2014-04-20 09:51:34 | Colin Pearcy writes:

Details of Vehicle I have just purchased with information from its History File and Custodian:
The vehicle was imported as a very sound one from the USA in the late 1980's.The new owners intention was Historic Rallying so a complete restoration was undertaken by a leading Jaguar restoration specialist.The outer cills were removed for inspection but as no corrosion was evident these were replaced with no other bodyshell repairs being required.A bare metal re spray was undertaken and the opportunity was taken to change the shade of green from Willow to a more patriotic British Racing Green.Following completion of the bodyshell it was 'Waxoiled' for future protection against corrosion.
The Engine re-build was entrusted to the legendary 'Forward Engineering' with the brief to Ron Beaty to build a strong Historic Rally spec unit.The Differential was sent back to GKN and all other components were re- built in house.Other up-grades at this stage included the fitting of harder suspension bushes,thicker anti roll bars and torsion bars,Koni adjustable Shock Absorbers,Cooper Craft brakes and a competition clutch.
Six years from this initial restoration the owner transferred its preparation and maintenance schedules to CMC of Bridgnorth who continued to do this until the vehicle passed to its second UK owner in 1999.CMC arranged this sale and for Power Steering to be fitted along with the removal of some Rally Equipment including its Roll Over bar and Hardtop.During the next 15 years up to 2014 the car completed a further 24,000 miles and at 20.04.2014 when I purchased the car the total recorded mileage was just 41,072 miles.
My brief to CMC is to re-build the Gearbox as this has developed a slight 'whine',fit a new clutch ,replace the suspension bushes and rebuild the Koni shock absorbers so as to re-prepare the vehicle for Historic Rallying and Touring.
The so called Series 1.5 cars seem to be hybrids as none appear to be the same! Some are virtual 'pure ' series 1 while others acquired US Federal items through mid 1967 until the arrival of the series 2 cars proper.I have therefore decided to remove and replace some of these US specification items but keep the sensible ones of safety-all original items will however be boxed up by CMC and stored for originality.
It is also my intention to rebuild the engine over the winter of 2014/2015 and I have booked this in with the Ex Forward Engineering Apprentice Rob Beere.Who knows perhaps he re-built it first time around!
I purchased this car as it has acquired that wonderful 'Patina' that older top restorations achieve.I looked at new restorations but the 'Bling' put me off!
The car will remain with CMC as their work is second to none!