Case studies

A stunningly original Jaguar E-type with a high asking price

Jaguar E-type Series 1 - 4.2 lt
A client came to me with a request to examine a very original 4.2Lt Jaguar. The seller was asking a high price for this fixed head coupe, as much as a soft top roadster which normally command much higher prices. The car had been restored but had retained all of its original parts.

My job was to carry out a full inspection and give an opinion on the quality of the restoration and on the originality of the parts used. In short I had to answer this question: does the unspoilt and lightly restored condition and the originality of the fittings justify the price.

The car had an incredibly high number of rare original parts. It was stunning to see the original clips used to hold down wiring and the small clips that secure the bumper rubber to the wings (which many people don’t know ever existed) still in situ on the car. The car even retained its rear heated Triplex screen. Original electrical components and engine bay stickers’ added to the cars appeal, a stunning colour combination of light blue over dark blue were just some of the reasons why this lightly restored example justified its high price.

I acted as advisor in brokering a price that was acceptable to both parties in the sale of this outstanding survivor condition E-Type. A truly special vehicle and an honour to be able to view it and value it.

an urgent assignment to obtain legal custody of a partly restored E-Type

Jaguar E-type Series 1.5 - 4.2 lt
My client had been having his E-type restored for two years. He felt that the restorer was charging him for work that was not being carried out. He was charged for a complete gearbox rebuild but when he visited he was not able to view it. Eventually trust broke down and my client decided to take legal action. He demanded a full inspection of the car and a report for use in his court case.

I attended the restorer’s business in the morning, inspecting and recording the car. It was clear that the welding had been partially carried out. Most panels were simply tacked in and much of the completed welding was of a poor quality. Worst, many of the stripped parts were poorly damaged and had suffered water damage. I worked through the night on a comprehensive report showing that work that was charged for was not undertaken, parts were damaged from poor storage and the restoration work carried out was of poor quality. The report was backed up with detailed images and notations. Lists of damaged parts and potential costs to rectify the work.

The report was presented in court the following morning and a court order for the car to be returned to the owner was achieved. A follow up report (at a much more relaxed pace!) was used to support a successful claim for damages.