Restorations, Rebuilds and Record Players – Workshop Update

At the distinct risk of sounding like a broken record, the workshop remains full to the brim and extremely busy. Likewise, our storage floor is at capacity. Ideally, we would like to have no more than 25 cars upstairs, as this allows us a little wiggle room to take in any emergency breakdowns or unexpected visitors. At the time of writing, we have 32 cars upstairs. This is, however, an excellent problem to have, and we would like to thank our customers, old and new, for trusting us with their very special cars.
With spring upon us, things are really starting to heat up, with lots of servicing work alongside many longer ‘winter jobs’ coming to an end. As you might imagine, many people's thoughts are turning to enjoying their cars during the spring and summer, and we are here to help. If your car has developed an issue after being in storage over the winter months or simply needs a service ahead of the driving season, please get in touch.
In this update, we check in with some restorations we completed many years ago to see how they have fared after years of use. We also take a look at a record playing in an XK150, feature a rather cool XJS, and much more.

Jaguar XK120 with Period Racing History

This Jaguar XK120 OTS is an original UK, right-hand drive car with period racing history. Built in 1950, it is an early steel-bodied model with attractive separate chrome side lights. The first owner of the car was Eric Haddon, one of the most accomplished privateers in the race and rally scene of the early 1950s. It is said that he could hold his own against the ‘works boys’.
Eric Haddon owned the car between 1950 and 1954. During this time, he took part in many events, including the RAC Rally and Daily Express Rally in 1953, the Weston Rally in 1952, and the Felixstowe and Eastbourne Rallies. Additionally, the car competed at Castle Combe in 1954. There are period photos of this car in action during the 1950s.
Not much is known of this car’s life after 1954. It appears to have spent a good fifty years off the road in need of restoration. Over the past few years, it has been fully restored to a period motorsport specification. It now has FIA papers, making it eligible for many historic events. This special XK120 will be available for sale soon. Please get in touch if you would like more information before it goes up on our website.

Jaguar E-Type Overdrive Gearbox

Pictured here is an overdrive gearbox fitted into a Series 1 E-Type. We are in the process of removing this gearbox and fitting one of our five-speed gearboxes. Given that this is something we have never seen before, we thought it might be of interest to share a photo.
I understand that Jaguar originally experimented with fitting an overdrive gearbox to the E-Type but could not quite make it fit. I imagine that, at the time, they were still using the same longer unit and Moss gearbox as fitted to the XK150, which would have been quite impossible. Pictured here is a later ‘compact’ style overdrive gearbox, but despite this, it has clearly taken quite some modification to fit. In fact, we would suggest that the modifications made here are likely to have compromised the vehicle’s structure. However, this conversion has been in the car for many years, and the owner hasn’t noticed any ill effects.
Once we removed the engine and gearbox, the full extent of the alterations was revealed – and it wasn’t a pretty sight. There was a patchwork of bent, bashed, and welded panels. We are now setting about cutting out all the alterations, reinstating the original structure where required, and modifying it to accept one of our five-speed gearboxes.

Jaguar XJS Bonnet Alignment

I suspect that this XJS, with its gold wheels and gold leaper, will not be to everyone’s taste—but I love it. It is very evocative of its time and the excesses that went along with a certain lifestyle of the period. There is even a large cigar sitting on the centre console. It almost feels like it should belong to a character from The Wolf of Wall Street.
We are seeing increased demand for work on these more modern classics, such as the XJ6 and XJS, and we are more than happy to accommodate them. This car came in because the bonnet was misaligned, as you can see in the photo. The rear edge wasn’t sitting low enough. Upon investigation, we found that one of the bonnet mechanisms had seized. As a result, the bonnet pull in the cabin had been bent out of shape when trying to close it.
We were able to repair both the bonnet catch and the lever (both parts appear to be difficult to find replacements for) and had to replace one of the cables. With that done, the bonnet now closes perfectly and lines up nicely.

Jaguar XK150 Record Player

Some of you may have seen the short video of this that we posted on Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t, have a look back on our page and give it a quick watch. We fit a huge variety of audio systems for classic cars, from hidden modern systems to period radios upgraded with Bluetooth connectivity. However, this is the first time we have fitted a record player to an XK.
We have only seen one of these once before. That one was fitted to an Aston Martin DB5, which had once belonged to Paul McCartney. We had the honour of looking after that car for its previous owner for a few years.
After posting the video, we were surprised by the number of people who said they had a record player fitted in their car back in the day. Did you have one? What was it like to use? Although the unit is spring-loaded, we imagine it can’t have been very practical on the road—certainly not on today’s pothole-filled roads!
The other thing that struck us about it is that it only plays singles, and you have to pop the centre out of them like you would for a jukebox, meaning you would need a dedicated set of singles. Add to that the need to change the record frequently, and it doesn’t seem terribly practical. A fascinating bit of period technology, though!

Jaguar XK120 Restoration

This Jaguar XK120 has been undergoing a full nut-and-bolt restoration for many years in the hands of its owner. The car has been in the family for decades and was owned by the current custodian’s father, making it a rather special vehicle. The owner has completed the restoration and has asked us to commission the car for the road. It really is ninety-five per cent complete, and we are just attending to the last few jobs to get it ready to be enjoyed this summer.
We have supported the owner throughout the restoration with advice and the occasional hard-to-find part (though we should stress that we are not a parts supplier) and are delighted to be entrusted with the final steps of the restoration.
In the workshop, we were commenting that this is a prime example of how to carry out a home restoration properly. The standard of work is excellent throughout. Where the owner was unsure of anything, they didn’t hesitate to ask, and they have left a few final jobs for us to complete. We are checking over every aspect of the car to ensure it is safe, setting up the brakes and suspension, getting the engine running, and attending to a few other tasks.
If you need support with your home restoration, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Jaguar V12 Engine

Pictured here is the V12 engine in a Series 3 E-Type. This might look quite daunting, but with the right knowledge, experience, and equipment, they are very manageable. These engines do seem to have suffered in the past due to neglect. There was a time when these cars were not being properly maintained, leading to a myriad of issues. Vacuum leaks, seized carburettor components, perished hoses, and poor wiring are all common problems with these V12 engines and can cause running and reliability issues. However, with a bit of TLC and well-maintained components, these engines can be very reliable and enjoyable to drive.
As seen here, this car is having all of its coolant hoses replaced. The car was very nicely restored some years ago but had since been left unused for a prolonged period, covering only a few hundred miles over a decade. As a result, many of the rubber components had deteriorated. We are attending to these relatively minor issues for the new owner, and soon, this will once again be a very usable and enjoyable classic.

Jaguar E-Type Restoration

I thought this was a great photo of a trio of Series 1 E-Types. In the foreground is the 3.8 coupé, which we are currently carrying out a full nut-and-bolt restoration on. This car has now been E-Coated—a rust-proof coating that protects every nook and cranny of the car from corrosion—and is now ready for paint.
Behind that is another 3.8 FHC. This car is in for the removal of an overdrive gearbox and the installation of a five-speed gearbox. This task is a little more complex than our usual five-speed gearbox conversions, as we first have to undo the alterations that were previously made to fit the overdrive gearbox.
Right at the back of the lineup is our 4.2 OTS, which underwent a sympathetic restoration some years ago. We shared a photo and more information on this car in last month’s update, so if you missed that, please do go back and give it a read. As pictured here, the E-Type is having a thorough clean, ready to hit the road and hopefully make an appearance at some events this year.

Dynamo Upgrade

For many years, if you wanted to improve your charging system, your only option was to fit a modern alternator. Although these upgrades are very effective and reliable, they can look a little out of place in a classic car engine bay. Certainly, anyone who prefers an original look won’t be keen on an alternator. That being said, if practicality and reliability are your priorities, an alternator is hard to beat.
If you are looking for something with a period appearance that provides reliable power for upgrades such as electric cooling fans or electric power steering, then a Dynator might be just the thing for you. Also known as a Dynamator or a Dynalite—depending on the brand—these units essentially use a compact alternator (derived from motorsport applications) housed in a dynamo body. This offers the best of both worlds: the look of a period dynamo with the reliability of an alternator.
Pictured here is a Lucas-style Dynator fitted to the engine of an XK140 undergoing a full nut-and-bolt restoration. If it weren’t for the fact that it looks brand new, one would be hard-pressed to identify it as anything other than the original part.

Jaguar XK140 OTS

We fully restored this Jaguar XK140 roadster over twenty years ago. It remained with the owner for whom we restored it until we sold it on his behalf last year. Usually, our full restorations stay with their owners for long periods, so it is rare for such cars to come up for sale, and they generally find a new home quickly. This XK140 was extensively upgraded to a ‘fast-road’ specification with touring in mind. In the hands of the previous owner, this car took part in many events and became well known on the XK Club scene.
Having enjoyed the car throughout the summer months last year, the new owner has returned it to us for a few improvements and alterations to get it just to their liking. We believe it is a very sensible approach to live with a car for a little while before deciding on any improvements, as priorities can change as you get to know the car. Due to the car's extensive use, some of the chrome had deteriorated over the past two decades, so this has been removed for a refresh, leaving the car looking tip-top again. The other major alteration the owner is making is to swap the bucket seats for a pair of original seats.

Jaguar XK140 Cylinder Head Rebuild

This cylinder head is ready to be refitted to the XK140 in the background of the photo. The engine was suffering from a top-end rattle due to excessive wear. The cylinder head has been removed, skimmed, fitted with oversized buckets and followers, and fully rebuilt. The next job is to fit the camshafts, check the valve clearances, and adjust them accordingly. Setting valve clearances on an XK engine is more time-consuming than on a pushrod engine, as you have to fit and remove the camshafts each time you check and adjust the clearances. Fortunately, we are well-practised in this task and can do it in a time-efficient manner.
The XK140 to which this head belongs has been in the same family from new and has a well-documented history. The current custodian's father enjoyed the car for many years and restored it some decades ago, at which time it was repainted in the metallic blue you see today. Interestingly, the car has had triple SUs fitted to a standard cylinder head with a rather unusual custom-made inlet manifold. This is not something we have come across before. I wonder if there are any other triple carburettor setups without a straight-port cylinder head out there?

Jaguar XK120 FHC Servicing

We restored this Jaguar XK120 FHC some twenty years ago, and I think you’ll agree that it still looks fantastic. This car was built as the ultimate touring machine, with many upgrades for reliability. It has everything from a five-speed gearbox to disc brake upgrades. The cooling has been improved with an aluminium radiator and an electric cooling fan. Reliability is further enhanced by an alternator, a solid-state fuel pump, and electronic ignition, while driver comfort is improved with bucket seats and electric power steering. The car even boasts a hydraulic handbrake to assist on regularity stages.
This XK120 has visited us every year since we restored it for servicing and any other required work. As a result, it remains in tip-top condition and is a very reliable car. This year, it is back with us for its annual service, as well as to have our upgraded windscreen wiper system fitted. This upgrade wasn’t available when we first built the car, but it is a huge improvement over the original single-speed XK120 windscreen wipers. Our upgrade provides an improved wiper motor and mechanism with two speeds and a park function, making XK windscreen wipers both more effective and more reliable.

Jaguar XK Engine Rebuilds and Gearboxes

While putting parts away in our engine build room, I couldn’t resist taking this photo. On the right is a fully rebuilt E-Type engine with a five-speed gearbox mounted on our test rig. This has been tested and is now ready to be installed in the car. To the left is another XK engine with an overdrive gearbox awaiting some work.
Having been in this building for just over two years, we are still so grateful for the fantastic facility we have to work in. Having this clean space to work on engines, gearboxes, and rear axles is invaluable and has allowed us to offer our services to more people than ever. Not only do we carry out everything from full engine rebuilds to carburettor overhauls in-house, but we are also now able to offer these services to those restoring their cars at home.
If you have a noisy rear differential or worn carburettors and don’t fancy tackling the job yourself, please get in touch. We are more than happy for customers to remove parts themselves, ship or drop them off to us, and we can then rebuild, repair, or refurbish them—ready to be refitted.