Building my Ultimate E-Type; Step-by-Step

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Yes, I built this car for a local dealership, if you would like to support my work consider purchasing this car through them www.wcdreammachines.com/inventory/0033-1969-jaguar-xke-series-ii-concours-restoration/

[@johnhayward7173]

Well, I have £5000 in the bank but if I win the lottery this weekend. 😞

[@peterhelm6003]

It'll sell soon enough. Much better than a (nightmare to maintain) Lambo or Maserati. This E Type is very rare and beautiful car. I hope you are getting a commission that reflects your reputation as a World recognized Jaguar restorer.

[@davidcrouch3226]

I saw this car on Saturday at WCDM. It was ridiculously nice in person.

[@geoffchrysler]

Wow what a fantastic build! Great job Richard, it's an honour and a pleasure working with you on these projects!

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

@@geoffchrysler thanks Geoff, you are awesome 🥂

[@nevillestumbles4631]

Greetings from Australia, Richard. I am blown away by the quality of your work on such beautiful cars. Your videos are first class and I am grateful to be able to access them.

[@simoncarney9944]

I wasn’t going to watch this all in one sitting but once I’d started I couldn’t stop! What an absolutely beautiful car!! Sympathetic upgrades which don’t detract from its function and beauty. You must be so proud of this one Richard and it must have been difficult to let this one go.

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Hey thanks Simon! Great to have you along.

[@donwest4559]

I can’t believe that you have such few subscribers. You have an amazing channel 1:59

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Thanks Don

[@robgillam340]

This is such a joy to watch! Thank you for taking the time to post all the E-Type videos. I used the junk E-Type videos to help me with my engine rebuild. Please make the most of the time working with your dad. I was lucky to spend many years working with mine, and now that he's gone, I truly appreciate those moments. Time flies by before you know it, so cherish every second you spend together!

[@michaelkelly8955]

It’s been so long since I’ve had a RMO post, KZbin algorithm is crap. One of my 2 favourite car restorers. The other is Geoffrey Croker from New Zealand, funnily they are both artisans who work on British marquee cars. Fun to watch and interesting and articulate commentary.

[@casanana8]

Hey Michael, what a video, what a Jag! Thank you, cheers

[@velviaman3206]

You are a master and this is a masterpiece.

[@willguitar7]

Any Richard Michael Owen video is a great video. This is many videos in one! Greatly appreciate what you do Richard!

[@patriottothecore6215]

The E type rear end was designed in a month. It is a thing of beauty. William Lyons challenged the team and bet them 10 pounds they couldn’t do it in a month. They did. Best 10 pounds Lyon’s ever spent. Used for 30+ years. I was told by Will Heynes (grandson of the designer and has all his documentation) that cadmium plating of the front wishbones is vital. Somehow part of the design strength. Lots of restorers now do zinc plating because cadmium is banned in most places but according to Will this compromises the structural integrity. So great job and what a fantastic car.

[@michaelbolt4530]

Probably KZbin car video of the year so far

[@peterhelm6003]

You make it look so easy. I expect that there will be plenty more people wanting a fully re-built E-Type by you and your dad.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

The fortunate owner of this car will have this video documenting everything! RMO and Dad are in a league that very few are in. Congratulations on a fabulous build!

[@steenhansen8]

Your middle name is "attention to detail" 🙂 Excellent and nerdy video. Thanks Rich!!

[@lewbarrett]

Holy Moly! Another great build! And I did watch the whole video!

[@davesimpson7416]

Awesome and incredible attention to detail. Those front lights trims are a nightmare!

[@mickannieobrien2803]

Richard and Dad this is your best E-Type and video ever, you are both Champions of you craft and I couldn't take my off this project and the best 2;16;25 I have ever spent thanks again and best wishes from OZ.

[@skricha6743]

WOW, you and your dad are treasures!!! Spectacular! As long as that was, I didn't want it to end. Great job!

[@jeanhawken4482]

So love Richard’s generous discussion during his rebuilds. Always good.

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Hi Jean thanks for the kind comments, great to have you along 🥂

[@scottthomas5999]

Fantastic job. You guys can be very proud of your skillful creation.

[@Steviegtr52]

This video was great. I owned a 1970 series 2 4.2 roadster in 1973. Powder blue. 34,000 miles. Wait for it. I paid £1,300 for it. Amazing how they have gone up so much in value. Still one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Was also great to see the upgraded brakes you fitted. As mine was a fast car but would not stop. They say the earlier ones with the Dunlop brakes were even worse. Over here in the UK some fitted Jaguar XJ6 front vented brakes. Steve.

[@erichadair3244]

Fantastic build. I especially like that the body was painted inside and out, as it should be. I have seen many restoration/custom builds with Excellent paint jobs on the outside, but the inside is left in primer or bare metal.

[@csnelling4]

A beautifully restored E Type and Labour of love!!! well done to you and your dad Richard 👏👏👏👏

[@ChrisFrench-ur5lb]

The engine sounds awesome! What a wonderful restoration.

[@bowmarsh]

The most beautiful E-Type I have ever seen. Simply AMAZING workmanship - Thank you!

[@3ducs]

I'm going to be watching well into the early morning! Minor quibble, at about 16:26 you mention that the lower control arm is cast, I believe that, based on the wide part lines, it is forged steel. Another indication of quality from Jaguar. In 1998 I did a rotisserie restoration of a Series 1.5 or 2 open car in this color, it was nowhere near the perfect original condition, I replaced floors, bulkheads, sills, floors, door skins, took the bonnet apart, suspension, practically everything. I am humbled by what you are doing here. I had done restorations on Alfas and an Austin Healey 100M before retiring from my day job and working for a year doing three Jaguar E-Type restorations for a shop in Falls Church, Va. When I started the restoration and looked at what I was up against I had my doubts, I was the only employee working in a large building, on my own all day. But, it was a well equipped shop, had a couple of lifts and I had moved all my tools from my home garage to it. Overly long story somewhat shorter, I had painted the underside of the bonnet and the picture frame, then reinstalled the engine, suspension, heater etc. before it went to the paint shop. It came back with overspray all over, very disappointing! This car will be a 100 point restoration, I'm looking forward to seeing the whole series.

[@dimitristsampouniaris9245]

Fantastic !! Greetings from Greece

[@mikef.1000]

Simply awesome work! And thanks too for your wisdom re. when things don't go right; it's good to just focus on something else for a while, and come back to the problem with a fresh mind!

[@Nigel999]

Greetings from New Zealand. What a beautiful car, and fantastic work. This E type is better than anything that came from the factory. Who would have thought in the late 1960’s that there would be an industry rebuilding these cars 55 years in the future. Can’t image anyone in 2080 rebuilding a Tesla built today!

[@rogerwhiting9310]

Those are gorgeous cars...beautiful work.

[@towerdave4836]

They’re rocker switches not toggle! Great video though as I love it that your enthusiasm shines through every nut and bolt. Such care and attention to detail. One day I’d love you to do one for me! All I need is some money and a car!

[@robertwells1650]

A beautiful restoration Richard! Well done to everyone involved. Thanks for sharing with all of us. Looking forward to seeing your next project. Cheers

[@SheardTV1]

Really enjoyed this video! Thank you for all the effort you put in to it, the recording, the editing, the commentary, your knowledge and expertise, your dad, everything! Best wishes, Andrew York, UK.

[@rickwhite3757]

Another beautiful detailed re-build Richard, the 4.7 engine sounded so smooth. Respect and regards from England.

[@alanjarvis8777]

Beautiful car - A real labour of love!! Well done!

[@connomar55]

Had a chuckle when the windscreen disappeared for the engine run. What a fabulous job.

[@tarmac1697]

Craftsmanship at its best, great build. New subscriber 👍

[@202AMERICA]

Amazing what one can do in a FEW....Weekends!🙂

[@lenjames]

Great Job !! You definitely should be proud of your work.

[@ozmonaut1]

What a gorgeous car

[@monkeymansean2]

"It is very long" - *rubs hands together in glee*

[@paulcharlesworth319]

Great workmanship Richard. Superb colour combination and shut lines. Would be delighted to own such a Jaguar E Type [XKE]. Well done to you and your mentor [dad].

[@MsAston007]

Bravo ! Great video beautiful restoration.

[@hankstrause9018]

Great car! Going to Retromobile this year after watching your videos👍

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Awesome see you there!!!

[@knoxyish]

great build - money no object etc .i totally love the colour there's only one thing though probably subjective ! it needs covered headlights!!! but still what a car!

[@stephenmccoy6510]

Really great video and wonderful car….a real credit to you!

[@thomaswright8155]

Congratulations and thank you for sharing the journey of a full e type build. I hope one day you can do my 63 FHC!

[@johannperaus6890]

Hi Richard! Oh, what a fine and precisely master work 👍👍👍. I will enjoy this video. Best regards from Hans and Cheers 🍻🇦🇹.

[@noblenotes27]

Gorgeous !

[@FeeeshEP3]

What a treat! Thank you Richard!

[@chopperguy16]

You do beautiful work. Attention to detail is the key….

[@gazzafloss]

Beautiful build Richard, I imagine purchasing that car from a dealership will be expensive, but where else can you buy a "better than new", improved E type. You've done such nice work in carefully putting it together. They are a beautiful piece of auto art. I miss my 1970 Series 2 Coupe that was a beautiful factory 3 owner original car. Thanks for this great presentation.

[@M5-Porzellan]

Great job. Best Regards from Germany

[@michaelscott4766]

A long one but definitely worth it for such a beautiful car. I would have liked to see a little more about the distributor but that's just me being picky. All in all a great video. Thanks

[@SwiftRIBSAust]

Nice talk to camera about dealing with frustration when things aren’t going right on the day…. Move on to something that will give u a win, and come back later when you are ready and re-enthused - great advice

[@towerdave4836]

Love your videos, love the work you guys do, love the cars! Nuff said! Oh, except keep them coming😊

[@brookeharris5046]

In a world of mediocre where second and third rate has become the accepted norm, this KZbin channel is a place where excellence is the only acceptable standard.

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

@@brookeharris5046 thanks for the kind words brooke

[@andywest8363]

great work,great vidoe mate!!!! you Canadians can teach us Aussies a thing or two.

[@amham48]

Absolutely spectacular!

[@NIGELHOWARD-q1y]

From New Zealand, WOW

[@jagvette1]

Glad to see you are still alive, having done everything you are doing it's great to watch someone else and not have the stress, IMHO I wouldn't worry about the length of the video it's great to watch. Not sure if I have mentioned this before but on the rear end hub carrier as the grease nipple is directly below the a small vent hole, the shop I worked at we would put a self tapping screw in so the grease could NOT get out then it would travel along the shaft to the bearings where it is needed, often when we took them apart no grease had reached them and the were rusty. Just a thought for you.

[@nicksrestos8505]

Not yet! Once I’ve sat with pint after work 🍻

[@alanfletcher6797]

fantastic job well done

[@3ducs]

So much content in two hours and 16 minutes! I'm interested in knowing how long this took, start to finish dates, hours devoted to it.

[@JaguarEType]

Hey Richard 👋👋👋, I was waiting for this video as I know how excited you were about this project. Great editing and 2 h 15 just flying by. Obvious, you had to leave out so many other important steps. Could have watched 5 episodes of this. Must be thrilling to build a car with all these modern improvements. Certainly nothing for us in Germany as this car would never pass the historical approval nor would you ever get all the modifications approved by the German TÜV to have the car registered for the road. But hey, in the end, it is a similar challenge. (would be interesting to know how much such a restoration with all these features is, keeping in mind it is a S2 model). However, I am looking forward to your next all original restoration. Talk later and say hello to your dad 👍 Maikel

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Thanks Maikel, it's wild the German TUV doesn't allow modifications, you need to keep all the flaws!? 😎

[@JaguarEType]

@@RichardMichaelOwen Well, it is not really wild. You can not have a VW beetle with 34 bhp, drum brakes, tiny steering and suspension suddenly equipped with 300 bhp. We all can imagine that those drum brakes would not stop you in time having to brake for a child crossing the street from 230 km/h down to stand still quick enough. With massive disc brakes you might. However, if you modify your car, and it is not approved by the german regulation, you are losing your insurance. If the TÜV does not find these upgrades, they might become responsible in case of accident and become partly guilty. But certainly the one who has installed it. And guess what. Even under normal circumstances and you are involved in an accident. Either your, or the opposite site will try to inspect the car for any non approved part that must not be installed just to avoid paying the insurance and it will end up having you to pay for the total damage out of your own pocket.If someone dies, you are sued for killing or murdering. It might be a good or a bad thing why the Germany have an office for anything just to check. We also have a 3 years apprentice ship for any profession + 2 years additional qualification to run you own craftsmanship business. That is maybe why Germany was known for good quality. Hence a classic car may only be equipped with OEM parts, if you alter it with modern stuff, it is not historic anymore, it becomes a kit car and requires approval for any safety or performance parts. And do not think that is an easy achievement. I think that is why certain restored cars are not seen in Germany. Just an old VIN does not help at all. I would like to know how it is in other countries. Can you just create any car and in case of a fatal accident your insurance is still paying. Is that how it is?

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Nothing wrong with a Series 2.

[@JaguarEType]

@ronschwolsky1626 hey, of course not, it was related to the overall cost with the S2 having a lower starting price than the S1 as a project or running car in similar condition.

[@marc.9386]

In the old days you could press a J-tack yourself on the train platforms in England with a NAMEPLATE machine, I also need such a tack for my XK120, it may also be possible to laser or CNC mill it.

[@nextechsolutions5955]

Congratulations, the car is stunning and the upgraded components are impressive. P.S. Many years ago the 3 Gents from Top Gear did an episode with a modified E-Type. Some company in England was making a trick Front suspension for them and they took the car to a track and said it handled like a super car. You may want to investigate?!?

[@rcclassicgarage]

Great video Richard, always enjoy your enthusiasm

[@abraxasracing]

Just wow!

[@Bigphish5280]

Stunning!

[@johndavey72]

Hello Richard .Where would you be without your dad ! So what happened to that gorgeous Motolita ? Incorrect boss? I never experienced the hassle you had fitting the headlamp trims ...... although on reflection , the one l restored was a series 1.5....beginners luck ? 😂 Must mention l was shocked that the painters could deliver the car with those unpainted area's . I think this was an unfortunate omission and not the norm . Still prefer your "junk" "e"type 😊 Thanks Richard ....and thankyou Mr. Owen Snr.

[@etype-dad]

Fully assembled in only 2 hours. I have a new target. 🙂

[@jpkatz1435]

😊and that at a very lesearly pace. . . .

[@ctievsky1]

Richard, you make my favorite videos. Love this build, but how can you beat the junk E Type engine series? I agree with all the choices made here with the exception of the steering wheel. Dished? No! Should be flat, flat, flat. Glad the car demanded it.

[@starfish370]

Only 1 criticism...the screw cap on the camshaft cover. Otherwise Perfect 👌

[@fezziwig47]

Would you be able to post the source for the torsion bars and the adjustable brackets? My 69 series 2 will probably be needing them in the coming year. Thank you for your great videos.. livin' the dream you are!

[@EliteRock]

What a sublime (re)creation. No idea why this didn't appear sooner in my YT homepage (given I'm subscribed). I hope we get to see it driven at some point by whomever eventually becomes its custodian, and surely it will be driven given those crucial brake upgrades and the 4.7 engine (which sounds so velvety, mechanically and induction/exhaust). I wonder, did it get an alignment, or will it have one?

[@johnbuchanan6045]

The color looks like Opalescent Maroon, is it Glazurit paint?

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

I believe Coachwerks use Sherman Williams and yes this is Opalescent Maroon

[@davidnelson6893]

Yes you are best Peace out

[@Baribrotzer]

This is an E-Type with Rolls-Royce build quality and no muddling through.

[@fezziwig47]

Hi and would like the info on the Torsion Bars and fittings that you put on this S2. I have a 69 S2 coupe that probably will need to have them replaced.

[@davidhannah943]

Richard, can you share with us the maker of the "weather barrier" plastic film you used to protect the E-Type during the build? Thank you very much.

[@peterallan6287]

Any idea what size spacers he is using at the rear of the car? I can't quite make it out in the video but I love the look and want to recreate it.

[@marcodebarkingville1827]

Million dollar E type?😉

[@rickdaniel8478]

Love it 😂

[@GK-sh7ck]

Richard who was it that did the head machining? Great video by the way!

[@nextechsolutions5955]

Hello Richard, you don’t use any form of anti-seize on your threaded fasteners under the car?!?

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Thanks for watching. Anti seize only on a few select areas like the torsion bar splines and handbrake screws. If I can take apart cars after 60 years with no antisieze, there is really no need.

[@stangraff800]

@@RichardMichaelOwen Yes, and this car will never see snow, salt, or rain... antisieze would just make assembly messy. Still, I'm refurbishing a "driver" so I still use antisieze on anything that was rusted when I disassembled my '65 OTS. You cannot believe how many bolts I had to drill out.

[@velviaman3206]

No orange peel paint finish here. Amazing job but at a price but quality remains after the price is forgotten.

[@velviaman3206]

Slotted nut: translation = castellated nut.

[@velviaman3206]

Wrist pins = gudgeon pins.

[@elandriver6596]

How did you install the torsion bar plate?

[@bobcurran6300]

What were the issues you experienced with the 123 Distributor that you mentioned? Did it work with what I assume were copper wire leads since you used Champion bowtie terminals? Any tips on how to keep those stainless headers so pretty? Really a beautiful Series 2.

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Hi Bob it was a dumb error not worth featuring, the distributor head is clocked slightly differently and the wires were one post off.

[@JAMESBROWN-y8k]

Would you post some information about the cavity spray you use on your cars. Is it something different than Waxoil?

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Sorry, I don't know the exact product. It's the same that Wurth Canada brought in for Nissan. Looks similar to the proform, but I had to stop using proform when the inside of the can was, well, rusted.

[@JAMESBROWN-y8k]

@@RichardMichaelOwen Thanks for the reply. I saw you at Amelia in 2023 but didn't get a chance to talk to you. Jim Brown,

[@alanjarvis8777]

No mention of the wiring harness..??

[@steenlassen5718]

Nice job. Though, me thinks those rear lights look ugly! And why don't you upgrade to injection, when you upgraded so much other stuff?

[@mickg6480]

Very, very nice; but at US$400k it should be.

[@johna1160]

Hi Richard, just dropped in to let you know I won't be watching this video. I'm guessing a lot, if not most YT viewers check the video's length first thing, I know I do. I'm also guessing that you lose a sizable number of potential viewers when they see it's OVER TWO HOURS LONG! Many of us just don't have that much time to invest regardless of content, or interest. There are a few YT producers who, like you, I am a big fan of, who I only watch when they've pared down their usually way-too-long offering to a reasonable length. If the number of views your videos get is important to you, I suggest you either break them up into several shorter episodes (this one e.g., 4 @ 34mins), or become a more "brutal" editor and leave the chaff on the floor.

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Hi John, this video isn't for you and that's okay. I don't care about view counts obviously as there are more important things in life

[@willguitar7]

Sorry, Richards’s videos are a must watch regardless of length! If one is too long (not possible really), just watch it in stages. Job done.

[@justinmueller9579]

Hi Richard, just to let you know that the longer the better! I love your videos and keep it up!

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

with a 4.2 block and a VOLVO crank shaft = lots of grinding down ! = 307 ci ! a lot of Australian track jag`s have this mod !

[@michaelbolt4530]

Probably KZbin car video of the year so far