1974
The Jaguar E-Type was originally designed as a rear-wheel-drive grand tourer, available as a fixed-head coupé (FHC) and as an open two-seater (OTS). Within a few years, a longer wheelbase 2+2 version was also introduced. Series 1 was first unveiled to the public in 1961, and right after the new sports car was presented, rival Enzo Ferrari made his now-historic remark: “I think it’s the most beautiful car ever made.” That settled it — the Jaguar E-Type became a favorite among the rich and beautiful.
Thanks to its reasonable price, the car was also accessible to a much wider audience than, for example, the Ferrari 250 GT. The Jaguar E-Type was produced in three different model series under the collective names: “Series 1,” “Series 2,” and “Series 3.” Additionally, there exists a transitional model between Series 1 and 2, unofficially known as “Series 1½.”
The very first E-Type Jaguar to officially come off the production line was an open-top car with a 3.8-liter inline-six engine, and it was immediately tested by the British car magazine The Motor. The test recorded a top speed of 149.1 mph (240.0 km/h) and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 7.1 seconds. These were record-breaking results for the time and clearly demonstrated that this beautiful car was also technically capable.
“Series 3” models were the first to use Jaguar’s new 5.3-liter V12 engine, along with a fully updated braking and steering system. Series 3, produced between 1971 and 1974, was available only in the longer-wheelbase 2+2 coupé and convertible versions.
Our car, also a Series 3 E-Type, arrived in Estonia disassembled and soda-blasted, with the body mounted on wheels. Many of the body panels had already been replaced, and the metalwork had been finished with lead filler. Still, the car needed a skilled panel beater to refine the previous work and perfectly align the body panels. The last traces of rust were removed in Estonia, and even the hidden surfaces were thoroughly cleaned.
Only then could the extensive painting process begin — this meant painting the entire body and all parts from the inside, underside, and top. After the final cleaning, the car was primed with Standox Washprimer 1:1, a two-component acid primer that ensures the best possible chemical adhesion to the base surface and offers long-term corrosion protection. On top of that, we applied Standox Non-Stop Füllprimer, a wet-on-wet insulating filler primer. Only after the primer layers had properly dried could the actual work begin.
Shaping the body to perfection took several hundred hours of labor and a significant amount of materials. The owner chose the car’s original dark green color — British Racing Green — which suits this car beautifully. After the first test painting, remaining small imperfections were corrected, and the car received its final topcoat using Standocryl VOC topcoat paint.
It must also be said that painting the E-Type’s bonnet is quite a challenge due to its exceptionally large size and complex shape. But the long hours of work paid off, and the result was worth the effort! Having looked around at several international classic car shows, it must be admitted that an E-Type with such clean lines and straight panels is a rare sight.
As proof of the work’s quality, we handed over to the owner around 200 digital photos documenting every step of the restoration process.
31 Jul 2012
