For the last few weeks our pimento red TR6 project has been coming along nicely.
The interior started with a new polycarbonate transmission tunnel, which is much more durable and strong than the original cardboard piece.
Having a great dashboard is essential for any top level car, and this TR6 is no exception. We carefully cleaned the gauges and including the glass both inside and out for the speed odometer and tachometer. Alongside an absolutely original wooden dashboard, original switch gear, and dash padding it’s a privilege to sit in this TR6.
Inside, we fit the wool carpet which was carefully installed with the original snap locations throughout the interior. Although it takes more time, using the snaps allows for later servicing and it has an absolutely original look.
After another week, the engine bay of the TR6 is nearly complete!
An important step included the decision to acid etch the carburetors to retain the original aluminum-alloy finish and texture which would be lost forever with blasting or painting. Afterward a light spray of oil made them look good enough for any concours in the world.
On Friday we also got our shipment from The Roadster Factory which included some impressive lenses that included reflective edges only seen on the early cars.They also supplied items like the white washer/overflow bottles which would be impossible to clean to a new level.
In 1962 you could have walked into the dealership a driven away with either the MKII 3.8 or an early E-Type 3.8.
The quantum leap in style that came with the E-Type had Ferrari worried and they immediately transformed their aerodynamic brick that was the 250 SWB into the legendary 250 GTO.
Here are two awesome examples from the local area. The E-type was originally listed at $5,595 and the MKII at $5,045. Naturally the more iconic E-Type raised in value by a couple more factors, but each was built with the same care and quality that Willam Lyons aspired.
Another week and more good progress done on the 1973 TR3.
The engine is in with the intake manifold and thermostat housing painted with Würth Aluminium Spray Perfect Matt which has aluminum corrosion protection and nicely matches the silver CAD on brackets close by.
Both the starter and alternator were professionally restored by Brian Roberts Auto Electric who rebuilt and refinished the entire units.
The original grill was put back in place which took considerable work. The original pieces were rubber-dipped and the surround piece inevitably corroded badly under the top surface. The only option was to manually remove the rubber and get all the pieces coated by Professional Components Ltd who are always enthusiastic about automotive jobs. The result is a perfectly matching front grill that closely resembles the original finish.
RM Auctions will present this stunning 1955 Jaguar D-Type chassis XKD530 at their upcoming Monterey Sports Car Auction. What an amazing piece of kit this is. Photo Credit: Teddy Pieper ©2013 Courtesy of RM Auctions
UPDATE August 17th, 2013: RM reports that the D-Type sold for $3,905,000 USD.
