1966 Jaguar E-Type 4.7 OTS - Restoration turning Black

The Jaguar E-Type was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1974 combining beautiful design and high performance, an icon of the motoring world. The E-Type was based on Jaguar's D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for three consecutive years beginning in 1955, and employed what was, for the early 1960s, a novel racing design principle, with a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension and front bodywork bolted directly to the body tub. No ladder frame chassis, as was common at the time, was needed and as such the first cars weighed only 1315 kg .

We were called into action on a cold December day to inspect and test drive the 1966 Jaguar E-Type OTS on behalf of the potential new custodian. The OTS featured into Corgi Toys collection wearing the same number plate and colour combination. Having been looked after by an ex mechanical engineer, the OTS presented itself in formidable mechanical condition and putting out fantastic performance. Being an older (and continuous) restoration, small imperfections and opportunities for improvement were identified and dully put forward in our report. A deal was done and were entrusted to make a good E-Type into the best E-Type. A requirements list was drafter and so we embarked onto a 12 months restoration. The E-Type was stripped to bare metal with a view to rectify any underlaying metal issues before a new coat of paint with a twist, we are to replace the original primrose yellow with black as per our list of requirements.

Photography by Nick Dalton

Following the media blasting, each outer and inner panel were examined by our coachbuilder extraordinaire with a mission to bring the metal body back to full health once again. During it’s 55 years life, the metalwork suffered repairs that were not up to a standard so over the next 2 months several hundred hours were spend to make it justice. Perfect panel gapping was our other objective and we have dully delivered. The final shaping and painting was entrusted to Paul’s team at Barkston Refinishing and the result speaks a thousand words, wonderful! We have returned the newly painted bodywork to complete the restoration of subassemblies and build it back up into one of the best E-Type OTS out there. Previous to us starting the restoration, the engine was bored out to 4.7l and with our further tunning the performance is now divine!

Following the complete reassembly, we have spent over 200 miles testing all functionality and further bedding in, ready for the streets of London. We recommend using only the best Millers Classic Oils lubricants, including engine oil, high performance brake fluid, rear axle and gearbox oil.

If you would like to discuss the mechanical or metalwork rejuvenation of your Jaguar E-Type 6 or 12 cylinders, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the contact form below or via our usual contact details :

0115 9262266 or info@thorntonrestorations.com