Shows, shows and more shows - Workshop update
Following 'Freedom Day', we have seen a flurry of 'days out' for the motoring fraternity. In the last week, we have had Salon Prive, Hampton Court Concours and Beaulieu. Next up is the big one, Goodwood Revival. We will be back at Goodwood, twice the size of our usual stand this year to celebrate our freedom and to promote The Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance. Please find time to visit us in our usual pitch over the road between Bonhams and the Cinema. We will have our XK150 3.8 S chassis all built up and on display along with a fully restored XK120 FHC, an XK140 restoration project and more besides.
In this weeks' update we take a look at a few recent shows, we talk E10 petrol and an XK140 restoration project.
E10 fuel has arrived
With September upon us E10 fuel is now being pumped out at petrol stations across the UK. E10 petrol contains 10% ethanol which in an increase from 5% E5 which has been the standard in the UK for some years. Ethanol in fuel can cause a number of issues for classic cars. It can be corrosive to a number of components but we are here to tell you there is no need to panic.
Most of the major providers have made a commitment to keep E5 for their 'super' unleaded fuel. We recommend using the higher-octane premium fuels anyway so in practice most classic owners are going to be filling up with the same fuel as before.
We have already had a lot of experience of the short- and medium-term effects of ethanol in fuel. Across the world there has been varying levels of ethanol in fuel for many years and with our customers touring internationally we know that these robust classics can run on fuel of all different qualities.
If you want to discuss upgrading your car to make it E10 safe please get in touch. The good news is it might be more straightforward than you think.
Salon Prive Concours d'Elegance
Salon Prive Concours d'Elegance offers one of the finest gatherings of prestigious cars. On display was everything from beautifully presented classics to modern supercars. Located on the south lawn of Blenheim Palace, this setting is hard to beat for what has become known as the party to mark the end on the summer. This year lived up to and beyond all expectations. One of our favourite cars of the show was the Jaguar XJR 15 which we think is a rather under celebrated Jaguar supercar from the 1990's and can claim to be the first production car made entirely from carbon fibre. What stood out amongst all the super cars, cutting edge technology and wonderful style was the tribute to the E-Type. Celebrating 60 years of the E-Type, this line up stood head and shoulders above all, befitting its backdrop.
Off to a new home
The showroom continues to be busy and we have been making the most of the fine weather to get potential buyers out for test drives. The latest car to be making its way to a new owner is the lovely XK140 pictured here.
This Jaguar XK140 is a rare and sought-after special equipment (SE) model with a genuine C-Type cylinder head. This, combined with the fact that it is an original UK, right-hand drive, drophead coupe make this an exceptionally desirable car.
It is an older restoration but has been extensively upgraded here at Twyford Moors in recent years. It now boasts a very impressive and practical specification including a five-speed gearbox, disc brakes, alternator and electric cooling fan.
Hampton Court Concours of Elegance
Hampton Court Concours of Elegance runs in parallel to Salon Prive. The Concours pulled off the amazing feat of bringing together 60 of the world's rarest cars - showing there is a life after lockdown. Alongside these very special cars were several hundred top class cars. It appeared to be the largest show since its inception at Windsor back in 2012. Hampton Court always shows a lot of support to grass roots car clubs and invites clubs to arrive in style and park in the stunning gardens. The Jaguar E-Type and XK Clubs both made a good showing as ever! Beyond a display of Jaguar E-Types, again with a stunning backdrop, there was a collection of 50 finest of the finest Jaguars from across the decades. We thought the Jaguars stole the show, but we might be biased!
Jaguar XK140 DHC restoration project
As we look ahead to the Goodwood Revival we thought we would share with you some of the cars we will be taking to the show. First up is this Jaguar XK140 drophead coupe. It is an original Special Equipment (SE) car. It is available to be fully restored to the buyer's specification here at Twyford Moors. It has matching numbers and an original C-Type cylinder head. The car comes complete with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate and all import duty and taxes have been paid.
The car was shipped to Jaguar Cars in New York USA in August 1956 and was finished in Carmen Red with a Black interior. Although in need of full restoration the car is remarkably complete which is a real bonus when it comes to restoring an XK. It still has its rare automatic gearbox although this can be replaced or upgraded with the buyer's choice of gearbox.
XK150 wins a Camberly Classic Car Show
We would like to congratulate our customer Keith Berner on his Jaguar XK150 SE FHC winning 'Best UK Manufactured Car' at the Collectively Camberly Car Show a couple of weeks ago. It saw off strong competition for the prize including a beautiful Aston Martin DB5 which took second place. It is lovely to see the elegant and simple design on the XK150 FHC being recognised and Mr Burner's car is a particularly lovely example.
Congratulations also need to go to the organisers of the show who clearly put on a great event and raised nearly £8000 for Kidney Research. It is wonderful that as classic car owners we can get out to enjoy and share our cars whilst also helping to raise some money for a good cause.
