1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Series 3

Getting ready for paint

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 safely out of the workshop and up the road with Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich, it gave

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Arriving at the docks…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For some time now we’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our latest restoration project, a 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible. After a long

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Jaguar V12 E-Type Paint Preparation

We are now preparing the bodywork ready for paint. At this stage we are expecting the preparation to be approximately 150-180 hours.

Jaguar E-Types outside Bridge Classic Cars

The sun was shining this afternoon and with the door open and our 1971 V12 roadster on the front ramp we couldn’t resist parking up our 1965 Jaguar E-Type and our 1970 Jaguar E-Type out the front to show off this wonderful collection.

  • 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 – Green
  • 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 – Red
  • 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster – Golden Sand TBC – bare metal, on the ramp

More E-Type engine pictures

We have now positioned the newly rebuilt V12 engine in our workshops ready to be fitted to the reinforced engine stands.

Our Jaguar E-Type Roadster is ready for paint preparation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster is now ready for the paint preparation.

At this stage we are estimating a further 150-180 hours will be spent on the preparation before the complete respray commences.

Various conversations have been had but at this moment in time the colour combination is undecided. Our original plan of black with red MAY be altered but at this stage of the build this is not a a problem. With preparation and primer to concentrate on we still have time to make the colour combination decision.

The colour choice will be solely down to the new owner and his/her preference.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10833,10834,10835,10836,10837,10838″ onclick=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This morning, we had the pleasure in meeting Brian Page of Classic Assessments as he visited our workshops to learn a little more about Bridge Classic Cars.

The reason for his visit was to inspect the work we have carried out and our plans for our 1971 Jaguar E-Type Roadster. As the workshop was full of our classics we were able to show Brian various stages of the current projects we have; our 1924 Riley 10.8HP 11/40 Sports Tourer, our 1949 MGYT, our 1976 Maserati Merak, our 1960 Jensen 541S, as well as our 1965 Jaguar E-Type and finally over to Colchester to see our 1967 Jaguar E-Type.

It was a very busy morning but hopefully very worthwhile for Brian.

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Removing the paint from our Jaguar E-Type roadster

This week, the task of removing the paint from our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster didn’t come without its dramas.

With the car in position, the compressor all set up and ALL of the correct PPE in place ? Lauren got to work on he job of painstakingly removing every inch of the excess paint from the body shell…

 

…that was until disaster struck and Lauren found herself with a spec of 46 year old Jaguar dust in her eye. Even though her mask was on, her goggles were securely fastened that little time still managed to find its way in.

So with an afternoon spent in A&E and a good flush of the eye Lauren was back to work and back tackling the E-Type body.

Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster ready for paint

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The body work reshaping is now been completed on our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster.

The body will now be prepared for the new black finish to be applied.

It was a huge task correcting the body of this roadster because of the alterations that had been made previously but Tommy has done an incredible job. He has barely turned his head away from this project since returning from Christmas but now we have reached the light at the end of the tunnel.

The very final piece before she goes off into our paint shop, we will remove all of the excess paint that is still remaining on the shell.

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Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster outside Bridge Classic Cars HQ

Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster finally got given some fresh air today as we let her outside for a bit.

Here we are outside the Bridge Classic Cars headquarters on Deben Road in Ipswich.

It was a little nippy out but the sun was shining.

The Jaguar E-Type, one of the most admired classics. Even in the restoration stages the Jaguar E-Type roadster is still a stunning site and brought a smile to everyone who passed by the doors today.

We often get a few looks in as we are working away during the day but when we park something up outside it’s always lovely to hear people’s comments.

Jaguar E-Type Rear Arches Primed

Work continues on the inner arches of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster.

The body preparation task is nearing completion and here we have more more images of the inner arches.

Once the arches were complete and Tommy was happy with the results, he applies a layer of Zinc primer for extra security in those unexposed areas.

Zinc rich primers are used to protect steel surfaces from corrosion. Unlike regular paints or epoxies which resist corrosion by forming an impermeable barrier between the metal and atmospheric moisture, zinc rich primers provide corrosion protection by electrical means.

Our Jaguar E-Type roadster, now with new arches

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster is really starting to take shape now as we enter the final stages of bodywork preparation.

The new arches have been shaped and fitted and the new boot lid has been laid into position.

A huge difference from when it arrived with us, with it’s huge ‘cut out’ arches and gigantic exhaust.

We refer a lot to bringing a classic back to life and this project is a true example of that. And what a car it will be…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9606,9607,9608,9609,9610,9611,9612,9613,9614″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Work continues on the roadster body

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s been a solid task for Tommy since returning from his Christmas break but what a fantastic job he is doing.

He’s managing to transform the body of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster from a drag car back into the beautiful iconic classic it should be.

The arches have now been cut out ready for the new arches to be reshaped. The new floor pan is fitted and this afternoon he will be tackling the front air duct area…which is a big area to tackle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9378,9383,9382,9381,9380,9379,9389,9384,9385,9386,9387,9388″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jaguar E-Type V12 Engine and Gearbox

The completed V12 engine of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster.

Steve at Rushton Engineering has carried out an amazing job on the engine. It has been completely stripped, chemically cleaned and meticulously rebuilt.

We have renewed, as standard, crank shells, timing chain and tensioner, piston rings, valves and springs.

Both heads have been skimmed, bores honed and carburetors stripped and rebuilt. The fasteners have been electroplated, pulleys, brackets etc have all been powder-coated. The heads, carburetors and many all other parts have been vapour blasted.

We have modified the oil distribution head and sump with remote oil filter housing and oil cooler.

Our Jaguar E-Type body panels have arrived

As Tommy is nearing completion on the repair work on the existing body we have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newly built body panels.

Before arriving here at Bridge Classic Cars, sometime in it’s life our 1971 Jaguar E-Type had been altered to what we believe was going to be a drag vehicle.

But after a huge operation carried out by Tommy to repair the body it has now been converted back to it’s original state. In order to complete the task in time and within budget it was more cost effective for us to have new panels produced.

The Martin Robey group of Companies is the largest and most comprehensive source of spares and services for classic to modern Jaguar motor cars. They own a lot of the original castings and templates used by Jaguar.

Due to the Martin Robey brand being internationally recognised the lead time on particular items can be a number of weeks and months so do ensure you manage your build effectively to limit your down time.

1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster – Welding

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Every classic car that comes through the doors of Bridge Classic Cars has a story, in fact every classic car you see on the road today has a story. Each and every story is unique and this one is certainly that…

The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most iconic British cars ever to have graced the roads and our 1971 V12 comes with an exceptional story.

Before arriving in the UK, the previous owner had made some very unusual changes to the vehicle. We believe the intention of the changes was to convert the vehicle into a drag or racing car. Although some may consider converting a beautiful classic E-Type into a racing car is madness, the changes had been carried out to an exceptionally high standard; brackets had been fitted in places that t0 the inexperienced eye would easily be mistaken for a factory fitted bracket.

In order to restore this beautiful machine back to its former glory, first we are having remove all of the work that has been carried out so far. This is a huge job but our Tommy has been given the project and he will oversee all of the works required to bring it back to its original form.

Her are some images of the welding work that has been carried out so far. New panels have been ordered and are awaiting delivery so the work you can see so far has all been carried out on the original bodywork.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8846,8847,8848,8849,8850,8851,8852,8853,8854,8855,8856,8857″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jaguar E-Type Bonnet Preparation

Tommy has been assigned the task of working on our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster.

We are working alongside her new owner Steve to bring this beautiful creation back to life.

Having recently restored a stunning Austin Healey (I’ll try and get some photos!), Steve will be carrying out the majority of the work himself but we will be completing the bodywork preparation and carrying out the full respray in Black before handing her back to Steve to complete the restoration.

Here’s some of the work that Tommy has already carried out on the bonnet area:

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Bonnet Preparation

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Bonnet Preparation

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Bonnet Preparation

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Bonnet Preparation

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Bonnet Preparation

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Bonnet Preparation

In the chroming and polishing plant

Thanks to Tony at Wyatt Polishing for sending through some up to date images of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster chrome being worked on in their Thetford workshops.

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster bright work being chromed

We’ve been very busy of late and as this project is our own it has unfortunately had to take a back seat.

Work is due to commence on the body later this week as we have lots of welding to do. The chromework is also due back to us later this week.

 

1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type v12 Roadster is now ready for the big task of welding. As we have mentioned previously, this beauty spent some time in the US with the intention of being a drag car.

With this in mind, a lot of unnecessary changes have been made to the shell so it’s now the job for Will to put her back to how she should be. New arches will need to be fitted up and welded into place.

We can’t wait for her to be back to her best, ready to be refitted. The chrome is back with us now and doesn’t look as pretty wrapped up in a box!

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster ready for welding

1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

We’ve been so busy recently at Bridge Classic Cars that unfortunately our 1971 Jaguar E-Type Roadster has taken a little bit of a back seat.

Having stripped it bear metal some time ago we were quick to whisk her off to the sandblaster ready to have the sandblasting treatment done but not so quick in asking for her back.

Until now…

Here she is, back with us in the Bridge Classic Cars workshops ready to be repaired and prepared for a full respray.

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Jaguar Etype Series 3 Roadster Sandblasted

Organising the bright-work ready for re-chroming

A trip up the A14 is due soon as we get our 1971 Jaguar E-Type 3 Roadster chrome work organised, ready for refurbishing.

When organising the chrome (or all parts in general) it is important to document what you have to start with so it helps when it’s returned; A. to check you have it all and B. it helps work out what each individual part is and where it belongs.

Aftermarket parts these days are wonderful. As time goes on original parts for classic cars are becoming harder and harder to find so there is absolutely a market for aftermarket parts but if you are lucky enough to have original parts that are repairable then it’s best to do this if it is a cost effective solution.

Off we go to Wyatt Polishing in Thetford, Tony does wonders with chrome-work!

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Ready for preparation and paint

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With our 1966 Jaguar E-Type away for 24 hours to have the ceiling cloth and glass re-fitted it gave the team a small window to crack on with the next restoration.

The 1971 Jaguar E-Type convertible is well on it’s way to being stripped but with the paint shop ready and waiting we just needed to remove the final few pieces and get her ready for her full respray.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4485,4486,4487,4488,4489,4490,4491,4492,4493,4494,4495,4496,4497,4498″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Once the entire body has been stripped and everything that needs to be removed has been you are left with a very naked shell.

Here we are loading it up ready to take it to Trevor at Needham Market ready for it’s full respray.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4499,4500,4501,4502,4503,4504,4505,4506,4507,4508,4509,4510,4511,4512,4513,4514,4515,4516,4517,4518,4519″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Getting ready for paint

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 safely out of the workshop and up the road with Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich, it gave John the afternoon to get on with stripping the 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible, ready for paint.

And has it was such a lovely day today, we set the car up outside so John could top up his tan at the same time!!

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She’s stripped and ready to go…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Time management can be a full time job in itself when you’re restoring a classic vehicle.

You always have to be one or two steps ahead of yourself as tasks take time and time is a costly element to restorations.

We’ve all been there when you go to fit a crucial part onto the care only to realise that you forgot to order a seal for it..and then you’re told it will take 10 days to come it means you are then 10 days behind! Nightmare!

A schedule and timeline is very important when restoring as it ensures that all of the tasks that need to be carried out can be started and finished at the right time for the next one to start and finish. One slip up can cost a lot of time.

This week at Bridge Classic Cars has been a very important week for planning as we have some very strict time restrictions that we need to adhere to. With our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 due to return from the paint shop any day now not only did we need to plan for the next stages of this restoration, we needed to start to plan for our next one as well as clearing some space in the workshop for her return.

Last week you may have seen we collected our 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible from the ship at Felixstowe docks. With only a few days spare before we see the return of our 1966 Jag we needed to start working on removing the engine and stripping the car of it’s components ready for phase 2.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4244,4243,4242,4241,4240,4239,4238,4237,4236,4235,4234,4233,4232,4231,4230,4229,4228″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Arriving at the docks…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For some time now we’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our latest restoration project, a 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible.

After a long trip over from the states it was great to finally hear the news that she had arrived safely into Felixstowe docks.

So at 8am this morning we set off up the A14 to the docks at Felixstowe to collect her.

It’s situations like these that have make you realise just how lucky we are to have one of the largest container ports in the UK right here on our doorstep. In a way, I think we take it for granted just how close we are to Felixstowe.

So we arrived at the warehouse and sat ourselves amongst the large queue of HGV’s, all waiting to collect their loads ready for the day ahead.

We were eventually advised to drive round the back of the warehouse and await further instruction from the guys there…so we set off.

I half expected to go round the last bend of the warehouse and see our Jaguar E-Type hidden between a huge stack of empty pallets but no, far from it intact…

…turns out Bridge Classic Cars wasn’t the only company awaiting the arrival of their imported classic car today.

Check out this stunning Ford Mustang GT just hanging around.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4154,4156,4158,4159,4161,4162,4163,4164,4165,4166,4167,4168″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]And there she was, appearing from no where…admittedly not in the most elegant of ways…our 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible.

Now the fun starts![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4169,4170,4171,4172,4173,4174,4175,4176,4177,4178,4179,4180,4181,4182,4183,4184″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The beginning of her new life…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We finished preparing and packing the Jaguar V12 E-Type engine, manual gearbox and limited slip diff, ready to be loaded up and taken to Steve at Rushton Engineering in Cullompton for the full concours restoration.

The engine was originally purchased as a runner from a retired Jaguar restoration company owner along with an amount of other E-Type spares.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”3692,3693,3694,3695″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]At Rushton Engineering, all classic car engines rebuilt to exacting standards. It will be completely stripped, chemically cleaned and meticulously rebuilt.

They renew, as standard, crankshells, timing chain and tensioner, piston rings, valves and springs. Both heads will be skimmed, bores honed and carburettors stripped and rebuilt. Fasteners are electroplated, pulleys, brackets etc are podercoated and the heads and carburettors are vapour blasted.

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Jaguar Series 3 E-type, coming soon…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ll soon be welcoming in to the workshops 2 new classic car projects. They are currently en-route from Canada so will be hitting our shores in approximately 5 weeks time.

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