You've Been Lied To : Think Again Before Restoring A Jaguar E-Type

[@scouser2230]

I’m impressed with your company’s obvious professionalism. The E Type remains a beautiful car.

[@garyowen9044]

In my opinion, these were, and are, the most beautiful cars to ever grace our roads.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

💯

[@stewartmcmanus3991]

I wholeheartedly agree.

[@randomness3465]

Watching this makes me feel better about the E-Type I passed on last year. It needed substantially more work than the owner thought, and more work than I could realistically do and afford. I still want one! The idea of doing it correctly and future-proofing is how I'm working on my XJ6 restoration, and though it can be a pain, I now feel a lot better about taking the time to do it once now.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Sometimes it’s for the best, let us know if you need any help in the future!

[@williamrunyan4027]

His words are true. I recently restored a Series I FHC to #1 condition (all by myself), and it's a job. But the caveats in automotive restoration apply equally to inexpensive cars as well as masterpieces. Don't start with basket cases. Don't get upside down on costs vs final value. You can afford to restore a rusty Ferrari, but not a Ford Pinto. Keep day dreams and emotions out. Classic restoration can be a great experience, or a devastating money pit.

[@JR-wu1fg]

My Dad restored E type FHC no 47. A Flat floor and one of the first E types into Australia, I believe it was the Perth show car. Dad bought it from Ian Cummings whos famously restored a D Type. This video is spot on, Dad drove it for a couple of years then decided he should probably get the sills done.....what a turning point. Once the realization that things were worse the car body was dipped in stripper. Oh boy this removed all the filler and provided insight into an almighty crash the car had. The front fire wall was about 2 inches different from left to right, it had had a big off center front end crash, no wonder the bonnet had a slightly odd fit 🙂. Needless to say after 4 years of restoration at OS sports car restoration the car was restored to its full glory. Lots of research was needed, as this was an early car and they had differences to the latter cars. OS were fantastic and their skills produced an amazing result. This video is bang on, as much as we are attached to these cars, they can drain the account.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

We’ll confirm the early cars are substantially different from the more later and mass produced E-Types. We’ve had #36 in just recently for an engine rebuild. Thank you for sharing, fabulous story!

[@TheXJRMAN]

@@pkthorntonrestorations yeh, like cord piston rings...rope crank seals....

[@1aberbeeg]

Great to see a professional giving an honest appraisal of the potential cost of restoration. Although It's something I haven't wanted doing we, as a family have dealt with the same garage since 1976, I am 80 and still go there as well as the rest of the family.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Well said!

[@robertscheinost179]

I had 2 series 1 E-types back in the late 70's--early 80's and sold them both in 1983, the biggest blunder I ever made from a financial standpoint. Now that I'm retired (and single) I have been looking at getting another series 1 FHC as a fun investment. Who ever thought that these cars would be approaching $200,000 (or more)? That's the price of a nice house where I live. They are fantastic cars that's for sure! You're absolutely right about doing it right and doing it once. I'm really impressed at the honesty "Daz" expressed. I'm just an average guy and these cars would represent a large amount of my resources to own just one. There are lots of dodgy restorations out there. You got me, I subscribed! It's comforting that there are people out there that are honest about cost. Thanks, guys, I can't wait for the next video. I would like to stop by the shop when I'm in Britain. I'm planning to go to the Stafford Motorcycle Mechanics Auction in October 2024. Cheers from Connecticut in the states!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you very much sir for getting in touch! That’s how we always roll, honesty before anything and it did us well since 1967. Stop by anytime, our kettle is always on for a cuppa ☕️ 🇬🇧

[@johndeere1951a]

No house is $200 k in Connecticut, unless your stuck in 1957 🤣

[@robertscheinost179]

@@johndeere1951a Maybe you paid too much!

[@james5796]

If you can goto the Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham - its fabulous!!

[@robertscheinost179]

I'm going to go to every motorcycle museum and swap meets and auctions that I can fit in!@@james5796

[@Theoriginalsparkythemagicpiano]

Great to see professionals keeping these British icons in the road, great stuff👍

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much!🙏

[@ClassicCarCave]

As a viewer who has restored two E Types and two XK 150 OTS i couldn't agree more with what you said in the video, lucky I bought my my project at the right time price wise but I also looked for a candidate that was almost complete but in the worst condition i could find. I did this knowing full well that the only way to have a top end restoration was to rebuild it from the ground up. It‘s good to see classic car specialist talk about the reality of restoring these cars and not pulling any punches. I have subbed as I like the honesty, Well done. Cheers Dave

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much for your comment Dave! Either do it properly, or it’s going to a mixed bag! Thanks for watching!

[@ClassicCarCave]

Do it properly or don't do it at all 😉🤣 Is my Moto, As a former garage owner I hate to see good workmanship lumped in with shoddy or poor restoration or repairs as it gives the trade a bad name, Unfortunately there are a still a lot of cowboys out there and I mention it in my videos. Cheers Dave

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

@@ClassicCarCave absolutely Dave, it’s the same here this side of the big water! 🇬🇧🤠

[@chrismartin5870]

I restore boats and it's the same situation. If anything can go wrong it probably has, and to hope otherwise is wishful thinking, a very human vice, but fatal to a quality project. Thank you for the video team.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

In 1981 I bought a 1967 spit screen VW van with a plan to fix the rust and use it. Sadly it was dangerously rotten. It literally needed an internal structural frame to keep it aligned. It was totally uneconomic and got scrapped. Today, it would be seen as a “restorable classic” but it really was a rotten pile of rust.

[@patchthesinclair5896]

Never was the term "Proper Job" more applicable. Thank you for a top video as well!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

It’s been our pleasure! Thank you 🙏

[@DavidKing-jx3sg]

A guy around the corner from me restored a e type convertible over a few years, painted it metallic sky blue with a black top and new wire wheels, perfect combination looked gorgeous , these cars are out of reach for most people, good to see you keeping them on the road

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Keeping the wire wheels turning, since 1967 🇬🇧

[@myimorata7678]

You mentioned something that collectors should keep in mind. Sentimental value and the hard monetary value of any item are two entirely different things. I learned through experience never to confuse or misinterpret either of them. Super video. I subscribed.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much! We speak the truth, since 1967 🇬🇧

[@johnparnell8571]

Neither of my two 1960s Mini Coopers were restored for profit. They are my hobby, and hobbies cost money. In my case, the reward was bringing unloved cars back to life that have given me much driving pleasure for more than two decades. Car restoration has advanced enormously in the last three decades, especially in the field of authentic replacement panels and parts and the growth of specialists in so many different car models. I have the highest respect for those who have developed high level metalworking skills that enable top quality restorations to be achieved. The devil is always in the detail beneath.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

The devil is in the hidden details!

[@hughtube1]

Great video. I have just restored a 1962 FHC and think I have had most panels off the car. If you don't I don't know how you restore the car. Your labour hours are spot on. Anyone who does not replace the floors and inner sills on an e type as a bare minimum must want to do the work twice. Great work I wish I was as skillful Hugh

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much!

[@Chris-td4yd]

Looks like these chaps are honest & know what they doing 👍🇬🇧

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much! 🇬🇧

[@Chris-td4yd]

@@pkthorntonrestorations No Thank You! 🙏I have been working with Metal for many years…..From Gas Welding cars when I was at school to leaving school & qualifying as a sheet metal worker to plater welder to pipe welder to Welding Superintendent in South Africa in the 1980s as a very young man!….. I will be 60 next year & I still eat smoke & grinding dust everyday!!…. I know what I’m looking at!…Cheers 🍻

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

THE car of my childhood. Just captured my heart. Years later a neighbor had two, one in his garage and one in the driveway. When I asked, he explained that the garage car was his parts donor. Crazy. 👍🤪🇨🇦

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Nice story! Thank you for sharing! Not the most reliable (although modern technology now helps) but certainly the better looking 🤩

[@grantzippel1666]

Very wise words Daz regarding everything you said. A purchase or restoration of a car needs to be approached very honestly. When buying a car, I have taken friends with me who know what to look for and are willing to tell me what I don’t want to hear. I’m beginning my first total restoration of a car here in Australia at 61 years old and I’ve approached the entire project with good advice from those who know. I’m fortunate to have an inheritance from losing my parents so I can afford this project, plus the car is rare (1941 Buick Roadmaster Convertible) and came with heaps of very valuable parts (many new or NOS) plus all die-cast chrome completed to a world-class standard. It will still be expensive though and will probably be worth less than I spend, but the point is I have an honest view what I’m up for. The more people that listen to your words Daz, the better of they will be. Those that are driven by emotional or sentimental reasons are in for some trouble. Keep up the great work.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much! It sounds like you are on the right track with the Buick 👍 Please keep us posted! Appreciate the comments, thank you! 🙏

[@onecookieboy]

There is an oldish guy in New Plymouth, New Zealand who has been restoring an e type for the last 25 odd years and it's obviously a labour of love, he is out in his garage every night and he has spent moonbeams on what was not a bad car to start with. He told me the car has cost him a marriage and every spare bit of cash he has and that he has often thought about giving it up and taking up lawn bowls instead, but then changes his mind. TBH, I think it's a fools game because when it's finally finished most people would be too scared to even drive the thing the way it was intended for fear of crashing or otherwise damaging it.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

That happens quite a lot actually and we see this time and time again, some restored classic cars become garage queens and never see a puddle of water in their lives!

[@johnsutcliffe3209]

God made New Plymouth because petrol is meant to be burnt tyres are meant to be smelt and waves are meant to be surfed. ❤

[@jamescameron314]

It's all too easy to write off a car on today's crowded roads, and it's not necessarily even your fault!!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

@@jamescameron314 it’s important for our beloved classic cars to driven regularly to get the lubrication going and heat cycles so they last long

[@chasermalloy7406]

Well it's not a fool's game. It's for the capable or those who have the means. A sound properly restored car will be repairable so the risk in driving it isn't as bad as you might think. Even major damage in anyways Ares. The sound well restored cars obviously have more structural integrity and so far better primary and secondary safety. They are the ones that should be driven !

[@damage98]

I know nothing about restoring E types but I'm happy to see you've got young apprentices and that there are heritage skills schools, and encouragement to take up the craft. I wish when I was a young man I had found a way to learn automotive mechanics, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it. I got into computers instead, which has been fun and rewarding but at the end of the day, nothing I ever make lasts very long. It's just bits and bytes. Your work on the other hand will last generations perhaps. I have a 2001 996.1, bought it sight unseen with 94k miles, that I love to death. Driving a 911 is so rewarding, and mine is a 6mt narrow body on 17 inch wheels, so it's light and it doesn't have too much traction, I can actually drive it with the throttle. What was my point... Oh yeah, the cost of restoring even my car is already quite a bit more than I paid for it, mostly because I've no garage and very little skills, so I pay for the work, which is well done and I don't feel ripped off. Slowly, it's getting to like new and I'm able to breathe a sigh of relief that any potential bug bears that the m96 engines has are made right. Slowly and expensive yeah. Anyway, I love what you do there, I subscribed, please continue sharing your knowledge and experience sir!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you very much for sharing your passion for cars! The 996.1 is so cool and under appreciated these days! Keep on driving and thank you for watching!

[@africadreamin]

I couldn't agree more, just the other evening I collected a young farmer's son who had delivered a JCB Fastrac for us, he told me he thought of going into engineering until he realized how nearly everything you see has a computer in it as he loves the hands-on of mechanical things., hopefully, we will soon have a build project on so I will keep his number.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

@@africadreamin proper that! We are very much hammer nuts and bolts. No idea where computers connect to as we have no socket for that! 🙋‍♂️😁

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Sorry, but your 2001 911 is not all that great to drive. Your right leg hits the center console, your left leg hits the door panel, the seat is unsupportive, the shifter is too far forward, the car does not feel stable at high speeds, the IMS bearing issue is always a concern and it has a really crappy interior. The juice ain't worth the squeeze.

[@rcpmac]

Watching this makes me feel better about owning a boat. Much better!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

We love boats also! And classic cars!

[@derekstocker6661]

Well done on the warnings and advice about car restoration, I have just been quoted 5k to respray an old BMW that is worth less than the quote for painting, so something like a full resto on an E type or some other very valuable car is worth listening to what this man says!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

My pleasure, thank you!

[@sprezzatura8755]

Restored cars are like white tuxedos. You sweat any little smudge or defect. Takes all the joy out of it. Give me a good driver grade classic with patina and I am a happy guy.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Happy until something large falls off 👀

[@thorsrensen3162]

Yes and the cost is another factor. The price of all the bits and pieces you need to complete the car is insane. Even when you think you have everything, then it just continues with the expenses. Its like a black hole where money disapear.

[@sprezzatura8755]

​@@pkthorntonrestorationsit's best to buy a restored car from a guy whose wife forces him to sell it on the cheap.

[@HeavyDragoon]

A very honest and sincere contribution to this never ending search for GOOD and HONEST car restorers...

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

We love what we do and always restore it like it would be our own cars! Thank you for watching!

[@oldmod2866]

This guy knows what hes talking about, having had 30 years in restoration I've seen plenty of bodged restorations.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Daz is the man for it! Thank you for the appreciation! 🙏

[@Handbuilt1]

Very well spoken and very true , if you going to restore a car do it all the way , or do not waste money doing it any other way. This is also the way that we think and work at our restorations shop .

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thanks Peter, that’s the ONLY way to do it!

[@std882]

Excellent video. I've always thought of buying an old non-runner and have it restored but to be honest, I think unless you have deep deep pockets and plenty of patience, the best solution is to search for one that is fully restored. Pay the premium up front and have the car immediately to enjoy.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you! The only downside is not knowing how the fully restored one was restored

[@buxvan]

@@pkthorntonrestorations exactly. The rebuild is both pain and pleasure, but when you finish it you can tell people “I did most of this myself!”

[@bernardkinsky1637]

Sadly a restoration that you are not part of is not always what it portrays to be.

[@martinwarner1178]

Very truthful assessment of the pitfalls of a project as this. Looks like a proper rebuild company. Thank you. Peace be unto you.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much!

[@eamonnleonard9162]

Looking at this,and all the work, and new parts that goes into these old car's I am reminded of that great comedy, only fools, and horses,, and Trigger's broom 😮

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

I think the Reliant Regal might need a restoration by now? 🇬🇧

[@kevinrice7635]

Interesting musings mate Sterling Shop here here....my favorite 59 4door with the borg Warner automatic trans.two tone paint and joint rolling table's in the back.... I never should have let her go... Hey hey hey from Pittsburgh Pa USA love the Show 🎉.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thanks for sharing

[@yelyab1]

No hype, no nonsense. I like it. My fascination for owning an E type is a bid diminished.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you! Keeping it real, since 1967 🇬🇧

[@Gopferteckel]

I think his attitude speaks for all resto projects. Do it right the first time. Fix and forget.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Absolutely, couldn’t say it better myself!

[@adnanlatif1722]

The way you have explained its like picaso doing his master piece FLAWLESS

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Awwww thank you so much! Appreciated 👍

[@pdterre5496]

Spot on about resto´s. Restored a XJ6 ser1 which is much simpler to do and it swallowed all my savings as a young man. On the other hand , if it would have been a E-type or Mk2 i could´t have used it as a did daily driving in the summer.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

The S1 XJ6 is a tremendous looking and driving motor car! 4.2l Manual = Perfection! 🤩

[@johndavey72]

300 hours for the bodywork seems pretty optomistic to me . I've spent probably 3 times as many hours on mine . And l still have to finish the bonnet . Although l have painted the bodyshell . Thanks Daz . Very good documentry

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Our pleasure, labour of love!

[@alistairsteadman3765]

I would love to do this for a living. Thanks for a really interesting video.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Our absolute pleasure! Living the dream every single day with our classic cars

[@earllsimmins9373]

With my TR4 l loved watching the road go by, looking through the floorboard on the passenger side.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Can’t do that in an E-Type. Although we’ve seen E-Type floors held in by rivets or even silicone 🤦‍♂️

[@robinoconnor1203]

It is so nice to find a company that will restore a car correctly. I watched a video recently, the customer did not want or was financially unable to fit correct new panels, the body shop made up panels to repair the car. The repair would have cost a few hundred pounds, but devalued the car by thousands.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

we keep saying this but it’s true, do the restoration once but do it properly

[@phildale6341]

Another excellent and informative video, well done team P&K

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thanks Phil!

[@philmaxwell1858]

I have owned a 1971 2+2 for about 5 years. I have updated the weak spots like engine cooling, A/C, new leather interior, alternator, Pertronix ignition and clear IR film on all the windows. You can't see it but it keeps the car cooler here in Florida. When I bought it it had a good looking 15 foot repaint. Not great, but looks quite nice. We use it almost 3-4 times a week. My main concern is getting hit by another car or truck. It gets lots of thumbs ups and waves from those who see it. The only problem I have since I bought it is that your clothes pick up an hot oil/exhaust smell. Not bad, but not perfect. I don't know what it is. Why not hop over to Southern Florida and take a look? I enjoyed your video very much, as you can imagine.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you for sharing! It’s the typical classic car smell I think, they all smell sort of similar inside. Good old carburettors. Would love to visit next time in Florida. I was in Naples and Orlando last year on holiday 🇺🇸

[@peterwright2196]

Exhaust gases leak into the interior through the seals around your rear lights and into the rear of the car. Make sure that all the lights fit snugly.

[@philmaxwell1858]

@@pkthorntonrestorations Winter is coming and you should visit. Food is waiting!

[@RadboudRestoration]

Geap up the high level of restoration, it's the only way to do it right. Best wish from the Netherlands. Regards Radboud Restoration

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

One of the most beautiful cars ever built, they were my dream car.

[@bbrcummins1984]

Yes they are , I get complaints on mine daily

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Dream car for many of us! Love seeing them every day

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Can we help by sorting those complaints?

[@martinbarratt9194]

Excellent Video - great insight Daz, thank you. I messed up my chance to buy an e-type a few years back but one day, one day :-)

[@redchthonic]

I was a panel beater in the golden age of rust. 60s to80s. Minis Jags etc that are now so loved were rusty. As they are monocoque they have lots of hidden spaces for rust. Often minis would end up with no floor after a very short time. What hasn't been pointed out is how dangerous the bodge weld ups were. I welded up suspension pickups, whole floors and not the pretty designer panels Daz was using. On an E type the front subframe is help on to a very stressed panel. Held together with rusty tack welds and bog, be careful. Take a fridge magnet , bog found out.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Very true! We often received cars that were quick repairs in the 80s-90s when they were not worth so much money and the standard is poor. Now with help from modern materials, possibilities are endless and a great standard of work! 🇬🇧 Thank you for your input! Appreciated 🙏

[@williamboquist4090]

I wish I could follow the guys doing the bodywork around every day for a year,

[@williamboquist4090]

Same...

[@philtucker1224]

Thank you for doing this. I found your commentary of explanation and description to be superb. I have followed the restoration of e-types fairly closely over the last 50 odd years, since as a teenager, my boss gave me (an extremely rapid!) 18 mile long lift home in what was then his brand new V12 fhc, (one of the last of the line I believe). Nowadays I would hope that serious investors of a properly restored beauties such as this will obviously expect a thorough time lapse video of the whole rebuild. Best regards.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much for sharing! Sounds like you had an exhilarating E-Type experience! Life is too simple without E-Types

[@johndavey72]

Daz' . That could be me talking ! You know your stuff ! I've spent countless hours making certain l've found and tackled every last nook and cranny . Hope it wasn't you that misaligned the lower front panel to the n/s/f wing on that series 3 . I'll wager it wasn't ! Thanks for sharing

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Hey John, restoring an E-Type will always be labour of love!

[@garethdavies2538]

About 20 years ago I went to the Chino, Ca Aircraft Museum air show and spotted a beautiful red Series 1 convertible with the proverbial "no expense spared restoration." Wondered how the owner could have afforded the $$$$s that went into it. Not to worry however, a bit later I met the owner----who had flown in in his very own circa 1960's Hawker Hunter! Very nice person who let me peer into the cockpit of the Hunter. He mentioned that he'd spent an afternoon being briefed by Sir Neville Duke who'd been Hawker's test pilot for the Hunter and other aircraft. Oh, and the Hawker Hunter was painted red to match his Jaguar!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

I’m guessing work hard, play hard kind of guy?

[@donaldhill2775]

Nice work ! E Type or Mini they all screw together the same way, best to choose a victim with reasonable panel availability that’s not madly rusty and have a go yourself, the quality of your repairs is an inspiration to us rolling around underneath something ugly up on axle stands 👍😆

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you! We have had plenty practice over the decades

[@donaldhill2775]

@@pkthorntonrestorations My pleasure I love these old cars and appreciate those that won’t bodge them up 👍

[@brucebrown9604]

When you start such a project, as an owner, be prepared for it to take at least twice the time you initially thought necessary (assuming no Covid, parts shortage, health issues of the project staff, etc.), then double the initial cost estimate. You should only go forward if you can handle that. Thanks for the honest video and answers in the comments ! 😎

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

It’s been our pleasure! Always here to help

[@ericlewis9638]

💯%

[@jasonspector5050]

i can see from the metal work lots and lots of hours go into restoration of just all the body work keep op the super good work im in the us in Texas and about to completely restore a 1970 mgb gt and every one want to know how lone before i will have car done i keep telling every one even tho i a small car it takes what it take to do everything right i hope that when i done my car will be better than when the car roiled off the assembly line. hope to see more of your videos

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much for sharing! Your MGB GT project story sounds wonderful, please stay tuned more to come over here!

[@RussellLord]

I just watched this video of you Superb the way you describe everything And correctly No bad words just the truth of how the restoration of cars are I do this myself and fully appreciate everything you said

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much! That’s how we roll, since 1967 🇬🇧

[@RussellLord]

@@pkthorntonrestorations im just so glad you replied ...i will be watching you from now on .i may not always comment but I will watch and talk about you on my page as I do have a few followers who will pay a good amount of interest on you ,bless you stay well and keep just being you ,,russell

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

@@RussellLord very much appreciated! Thank you for watching!

[@insolentstickleback3266]

My father meticulously restored at least 6 E-Types that I recall, several dozen Big Healey's and lots of MGB, and American cars just for the the family. All of the full restoration British cars where stripped of every single fastener, and sent off to be dipped. His last two fully restored Healey's rolled through Barrett Jackson and off to parts unknown. He was a one man restoration meistro, his final project was not finished due to failing health, his masterwork. He always said he would build the Healey the factory should have built, sitting in the shop is a hand built frame with an E-Type rear end, and a Chevrolet crate small block in the front. This is not another V8 Healey converstion, it is a bespoke work of art. It is all done except final bodywork and paint, and assembly. The exhaust is made, the interior is done. All of it stored there like a big kit. I will probably never get to it, and it will become some kind of amazing "Barn Find," after I am gone.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Great story, thank you for sharing!

[@fraa888grindr6]

I remember quite vividly the first time I'd seen an E-type in person. It was 1974-1975 and I was in the 2nd grade and 7 years old. I was with my ma, in downtown Los Angeles, and it was parked in a large parking garage. As we passed by it on our way to our 1968 Lincoln Continental, I stopped and stared at it. My ma had to come back and get me - I was in a trance. I thought it was the most beautiful car I'd ever seen. I still do. I don't know the year, but it was definitely a 2+2 and it was silver, so either '66-'68 or '73-'74. No smartphone or camera to capture the image, just a near 50 year old memory.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

I can understand the E-Type was quite a sight at that time! Very different design comparing to the American cars

[@marciabaldwin2506]

Absolutely gorgeous cars stunningly beautiful IMHO, sadly not all classic cars have such high values or they fall from grace. I love watching many of the channels here on KZbin their are many talented people like P&k that are passionate about our motoring heritage great video guy's .

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much Marcia! Appreciated! Much more to come here. We love what we do! 🙏❤️

[@wadegarrett7376]

A nice honest video - too many "fools" rush in when they find a "cheap" car. Its not usually cheap - it needs a considerable amount of coin to get to a good example and, with E Types, if you think you can get one that's good for no money....lol. I still remember the "A Car is reborn" series from 20 years back when the final cost was GBP85k. E Types are not a cheap classic. They ARE gorgeous but Daz is right...walk in with your eyes wide open. They will still water, but at least you will not be surprised!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Very well said so thank you!

[@b717]

What would we do without so many KZbin videos telling us “the truth!!!”

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

I know, right?

[@guypouteau]

Keep up the great work for a great car!Thank you

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much!

[@Sommers234]

Fascinating look into Restorations thank you for opening my eyes

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you for watching!

[@onecooldude1644]

Thank you. I love the E Type Jags and agree they are beautiful from any angle. My late father had a 69 roadster maroon, maroon interior and black top. I so wish h had kept it so I get the sentimental part but agree unless you go in with eyes wide open you can get in over your head really fast. I remember my Dad saying a car that looks pretty good still costs as much to restore as a basket case. Because once you fix up one thing another thing that looked pretty good doesn't anymore and on it goes. Thank you for the straight scoop on car restoration work.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@mikehenson819]

I restored a 71 vette many years ago that at the time I’d owned for about 4 years. It only had 54,000 original miles on it, but had never been garaged and had sit out for years. During the first few years I owned it, I enjoyed driving it . But after I restored it, I was too scared to drive it because it always drew a crowd, and I was afraid someone would scratch it. I owned it another 4 years, driving it only on Sunday’s in the country once every month. I finally sold it. I missed it for a while, but would never do that again.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thanks for sharing, cool story!

[@peterk2455]

Jaguar build models that were manufactured by the thousands and to a price. As such they were not built to be around 50 years after the last of the 38,400 series 1 E-Types came off the assembly line. Firms like P&K Thornton rebuild them better than they were when new. That's nice to know.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Correct! Now we rebuild the cars far better than when they were new! Thank you! 🙋‍♂️

[@dotpeat1372]

Great upload; straight forward especially different routes & reasons to restore. Would like to see more of these. Bodged jobs are never wanted, but always 'sky is the limit'... where in the UK are craftsman available to discuss 'affordable/amenable' car restoration jobs? You are doing a wonderful job there!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much! 🇬🇧

[@noonehere1793]

Very good heads up! Looks like you are hand building new e-types…well done sir!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much! We’ve done probably hundreds of E-Type restorations in metal, know them inside out 💪

[@commsec110]

Great video, lovely to listen to, thanks.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@HypocriticYT]

There are many good looking cars but none look better than an E Type 😊

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Well said!

[@a.c.4732]

Waaaaay too many "specialists" around nowadays providing a second rate service and nothing but stress . Nice to come across a real Specialist . When you know, you know 😉

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Couldn't agree more!

[@BFSilenceDogood]

My father restored two 1966 Series 1 convertibles. There was a ridiculous amount of money and time into them. Both were completely acid dipped to remove rust. Someone replaced the floorpan on the first car with a street sign! In the end paying attention to the small details paid off.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

That all sound very familiar! We’ve seen tin cans or even beer cans instead of E-Type panels

[@hodgheg]

In the early '80's a friend bought two E Types, a Mk3 V12 automatic and a Mk3 V12 convertible, both in very useale condition. The price? £3000 and £3500 respectively. I know the Mk 3s weren't thought of as the best of the breed but oh how they took my breath away when he floored the throttle!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Peters2centsWorth]

Informative and really appreciate the work you put into this presentation - thanks

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much! Appreciated! 🙏

[@fortisfortunaadiuvat9262]

I had a 71 E type 2 plus2 in yellow with tan interior, automatic. I purchased it from the original owner with just over 18,000 original miles. Still had to rebuild carburetors, redo the fuel tank, but loved it. I sold it to an English gentlemen who had it shipped back to England from here in Miami

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Oh wow! Primrose yellow with a tan interior is quite a cool combo! Thank you for sharing!

[@fortisfortunaadiuvat9262]

@@pkthorntonrestorations anytime liked your video looks like you guys know what your doing for sure. If I lived in England would visit your shop for sure

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

@@fortisfortunaadiuvat9262 thank you! Give us a shout if you venture this way! 🇬🇧

[@johnblunt1834]

I just mentally worked out the hours of work panel beating costs........... I'm 69, but don't worry, I had another beer to calm down again!! 😉 Very nice work you are doing on the car.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Hours quickly add up in this type of restoration perfection. Thank you!

[@johnbowkett80]

I'm 67 and I often think of the millions of bricks that I've laid in my lifetime ... A few million . 😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

@@johnbowkett80 wow that’s good going! 💪

[@johnbowkett80]

@@pkthorntonrestorations And still laying like a good un . Cheers . 👍💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

Ok so accepting the inevitable aspect of KZbin which is the plug for something - in this case car restoration services - I did feel the presenter kept that quite subtle and thus didn't set my teeth on edge the whole way through 😏 Quite the opposite, in fact: the calm, non gimmick-y delivery made for a complete and reassuring presentation all bathed in the rich, meaty goodness of a refreshing and increasingly rare absence of bullshit - in a word, "we'll do it right, but expect it to take most of a year and by jingo you better prepare yourself for a bill"😄 I once went to some obscure traditional County Show-type event in south Lincolnshire - Stickney or Heckington Village Show, I really can't remember but one outstanding memory I had was talking to the rather distinguished looking owner - patrician, squirearchy, wealthy landowner, old money, ancient and somewhat well-worn attire (but the tweed and corduroy of a quality simply not available anywhere these days), immaculate diction, you know the type - of an Aston Martin DB5 which looked as if it had come from the Factory yesterday. You could tell a MILE off there was no question of any half arsed filler and other bodges - a bit like how even though silver gilt is silver totally plated in gold, the difference between silver gilt and pure gold is chalk and cheese. I asked him specifically how he had achieved such a rich, deep, even - flawless - finish. It truly was perfect. And, fixing me with a wry twinkle and a half smile, he simply said "by taking it to people who reaaaallehh kneaux hie to chaaahhrge" Which did tickle me🙂

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Brilliant, love your comment! All true, no need to bullshit, you either pay for it and we do it right, or don’t worry about it! 😉

[@darbyheavey406]

This is true about many older homes, cars, boats and aircraft. In this example this jag isn’t a car it’s a hulk of metal.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

A pretty hulk of metal! 🥰

[@Janez-h1e]

I restored an E-type, 2+2, US import. It took over 3500 man hours. And it was not in bad condition , only floors, quarter panels and some smaller inner body parts. It's a highly complicated car, and was my 1st Jag. If I was a specialist, I could maybe save a few 100 hours, but not many more. Full resto will cost you 200.000€ easily, depending on your location primarily.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Yes well said, £200k minimum these days!

[@Janez-h1e]

@@pkthorntonrestorations in UK?

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

@@Janez-h1e yes indeed, UK based

[@jaylove3487]

This video can literally apply to any car. The majority of the population have no comprehension of what it costs to restore a car properly. When I go to a local car show, I would suggest 95% of the cars are not done properly, some it’s obvious from day one, others it takes a few years for the problems to surface. Be wary of buying any car that has been recently restored, in most cases, they are trying to sell it before the body filler begins to crack, or the rust begins to reappear!!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

That’s true! Well said! Careful when buying! You never know what’s under that glamorous red dress!

[@vrlesqhr7494]

What do You think of spray-on molten zinc body corrosion protection offered in some places ? This then is followed by epoxy, etc.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

It helps of course! Not one we have tried, but can’t see any problems. Every little helps!

[@jabezhane]

I used to work in Motor insurance claims in the mid 90's. I remember a lot of Reliant Scimitar claims. The guy would get them 80% restored and then a electrical fire or something would break out and the front end of the car would melt. The claim would be submitted. The Claims engineer would go out and inspect, come back and hand the report to me with the valuation and say "Good luck!" I'd call the owner and tell them we were prepared to offer £3000 in full settlement. There would be a pause then the inevitable "But I've spent £15,000 on this car so far!" I would then have to explian the terms of their policy that states "in the event of a total loss we will reimburse for the market value of a similar working car on the road!" Tears and rage would follow. Read the small print folks!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Crazy how the insurance works out!

[@brucebear1]

Back in the late 80's, I worked in the service dept. of a US company that imported British made vehicles. The manufacturer built a full-time test and experimental shop in Phoenix, AZ, USA. It operated full time and was busy with mileage accumulation and "special" tests. There were a mixture of UK ex-pats and American techs. Naturally, we were all a bunch of gearheads all together. . Once I was there for a big project for "Hot Climate Testing", which basically involved a couple of dozen vehicles being shipped to the US in the summer and taken to Death Valley for about six weeks during the hottest part of the summer. One afternoon, we were talking and one of the British chief engineers -- who happened to be a Jaguar enthusiast -- was talking about his involvement in the British car community in Arizona. (Arizona -- Where the US military stores aircraft for years so that the can quickly be taken out and put into service again; hot and caustic conditions, but little moisture.) He was describing a shop that specialized in the E-types. 35 years ago, this shop had built a complete "tub" jig for the floor monocoque section because they were seeing rust and corrosion damage so complete that they were having to disassemble entire bodies down to pressings to repair existing rust and enable complete "modern" rust-proofing. . My boss was there for part of the project (he was an ex-pat former Austin apprentice/engineer and had previously worked for BL/Jaguar in the US) and he and the test facility manager went to have a look at this shop. While they were there, the shop had a D-type chassis on their jig for repair, alignment, and rebuild. Bosses comment "The E-type -- when you open and close the door and it fits nicely and then you sit behind the steering wheel and the door doesn't close? It doesn't matter how pretty the paint is, you're talking about a complete "rivets-out" rebuild". . This was known state-of-the-art 35 years ago! We're now a third of a century beyond THAT time. No wonder it takes a facility with the know-how, experience, and equipment like P&K Restorations to take an E-type today and bring it back to perfect condition. Great job, guys, and a very useful vid. . I so lusted after an E-type at the time. My bosses recommendation was "A 25-year-old British car? No way is it ever going to be worth your time or money! Don't waste either." Then first child came along and all thoughts of flash cars evaporated. Still, those were good days.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Good days indeed! But never too late for an E-Type 🇬🇧

[@ghw7192]

In 1972, my first and last business partner was a Jaguar fanatic and owned an XK120, an E Type and a Mark 10. Lovely cars, but he never had any extra money and there was always something else to be done.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

All tremendous cars worth enjoying

[@ghw7192]

@@pkthorntonrestorations i restored a 1955 Packard Patrician. Took over a year toget it on the road (Pep Boys does not carry ring gears LOL!), but a fantastic car!

[@oibal60]

It's a beautiful car, in the showroom.

[@AshishKumar-om2fv]

Thankyou sir for sharing the insights .

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

So nice of you 😇

[@dicksonfranssen]

You've missed the magic of North American television! Find an E-Type that starts right up with original battery, no compression check needed, just a quick wash after 'minor' rust repair, original wire wheels "look" good and Bob's your uncle. All in 60 minutes, it must be magic!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

I know your point and you are absolutely right! That’s magic!

[@dicksonfranssen]

@@pkthorntonrestorations Last thing, no need to reply. We use salt on the roads here so I've only seen one Super 7 in the last 25 years. No one knew what it was and when I said it didn't have air conditioning everyone lost interest. Very sad.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

@@dicksonfranssen if you say it’s manual also it will kill the conversion flat!

[@sherlock1895]

Very informative indeed. Kudos, well done. Cheers!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you very much! 🙏

[@terrydonegan1622]

Fantastic presentation

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much!

[@MrRaintall]

Basic rule of estimating car restoration time and cost: 1) think of a reasonable number you think it will cost and how long it will take 2) Triple both figures

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Double or triple, it depends 😬

[@FRITZI999]

awesome video - true and well spoken !

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much! Follow us for more awesome videos!

[@CThomasBeer]

Love these E types, but will never pay the price for a resto. So, I’ll admire them from afar.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

We all love the E-Type 👍

[@tobybrown1179]

Nice, I used to travel around in a 2+2 on a blanket in the back as a young kid! Think it was 138mph it started starving of fuel that’s as quick as the old man got it up to before he sold it to a Dr in Newcastle nsw for a restoration, this was about 1982

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Life in the fast lane! Thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Yes I had a s1 coupe and got up to 140mph, got clocked by the police at an average of 123mph on time

[@vettemaniac2237]

There are many ... many stories about people sinking 100K into a restoration and getting 70K for the car when they sell it. Having said that, proper restoration is a true art form.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

That’s how roll! Do it once, do it right!

[@oibal60]

When I was 10, back in 1970, I made a pact with myself that 'someday' I'd own either an E-type, an XK-120 or a 911. I own a 1996 993 (911) today.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Absolutely adore the 993! Good choice sir! Hope an E-Type is still on the bucket list ✅

[@oibal60]

@@pkthorntonrestorations TY. I've a 1996 993 C2 iris blue metallic, 66,000 miles, 6-speed manny tranny, varioram, LSD. No CEL, no oil leaks. Multi-show full-concours winner. I do my own maintenance. I'm never selling it.

[@caymanblack9567]

Hi, great video and your work looks good but how much is a full restoration avarage as I,m looking at a restored E right now.Thank you.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you 🙏 hard question, it really depends on the original condition, on average 150k - 200k

[@peterdudley7507]

excellent show, really enjoyed it, do they restore tf mg s pls

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thanks Peter! We’ve been restoring Jaguars since the 60s 🇬🇧👌

[@cobbler40]

I remember in the sixties in the UK you could pick up a secondhand Jag for nothing. The E type was very cheap as they were poorly made and rust buckets. Working on the engines was a nightmare.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Hey Jim, things have changed now, value of E-Types is sky high, especially the early OBLs 🧐

[@jbacon1861]

You should make those T-shirts available for purchase!

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

That’s a good idea! Thank you! Keep an eye out for them on our website

[@mikebaguley9092]

As your good self mentioned all that glitters is not gold, in my younger years I bought a Renault famous 5 for my wife as a runaround from auto-trader and to make sure she was safe, I took it for a full service, shock horror! A list as long as your arm it ended up I personally did the body myself to save money 💰 and sold it at a loss 📉 one lesson I will never forget, ouch! Have a great day take care 🕊

[@BillLaBrie]

Sounds like a Renault 5.

[@AuAgGeo]

First well done video. Only criticism (and take no offense please), I would add is mentioning restoration being sentimental in nature. I guess it seemed like its a negative when really i feel those sorts of tribute works can be most genuine as the passion is there to do it right vs cutting corner to make a buck (like so many flippers now a days). I know i executed my resto of my father's (original owner car) and i said right up front, money is no object. And i have no regrets. Well done gents, fantastic shop there.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you sir! No offence taken!

[@frankgilbert9907]

What is a typical cost a median XKE restoration? I was lucky enough to remember a long ride in a Jaguar XKE in maybe 1967 and a an MGA in 1964. I was entranced with both cars although not so much one over the other. In 1999 I purchased new a manual shift E36 BMW convertible I would not trade for the Jaguar or MG. The current problem is that other than a Mazda MX5 or a Morgan what can you buy that gives the mechanical experience of the classics. I recently bought an E46 convertible with manual shift that very much provides an analogue feel and nearly perfect reliability.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

For an XKE restoration, I would budget for £250,000 👍

[@richardthomas1566]

Just love the car coolest best looking production car ever .

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Thank you so much!

[@jamesford2942]

This advice needs to be taken seriously for any build.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

Absolutely 👍

[@barryrudge1576]

You say it how it is and Jaguars were always notorious for tin worm and the E type is up there with the best of them. There's an old saying about Jags: "It's a rusty tin to keep your engine in" The following model the XJS is no different, I have owned one for 30 yrs as a daily driver and apart from replacement suspension and brakes mechanically it as survived very well as a daily driver however the body shell is a different story. You name the panel I've got an invoice for it as filler is no substitute for good metal. Costs can be horrendous particularly in labour but there is only one way to have a nice car when you know the restoration, or in my case running restoration has been done correctly.

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

100% correct, either restore it well or don’t bother doing so. Thank you for sharing!

[@edwinwise6751]

I had a friend who restored a 66 hardtop . It fall apart while being driven or sitting in the driveway . Endless electrical gremlins , some that were never resolved. Parts like windshield chrome trim 100s of dollars for used…

[@pkthorntonrestorations]

That’s true