The 1969 Jaguar XKE restoration is well on its way at this point. On arrival here at the shop, the Jaguar was wrecked heavily in the front. We thought we were going to have to buy a whole new bonnet, but thankfully we were able to pull it and straighten it. The car was stripped down to bare metal to ensure the highest quality of paint job. The XKE is now in its primer stages. It will be primered several times and block-sanded smooth each time until the body is completely straight. Once the body is straight and just where the body shop wants it, the car will be painted back to its original color. We still have a long way to go on this project, so stay tuned and feel free to ask questions or leave comments.
View slideshow to see all 19 photos from this set.
1969 Jaguar XKE Restoration Part 2
I was surprised to see the XJ6 setup of engine; No gold colored cylinder head, and gone is the three-carb setup with its magnificent air filter arrangement. Do you know when this change took place on the E-Types?
This change took place in late 1967 so that the cars would meet USA emissions regulations.
I have a 69 XKE + 2 I’m restoring now, but was told by our relative who used to work as a team mechanic back in the 60s and 70s on the European circuit (also original owner), that my coup was put through paces as Le Mans? It has some unusual mods it looks like from it (larger scoop on the bonnet, stronger breaks, unique exhaust,etc), but is there any truth to that notion? We’re stock XKE’s put around the track and modified on tracks like Le Mans, and is there anyway to verify?
It is possible that you car was modified and run at Le Mans as many would have been. It is unlikely that is would be a factory car and more likely a private entry. If the car has any factory race history you can apply for a Jaguar Heritage Certificate. This certificate will give you all know history on the car.