While we look after a range of classics from popular marques, our home in Coventry has given us an affinity for the iconic Jaguar brand, with decades of specialist experience in E-Type restoration.
But this is no small task – a complete E-Type restoration typically takes over 2,000 hours from start to finish, with many options for upgrades, repairs and replacements along the way. For an owner, this can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This blog will introduce you to the process we take, with a step-by-step overview of how your pride and joy is restored to its former glory for your driving pleasure for years to come.
Starting at the beginning
A complete E-Type restoration is exactly what it says, and starts with a full vehicle strip down, including assessing each part for condition and originality.
The parts are then categorised for either replacement or refurbishment, and it is this attention to detail from the outset that ensures your E-Type drives as good as it looks.
HIGH PERFORMANCE – INSIDE AND OUT
All mechanical components are carefully stripped back and fully refurbished, and the vehicle is tested to our exacting engineering and safety standards.
As well as restoring a perfect driving machine, our dedicated team also ensures your E-Type has an exterior appearance to match. Not least is a state-of-the-art paint finish to the very highest standards, while brightwork is reshaped and re-chromed.
A comfortable drive all year round
You will be spending many happy hours of future motoring in your E-Type, so our all our restorations include brand new Concours standard interior trim and inertia seatbelts.
While the premium interior trim is one reason to never leave the driving seat, bespoke additions, such as seat upgrades and trim colours, will make spending time in your E-Type an absolute joy.
If you wanted, you can even include a bespoke air conditioning kit, bringing your car up the standards of modern performance and comfort in any temperature, without taking away from the history or style of the vehicle.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
We have developed three systems for the Jaguar E-Type in response to customer demand: an under bonnet fresh air system, a radio tower system and a footwell mounted system designed specifically for 2+2 and S3 cars.
Our systems can be installed on all E-Type models – RHD or LHD cars. We offer an installation service in our workshop, or can provide most systems in kit form to be fitted at home. As with every stage of our E-Type restoration projects – the choice is yours.
A PROUD E-Type owner
Whilst we are incredibly proud of our E-Type restorations, don’t just take our word for it.
One of our current E-Type customers said: “Following advice from my contacts, I was introduced to restoration and engineering specialists Clayton Classics in Coventry and booked my car in for an inspection.
“The team clearly love what they do and were so knowledgeable when they showed me around the factory.
“Once I had seen the other E-Types in the workshop, I found that they were able to help me with a lot more than I initially thought.
“It was great to see they were looking after so many gorgeous cars that were all being used, rather than sitting in the garage – I was clearly in good hands.”
planning your e-type restoration
With any project like this, the key is to prepare well and know your options – and that is why getting advice that you can trust is so important.
Dean Allsop, one of the directors at Clayton Classics, offers his advice for E-Type owners planning to get the most out of their car:
“When someone comes in for an inspection, the scope of work can be hugely varied. From servicing, upgrades, new installations and restorations – whatever the work may be, it is important to have these conversations up front to make sure the customer is in full control of what is happening with their car. Even when someone gets in touch for a specific issue, we always give the car a once over to make sure we can give them all the options, and catch anything that may affect other systems in the car.”
“My top tips for anyone considering restoring their classic is to go into it expecting that you might need to do some additional work. Classic cars are a joy, but can also cause stress as they can be unpredictable, so it really pays to consider what restoration options or upgrades are available for your vehicle that get the best out of that specific model. Ultimately, you have to get something you can use and enjoy – that’s what classics are for!”
To find out more and see how Clayton Classics could help you, you can contact us here.