FRANKENSTEIN Chevy V8 Jaguar E-Type Hidden for 38 Years & Epic Life Story | Barn Find Hunter

In this episode of "Barn Find Hunter," Tom discovers a 1962 Jaguar E-Type with a 327ci Chevy Small Block V8 and a Borg Warner T-10 Transmission. But, it's not just the car that interests Tom, the owners of this car could have a movie written about them with the amount of adventures they have been on: A life on Wall Street, living in the West-Indies, hanging with Burt Munroe at the Bonneville Salt Flats, vintage racing, owning the worlds most desirable cars, and traveling the world together.
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:34 Save money
1:00 Big Reveal
1:38 Why a Jaguar E-Type
2:15 Modifications
3:00 Did it make people mad?
3:32 Engine & Trans
4:12 Cost
4:40 Daily Drove it
5:36 Issues
6:00 Mods (Cont)
6:53 Interior & Miles
8:12 Shaved 150lbs
8:33 Best car I've ever owned
9:05 Hood Problems
9:30 Vincent Black Shadow & Daytona
11:00 Getting Pulled over & Chased
11:56 Burt Munroe
12:28 Carroll Shelby & Alexis DuPont
12:57 Yamaha Verago
13:34 Rickman
14:09 TD1C Yamaha
14:35 If you kept one
14:57 Outro
SPECIAL THANKS to Lenn Soderlund who designed the new Barn Find Hunter logo you see featured in this episode. Like you, Lenn is an avid Barn Find Hunter fan who took it upon himself to design a logo and send it to us. We loved it so much we made it the new face of the series.
- Instagram @lennjamin
- Website: lenn.co
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuilds | Time-lapse engine rebuilds from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineRebuild
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Jason Cammisa on the Icons | The definitive car review
bit.ly/JasonCammisaICONS
Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
bit.ly/JasonCammisaRevelations
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[@Hagerty]

Save for your next barn find! - Special offer: Switch and Get $50 - PROMO Code: Hagerty50 - Call 1-800-379-0866 or visit www.consumercellular.com/hagerty

[@alfee9411]

I would say that 2 techs could have that going in about a week with a little Napa KnowHow

[@eltoneady7621]

OMG! This couples life need to be documented and put on the silver screen! By far, it's the best episode!

[@johnschlaefflin2100]

No kidding. Tom you could do an hour or two sitting around a kitchen table with this couple. Throw in a few drinks perhaps, and let Ruth expound upon stories of Shelby and Gullwings and I think we may have a real winner here. 15 minutes is way too short.

[@davidguntren4487]

His wife was as attractive as the car!

[@stumonkey17]

What a fantastic couple. Thanks to both of them for sharing their stories, cars and bikes.

[@Marcsten]

Really!!! What an amazing life they have had together! I am frankly jealous. Although his E-Type ain't worth anything thanks to the modifications, but I am sure he couldn't care less! I'll keep my stock 1964 E!

[@jamesbrown3358]

I love the depth of your enthusiasm for automotive history. Not just the artifacts, but the stories are what matters.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Well said!

[@dennisbrown2571]

Wow. Talk about lives well lived. To see the pics of their early lives should make people realize how time marches on and to do things now. What a fantastic couple.

[@michaellawrence3345]

They’re so kool 😂

[@farmfinds]

The photos and video clips are pure gold!

[@joshua.guevara]

This is simply amazing. He had a fulfilling life!

[@johnnyr4767]

And they say money doesn't buy happiness

[@ollyalme]

Barn Find Hunter (I'd say Hagerty in general) is real, down to earth car enthusiasm. You know, as opposed to the modern, short attention span or keep-the-viewers-constantly-on-their-toes modern television style. Love it!

[@CarlWithACamera]

History exists between the ears of these old guys. So great that even just a little bit of that is captured in these barn find videos. I know a guy in NH who rebuilt an old Jag, I think a 1960, after dragging it around in a multitude of boxes to each place he lived for about 20 years. He bought it as a project but it was a couple decades before he got around to it. Turned it into a gorgeous car. He also is a track instructor with a Viper and a few other interesting cars. He just bought a Porsche to enter a vintage racing series. And he knows a bunch of similar guys all over New England, and he’s a member of JANE (Jaguar Association of New England). If anyone at Hagerty would like to be put in touch with him just let me know here and ill get you his info. I think he’d make a great episode.

[@rjung_ch]

15:20 Ruth was a looker in the days and she is still really fit and well! Those two had a grand life full of special moments, glad they could tell you and us so many of them.

[@jeffreymoorbeck2752]

So cool! I love the stories of these former racers and car/motorcycle lovers. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@erictate8986]

Hagerty guys great story about this wonderful Couple, and there Jaguar E Type with a Chevy Swap small block 327 V8 engine, and i hope that your guys can get this car running again for this beautiful Couple why they are still here living 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@filtnitube]

Please do a series on these amazing folks!!👍😁👍

[@farmfinds]

The people and their stories have been the most enjoyable part of starting my own “barn find” channel. Thanks for inspiring me!

[@DreamWorkDrive]

This is a pretty special episode with this couple's stories. Love this series!

[@adamrodgers2377]

This Gentleman and his Wife are so amazingly cool!!! I would love to hear more about them. Thanks for sharing this.

[@yortomatic]

I worked at a Chevy dealership in '85-'86, and I drove trucks off the hauler that looked just like that Silverado, plastic and all. Thank you Tom for giving me a trip down memory lane 😀

[@giovanni5063]

That gent chummed around with Burt Monro developer of "The Worlds Fastest Indian" what a life !

[@dougshaw2944]

They've forgotten more cool stories than I'll have... Good one//Thanks!

[@hankhenninger3601]

What a great couple. Showing there cars and motorcycles. Plus history of their life doing what they loved. Thank you

[@osho886]

the old man has a lots of memories to carry on after death.... but the saddest thing is only the man know the depth of experience of his life... i don't know you feel it or not but sometimes i feel like why we die... and nobody knows our story and moments....

[@jamescrowe1331]

This has to be one of the best episode of barn find ever. Thank you for this , also many thanks to this couple for letting you do this.

[@jimharper9609]

Tom, what a great episode! I have watched them all and this is top of the list! What a fantastic couple! You should write a book with their stories. What a life they have had! I would love to sit down with them and just listen to their stories...

[@johnnywoods9473]

The old man says he intends to get the Jag back on the road. I hope he does, but he needs to start soon!

[@stereolababy]

familiar story and it most likely won't but hopefully someday

[@JonBlondell]

You have been fortunate. And you appreciate how special these people are.

[@hardball107]

Back in the early 70's to the 80's we used to buy Jags for cheap, XJ's and E Types, once they broke and were so expansive to repair we picked them up for penny's on the dollar. The easiest way to get them back on the road was to swap a Chevy V8 into the XJ's and because of the narrower rails Ford 302's into the E Types. No cutting and just a little fab work, both 4 speeds and automatics, whatever we had at the time went in and they really ran great compared to the original 6 bangers. I even did a XJ12L, pulled the 12 cylinder and a 350 went in. I repaired the V12, timing chain issues, and put it in a Speedway T Bucket. It was pretty wild all cleaned up with all 4 carbs hanging out the side of the engine and home made headers, 6 pipes per side with glass packs outside the frame. The sound was amazing. Sorry I sold it but money talks.

[@cedhome7945]

Now going for six figures if all original so people in the know now putting them back together with original engine installed

[@grahamstrouse1165]

There used to be a Florida-based shop called JTR (Jags That Run) that specialized in SBC swap kits into vintage jags. After a few years they started branching out & developing small block swap set-ups for other European sports cars. A few Japanese cars, too. Don’t know if they’re still around or not but I always heard good things about ‘em. 🙂

[@dandahermitseals5582]

What an amazing part of living racing history to stumble onto.. And they are still together and alive with all their glory days in tack . The interview was worth more than the whole package. You are a fortunate man. My hat is off to you. I'm 80 yrs old and was fully aware of all this history and the people. Even Caroll Shelby and the rest . Amazing. So glad I got to watch this. Hope those two old treasures are still alive. I lived in the Bangor area for awhile. Dandahermit

[@harrycolonicjr.2397]

This man LIVED. This man is a gem. I would love to sit with him and talk for a few hours.

[@normanjohnson4648]

As I get older, now 69, I hope that I keep a few interesting toys from my Era. Love the story because it is what people did, in the day, to their now priceless vintage cars and motorcycles. Sort of defines "period correct" modification?

[@johnmarincic1650]

The stories Rod and Ruth could tell. Don't know who enjoyed this episode more. Us or you. Love your videos.

[@TheSteamaster]

Decades ago I read an article in one of the top car mags of the time where they took an "E" jag coupe, pulled the engine and trans and replaced it with a Pontiac overhead cam 6 with a Borg=Warner four speed. they then took it to their Jaguar expert and asked him to drive it. They told him they had adapted the Borg-Warner trans and wanted his thoughts on it. He was unaware of the Pontiac 6 under the hood. He was impressed with the smoothness of the 4 speed over the original but never thought the engine had been changed. Upon their retur to his facility, they popped the bonnet and revealed the engine swap as well. I recall he was stunned. The Poncho 6 had performed quite well. Well enough that he didn't realize it was not a Jag engine in the bay. It performed similar and sounded similar to the jag in all respects. Wish I could recall the mag.

[@mwaynem]

Thanks again for finding these wonderful stories and the people who created them ❤.

[@GeorgesMiniatureCars]

This is the best Barn find yet!! A few of my dream cars and the gentleman that lived the dream life I wish I had! Awesome Couple🤗

[@peteshepherd1150]

I definitely saw another Cunningham on the lawn, will that be in another episode?!

[@robertcuellar8538]

Right?!

[@johnw3996]

I JUST LOVE THAT , 10 OUT 10 FOR THAT STORY,. VERY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE THEY WERE IN THE DAY , AND STILL ARE TODAY /// GOD BLESS YOU ALL /// 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@affordablevs]

Jeez, these guys coukd write a book about what they have done... I could have watched that all day

[@svenshendo1]

Fantastic episode! These are more like historical documents giving insight to lives well lived. It's always great car content, but Tom connects with folk so well.

[@rjung_ch]

And Burt Monroe as well, such a special couple!

[@johnboydTx]

A life well lived by the both of them 😉👏👏👏👏 in the wind !!!!!!! Happy Motoring ✌️❤️

[@johnboydTx]

@AlexanderChristopher-qg4kl I'm no good at throwing stones or Bus Burnings ✌️

[@Ecosse57]

i'm only half way through this and had to stop and say what a treat it is to listen to this gent's tales. i wish i could thank him! talk about one cool fella and i'd love to see someone help him get his hybrid jag road worthy again.

[@breakandrun70]

Man, you have a great job, showing old cars that you have found. How cool is that, I was a car guy,Had two MGA's 59 & 61, 72 Midget & a 73 240 Z Datson, I modified all of them. I just enjoyed the fact that they handled so well, & they would go like hell. I'm getting older now, but I still love the old cars. I watch all of your video's, thanks for all of the memories.

[@leddygee1896]

Please document the restoration of this car if you can... This needs to be done!! Beautiful car and great love story.😊

[@60chevyjim]

that is a well known upgrade for a jaguar. what good is a car that always breaks down like a jaguar. i have seen dozens of these conversions and happy people.

[@patd5146]

This couple are as interesting, if not more interesting, than the vehicles...love and good health to them both.

[@arrsequoia4087]

Tom, you’re a gem yourself!

[@onthewayup]

Thank you Tom. You are ALWAYS a joy to listen to... Shouldve stopped by when you were in Aroostook.

[@Merylstreep1949]

That was very very cool. The house was awesome too! A reminder that once upon a time these were just cars and not museum pieces!! And certainly class people as well. Thanks for sharing this!❤

[@ronniebraine9692]

What a great episode Tom. A great couple that have led a great life. How good is that. Cheers!!

[@patschollaert5978]

I’m in awe! What a wonderful couple. And a great collection!

[@gsmith207]

People dont think of Maine for barn finds because rust buckets, but we actually have so many its un real! thanks Tom great history lesson! I’m gonna swear you in as an honorary Maineah! Glad your lovin Maine!

[@MichaelSmith-jv7zm]

True, also in Maine

[@UberLummox]

So many barn finds or rust buckets? Or all the barn finds are rust buckets, haha. From Maine also. Yessuh

[@UberLummox]

@AlexanderChristopher-qg4kl Good to know chief!

[@jimmieroan9881]

my kind of car, and car guy. back in those days we built the cars the way we wanted, todays generation would not believe some of the transplants that took place from the late 40s all the way through the 80s, then the elite got involved in "saving" the oldies and storing them for investments. we drove our builds by the way. thanks for the video and introducing us to another genuine car guy.

[@roymyers8575]

My new favorite interview

[@WorldwideDarts]

Great, great story. Got to say, what an amazing and beautiful home as well. Wow!

[@richierahlke8658]

Goosebumps for 16:03 minutes...sooo good!

[@stuartthompson7102]

Love the shows Tom. This one is old school salt of the earth people.Very cool. Thanks.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

thank you = Rod and Ruth - for sharing this video !

[@sporty196071]

I had to watch this 3 or 4 times. I was upset it was so short. I love the old racers, I could listen to them for hours. They raced when it was fun and not so commercialized

[@claycampbell7901]

Amazing Man ! I could listen to his stories for weeks !!!

[@rjs2005]

I'll most certainly never meet Rod and Ruth, but I love them already. I've taken to talking to anyone I see with an older car, just learning the story of the car, regardless of it's condition. When I visit a car museum, more important to me than seeing these wonderful machines are the stories that the docents tell, made even more special when I get to talk to the person who lived the tale. Barn Finders is almost therapy for me, and I'm so very glad I became a Hagerty Driver's Club member when I bought my insurance for my RX-7. I may not own that car forever, but I'll be a Driver's Club member as long as it- or I exist.

[@Yourmission9]

I’m always a big fan of the cars Tom shows us but in this case that home is absolutely jaw droopingly gorgeous

[@brentmcmillan646]

That is a really magical piece of history!!!

[@brianwaskow5910]

A wonderful story.

[@bobroberts2371]

Over on The House of Muscle or maybe on Motortrend , there is a Ferrari that had a Chevy transplant decades ago when the original engine was worth more than the car. The current owner will never change it back to an original engine as the install and history are superb.

[@SpaceTech54]

Amazing to capture this history - Thank You.

[@jameswest9261]

What a beautiful couple and what a beautiful life. Great video.

[@gittnjiggy2]

Tom, between the barn and on your way to see the motorcycles in the basement did I see the Astin-Martin sitting on the lawn with black stripes on it? Great Episode, Thank You

[@robertcuellar8538]

Yes!!! They seemed to have skipped right over that car!! Why?!!! I want more!!!

[@kimnorrgren9468]

Wonderful visit with people who lived their lifes for real.Enjoyd their life. Love it Tom. Thank You

[@shannondudley3757]

Thank you Tom, Rod and Ruth. ❤

[@cayman9873]

I love their story, it's beautiful...you best story ever..

[@architypeone8646]

Rod and Ruth were quite a dashing couple! They have lived an interesting life.

[@cruisingthethaiway6881]

The car and bikes are nice, the story is amazing. Possibly book worthy

[@stoveguy2133]

Dad was from ny. Raced cars. We went to Daytona in 2000 and met some guys he raced in the 50s. He has tons of stories.

[@davidjanzen1665]

Awesome people, story, cars, and bikes. Plus the great place they call home.

[@josephwarren3498]

Just great, Tom. Thank you.

[@rolorock4586]

Enjoy stories of the old Racers . Glad he still has the Jaguar

[@LegendsWorkshop]

This was a great story told masterfully by Tom. If only Ruth had had more airtime here, she might've run away with the whole episode - not only was she a supportive partner, but completely immersed in the culture herself; and still lucid and lovely all these years later. Wow.

[@historyguy4351]

Get them running!

[@oldskool1979]

Rod and Ruth were so lucky to live through an era of real freedom..... god bless them.

[@marcweltz9317]

That was great, love hearing old-timers stories thanks aloha

[@clintonsmith9931]

Jim Hall Raceing in Midland, Texas used to put new Chevy v8s in cars like that back in the 1970s.

[@UberLummox]

The old picture with his wife on an Aston Martin is too cool!!! This must be somewhere on the coast. By Camden or Bar Harbour. We don't have houses like that here in Maine inland!

[@UberLummox]

@AlexanderChristopher-qg4kl Good to know champ!

[@UberLummox]

@AlexanderChristopher-qg4kl Okie dokie!

[@donnieweston3249]

What a great find, the people , cars and bikes

[@chrishastings2665]

Everyone needs to know someone like this.

[@deanmarskell1518]

Oh my days I completely agree they should make a film about that couples life with the racing what a lush E-type and many infamous names attached to them both during his racing days.

[@grahames9228]

It's good that you are recording these stories before they are gone forever.

[@kennycarter8179]

Very cool episode! I had a friend that owned a shop all he did was V8 conversions in Jags. Love the TD1 Yamaha I had the same Fontana four leading shoe brake on my RD.

[@paulaspen7880]

Please please PLEASE make a documentary on these people to preserve their stories!! Pleeeeease preserve their stories!!

[@normsweet1710]

You are most fortunate !

[@neilgarrad4931]

Thanks

[@dogpotter]

Great story, Thanks for sharing it's amazing to listen to these stories about these folks who have enjoyed a well lived life

[@JonBlondell]

I Always dig your shows, thank you!

[@antonyjiricka8480]

One of my favorite videos yet!!! Thank you!

[@danielcarroll5667]

Thank you , my mind is blown !

[@ericdrinnan5814]

I could listen to old hot rodder for days, the stories and history. Well done!

[@Praterphil]

Thanks for doing this Tom. These people are amazing!

[@kevinmckinzie]

Once in a lifetime indeed.

[@Carshowradar]

What a great episode! And what a great life the couple have lived. It's a wonderful life after all.

[@gregsmith3366]

What a living legend. The jag is like the equivalent of a gt40 would love to see it rebuilt and back on the road Please Tom make it happen 🙏🍻

[@CHRISROYALSCHIEFSFAN]

Just awesome!

[@johnlee8231]

What a great story they've lived. Thx for sharing

[@peterjewell9436]

Wow what a great couple and a great episode this would be a great part 2 with more stories and to have Damon come on board and put this car back on the road not a full resto but make it a safe driveable car again love the chanel keep the finds coming✔✔