Classic car restorers fix up comedian's 1961 Jaguar E-Type

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Classic car restorers fix up comedian's 1961 Jaguar E-Type

Postby dutchman » Tue Jun 18, 2019 6:12 pm

Steve Coogan, best known for his role as Alan Partridge, handed over his beloved vehicle to the team in a bid to return it to its original glory

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Dave Woods and Terry Blencoe, from XK Engineering, with former Top Gear host Quentin Wilson and the restored Jaguar E-Type belonging to Steve Coogan

A team of Jaguar restorers have painstakingly restored comedian Steve Coogan’s 1961 E-Type to its original glory – and even bagged a prestigious award for it.

Technicians at XK Engineering, based in Shilton, carried out a "labour of absolute love" to return the rare sports car to its original colours and specifications.

Coogan, best-known for playing Alan Partridge, handed over his beloved vehicle to the team at XK and they have done such a good job that it's been noticed by those very much in the know, as they were awarded the Royal Brierley Cup at the International Jaguar Driver’s Club E-type day.

The judges described the Jag, registered as 171 DBP, as "the best E-type of the day by a country mile".

The car was the 62nd right-hand drive roadster to be built and one of the early pre-production E-Types released to Jaguar dealers in 1961.

It was also only one of 500 cars made with the rare outside bonnet locking mechanism.

Dave Woods, from XK Engineering, said: "Steve Coogan is passionate about 171 DBP and knows how historically important it is but he gave us carte blanche to restore it.

"Being a knowledgeable classic car collector, he has enormously high standards and I’m proud that we delivered."

Also over-seeing the project was original Top Gear host Quentin Willson, who said: "This was a labour of absolute love bringing this rare outside lock E-type back to perfect period spec.

"XK Engineering have been a joy to work with and amazingly patient with the sometimes insane demands from two crazy old car fanatics – it’s an honour to have helped save 171 DBP for posterity."

Coogan has praised the team at XK Engineering for their dedication. He said: "They have turned it into one of the best and most authentic ’61 E-types in the world.

"I couldn’t be more delighted with the detail and workmanship."

Steve is now going to enter the beautifully restored masterpiece to the Jaguar Drivers’ Club Champion of Champions at the Classic Motor Show in the NEC in November.

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Re: Classic car restorers fix up comedian's 1961 Jaguar E-Type

Postby rebbonk » Tue Jun 18, 2019 6:47 pm

XK are a good company :thumbsup:
Of course it'll fit; you just need a bigger hammer.
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