1963 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe Full Restoration - July 2025

Over the last year and a half/2 years, we have been completing a full restoration on this 1963 Jaguar E-Type. This Series 1 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe has undergone a full nose-to-tail restoration at the P&K Thornton workshops. After our last update on this Jaguar E-Type in October 2023, when we began completing the metalwork required for the restoration. We continued to work on the major components required, such as the gearbox and all the small details, in addition to some modern upgrades requested by our client to bring this Jaguar back to life and get it back on the road. The E-Type has now been fully tested and returned to our client, just in time for them to enjoy it during the final months of the 2025 summer driving season.

Our last update about this Series 1 E-Type was in October 2023, which covered the metalwork that was being undertaken by our panel beaters. This work involved removing the paint and conducting a visual inspection, repairing any rust or corrosion that has developed over the years and realigning any panels as required. Additionally, as you would expect for a 60-year-old vehicle, the E-Type developed some minor bumps that were repaired to a standard not to our liking and, therefore, added to our list of repairs required as well. We then prepared the body for paint by sanding the surface smooth, priming and ensuring any seams are sealed and any imperfections are filled. Our staff have a vast wealth of knowledge and experience to undertake this task and deliver exceptional results.

After finishing the metalwork on the Jaguar E-Type, we worked on rebuilding the engine. We completed a full teardown of the original straight-six engine, ensuring all the components were correctly labelled and stored. We cleaned and machined the block, cylinder head and all the internal components as well. Our restoration technicians replaced any worn pistons, valves, bearings, gaskets and timing components as required before reassembling. We also upgraded the engine, rebuilding it to fast road specifications as requested by the client, rather than restoring it to standard factory specifications.

Another key component to the restoration was the installation of a brand new 5 speed gearbox, instead of the original 4 speed manual gearbox. A 5-speed gearbox allows for lower engine RPM at cruising speed, this improves the fuel economy, engine longevity and noise levels in the cabin. The 5-speed gearbox also improves drivability and gear ratios for smoother acceleration and creates a full synchromesh on all gears for easier shifting. The new gearbox is better for modern driving conditions, because it offers a wider gear range, an overdrive gear and less wear and stress on the engine, enhancing enjoyment whilst preserving the E-Type’s original look.

Additionally, the upholstery is a key enhancement to bringing this Jaguar back to life and for creating a restoration with specialist upgrades. As with most stages of the restoration, we began by removing all the interior trim and conducting a thorough visual inspection for any signs of rust or damage before beginning the restoration, we out sourced the trimming to a professional trimming company, so it could be completed to a high standard. The seats were stripped, and new foam was installed before they were recovered in the correct vinyl. In addition, the door cards were reboarded and retrimmed and the dashboard was restored. Some other key components to restore in the upholstery include the installation of new wool carpets with the correct edge binding and replacing the headlining with the period-correct materials. We completed the interior by setting the finishing touches such as ensuring the switchgear is cleaned, the gauges are restored and recalibrated and the chrome trim and knobs are polished.

In addition, this 1963 Jaguar E-Type also needed the back axle rebuilding. Following the correct procedures, the rear suspension was removed and the differential, half-shafts, suspension arms and hubs were disassembled. After that, the differential was rebuilt by inspecting and adjusting the crown wheel and pinion gears, replacing the bearings and seals and ensuring the oil was filled to the correct specification and the backlash was set. In addition, the suspension and brakes were restored. This involved restoring the coil-over units and renewing the bushings in the independent rear suspension cradle. This also includes refurbishing or replacing the Inboard discs and callipers as needed before it’s reinstalled and aligned to the Jaguar E-Types factory specifications. Additionally, we installed a quick bleeding brake system.

Our client also requested a series of thoughtful modifications and performance upgrades to their Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe, blending modern functionality with the Jaguar's classic character. Among the mechanical enhancements were uprated front brakes to improve stopping power and overall driving confidence, as well as an electric ignition system for more reliable and efficient engine performance. To aid cooling—especially important during summer driving—an electric fan was installed alongside a lightweight aluminium radiator and header tank, designed to enhance heat dissipation while reducing overall weight.

In terms of interior and usability improvements, the client wanted to subtly introduce some modern convenience. A discreet USB port was carefully integrated into the central dashboard panel, maintaining the original aesthetic while providing practical charging options for today’s devices. Every modification was carried out with attention to detail, ensuring the upgrades complemented the vehicle’s iconic design without compromising its vintage appeal.

This E-Type has now successfully completed the final phase of its restoration testing. We tested all the systems such as brakes, fuel, electrics and cooling and ensuring all the body panels are fitted and aligned. Finally, the Jaguar E-Type was test-driven and tuned on our state-of-the-art rolling road dyno and inspected to ensure good reliability and performance before handing the Jaguar back to our client.

It was a pleasure working on this Series 1 Jaguar E-Type for our client who was kept up to date with restoration through our global workshop. This allows us to post updates about each stage of the restoration process with a clear description and pictures of the work that has been undertaken for our client to view. This allowed them to feel involved during each stage of the restoration process.

If you are interested in getting your Jaguar E-Type repaired or restored at our workshops, please contact us with confidence! Call us on 0115 926 2266 or email us at info@thorntonrestorations.com.