The Motorphile Jaguar E-type is now on auction. Check it out and perhaps score an outstanding E-type with history documented online here. Below is the link – BaT 1969 Jaguar XKE Auction https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-jaguar-xke-22-6/
September 20, 2017 – The 1969 Jaguar E-type featured in these pages is now being offered for sale. I have moved to working almost exclusively on Rolls Royce and Bentley cars from the 1930’s through mid-1970’s and want this beautiful E-type to go to a Jag lover who will treasure and enjoy it. Two owner California car, less than 40,000 miles, bare metal respray and zero rust. Brakes, suspension, steering, carbs, fuel pump, rubber, chrome etc., etc, replaced or rebuilt. Restoration documented here in this blog. Original CA license plates and docs since purchase new in January, 1970. You will not find another like this. glenmmacdonald@gmail.com
In California an older car built after 1975 has to pass a rigorous smog test every two years. If your car does not pass you generally cannot register it for operation on the street. That year is fixed and means that as time goes on classic cars built after 1975 could be many decades old and will still need to pass the smog test for registration in California. If a car fails the test you have to repay the $50 or more fee for the test agfer you fix the problem and retest the car. Worse though – that fact is listed on the record and even if the problem is rectified the past failure of the car and could raise concerns with future purchasers. It is wise to take a close look at the numbers of your test certificate each time you test and note if you are creeping towards a fail. If so you should take action before two years are up and you need your next test. For many people, this testing …
Lim For anyone interested in classic and sports cars one of the best attractions in Las Vegas lies hidden in the back of the LINQ Hotel and Casino (formerly the Imperial Palace). The LINQ is located across the street from the iconic Bellagio and its fountains. Walking through the casino towards the back and the parking structure you will see a small sign and an elevator leading your to The Auto Collections. The collection was established by former owner of the Imperial Ralph Englestead, who was also a developer of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Current owner Don Williams can often be found at a desk in the Collections. Here you will find some 200 plus cars on display. However, the collection is not static – in addition to rotating cars on and off display, most of the cars are for sale and the prices are posted along with the information on the make, year and history of the vehicle. The prices on my last visit ran between about $14,000 to over a million. The …
The Jaguar XKE / E-type has an electronic SU fuel pump typical of many British cars of the 1950’s-70’s. These pumps are simple devices that work on a set of points that activate an electromagnetic field and cause a rubber diaphragm to move and pump the fuel. They are low pressure, relatively robust and can go for long periods of time. Problems typically include worn points and electromagnetic apparatus, failed gaskets and perished diaphragms. The ethanol content in modern fuels is thought to be destructive to the older rubber diaphragms. New ethanol-resistant diaphragms are available as are solid state SU pumps that recreate the look and function of the originals, but without mechanical points. It is debated whether the old points-based systems are better because you can replace worn points, but when a solid state circuit fails you are stuck. Failure of the SU pump on an E-type Jaguar can be detected in a couple of ways. First if you turn on the ignition, do not hear an initial set of clicks from the pump …
The front and rear bumpers on the Series II E-types are pretty easy to refit. This is in contrast to the rear bumper on the Series I which requires removal of the gas tank. All of the attachment bolts are accessible and can be inserted and tightened from under the car. The rear bumper is a three piece section that bolts together and bolt to the body. There is play in the connections that allow fine fitting to get the gaps right. I found it easiest to fit the bumper rear bumper loosely on the car and make sure the gaps were correct before tightening the bolts that hold the three pieces together. Both the rear and front bumpers take some fiddling to get the fit right. It is wise to protect the body with thick tape near where the bumper fits to avoid gouges and scratches.
As I mentioned in my last post – in addition to doing a bit of work on various people’s car I have also been working on a 1949/50 Bentley and a 1953 MG TD. Of course, there is also my wife’s Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce that needs to be kept on the road for her! Hard to get time to blog on the Jag. I plan to switch to a more general classic and sports car blog to cover all the bases so watch for that. In the meantime here are some teaser pictures of the progress on the Bentley and the MG TD –
