourite – new or original – feature?
Since this is intended to be a once in a lifetime restoration, I decided to make a few further discrete changes. The speakers were replaced with modern versions and a Bluetooth receiver added to connect to my phone. The car also has a built-in security system, an easy to plug in battery charging system, and wired in digital dashcam. As all these items were pre-planned, we have been able to install them unobtrusively on the car. But my favourite feature is the paintwork – not only is it stunning, it is faithful to the original.
NEC show Nov 23
NEC show Nov 23
Me happy at the show
What made you want to enter the Jaguar in Concours?
From the above you will understand that I am a member of the classic car community that wants to drive their classic car! This became a real choice in the restoration, as when the underside of the car was being painted, we applied a heavy-duty sealant to protect the car. If the car was being restored as a show car we would not have done this – just because Jaguar would not have done it in the factory. Having said this, I have just been through two years of intense discussions with CBR about the fine points of restoring this car and if there were ever a time to show, now is that time. I love attending car shows, including concours shows and now represents an opportunity to participate myself. So Andy and I have decided together to show the car through the club at Salon Prive in August this year.
What support or assistance has the JEC provided?
The Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club has been an invaluable source of help during this restoration. Particular help has come from Ken Jenkins who has known this car from 2006 since we first met. He has followed the restoration avidly and given lots of helpful advice, including inspecting the car for a second time 18 years later! The club have also featured the restoration during 2023 in a monthly article in the club magazine.
Are there any other cars in the collection alongside the E-Type?
Well yes! After all, I needed another car when the E-Type was away from home for 18 months! I drive a Jaguar Mark II when I need a four-seater car, and this has served me well for club events recently. But before you ask, I have no plans to repeat this process on the Mark II!
This fantastic Jaguar E-Type will be on display at Salon Prive’s car club gathering, taking place at Blenheim Palace on Saturday 31st August. The Chrome Collective is an exclusive club for Private Clients of Footman James which offers access to luxury events, VIP hospitality and more. Club members in the past have enjoyed unsilenced driving at Thruxton, taken part in tailored driving tours, and discussed all things motoring with admired industry insiders. To find out more about our Private Client policies call 0333 162 8086
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