I know its not a GT-Four but I thought this might be an interesting read for people given the number of GT-Fours that are currently being rebuilt and refurbished.

One of our Le Mans team has embarked on the restoration of a family owned 1968 Jaguar E-Type 265bhp 260lb.ft 4.2 litre triple SU carbs and the optional wire spoke wheels.













The ribbed cam covers on the engine indicate that this is a late spec Series 1½ which was a transitional period between the Series 1 and Series 2 probably using up surplus components from the Series 1 parts bins in the factory! There were 2,800 produced between 1967 and 1968.







Looks like there will be quite a lot of attention to the bodywork and the plan is to do as much as possible of the prep at home before it goes to final prep and paint

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Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp

Looking at that floorpan, i think he's taking on a job and a half. What a lovely looking car they are though so well worth it.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Looks like a serious project, although apart from the floorpan it looks in remarkably good condition.

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Engine finally came out on Sunday. I think the original plan was to lift the front of the chassis off the engine and then wheel the engine out from underneath hence no need to borrow Mike's load balancer. Famous last words! Anyway, all's well that ends well and after 1.5 hours the engine was out. The thinking is that it took longer than it should. I'm no expert on the surgical removal of Jag XKE engines. Does anyone know better?

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Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp

I'd be bloomin happy if I removed a GT4 donk in an hour and a half without a couple of kilos of C4

I take it this is Martin's car?

Latest update on the Type E restoration

Progress has been slower than expected. No surprise really. In the body shop, a bit more stripping down revealed a crack in the engine frame. According to those in the know, the frame is less than 1mm thick, and can’t be welded. It’s made from Reynolds 531.

This article in Jaguar Enthusiast Club and Magazine - E-Type Fabs puts another perspective on this http://etypefabs.com/enthusiast.htm

The photos show the frame and running gear has now been removed from the bulkhead, and a new frame has been ordered complete with chassis stamp to keep matching numbers. The body shop are reluctant to take off the suspension and steering, so the next challenge is to somehow get the old frame and new one (once it has been sprayed) back home and swap the suspension and steering, and then return to them. The new bonnet has arrived but frustratingly progress has come to a halt until the new frame arrives.








The sale of this Rudge is going towards the rebuild fund

_________________
Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp

Latest installment of the E-Type restoration.

_________________
Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp

That is a lot of work!

Looking forward to chatting with Martin about this at Le Mans.

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

thats quite a transformation, does he plan on leaving the engine standard or place some bolt on modifications to it?

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FN2 Civic Type R w/Mugen Parts
Toyota Celica GT4 ST205
Toyota Celica GT4 ST185

Awesome work on a fantastic car.

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ST205

I'm not sure about the engine but will be catching up with the owner tomorrow so will ask the question.

_________________
Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp

Any more progress on this one?

Itching to see it come together

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[color=#000080]ST205 WRC 1994
Hybrid turbo
Apexi AVC-R
Apexi Power FC (Not being used ATM)
Apexi Power commander (Not being used ATM)

I did get some more pics while I was on hols so will post them up for you. Still just bodywork. I think the wiring installation has commenced.

_________________
Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp

Looks like a proper job, as far as I'm aware they remove the engines and gearbox as one from underneath the car, I work at as a engine builder at a well known jaguar restoration company in essex... Jdclassics if you know of it.

JDClassics is certainly a familiar name. Regarding removal of engine/gearbox from underneath that looks as though it would need a ramp? I think he wanted to do much of the work himself then delivered the shell to the bodyshop.

I think this is another project which started off as a 'light restoration' with a modest budget then spiralled upwards as the can of worms was revealed!

_________________
Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp