2006-08-17 01:33:54 | Gary Hasseler writes:

This is an early series 2 FHC. The previous owner had owned the car since 1983. I purchased the car in July of 2006, finally realizing a boyhood dream! The car appears to be very original, although I believe the original exterior color to have been British Racing Green, since traces of it exist whereever the bright red doesn't! The interior is fair to good with new carpets and hardura. The original Philips radio works and the car retains the original Kangol seat belts. The exterior is fair and needs new paint and some minor ding and dent repair to be very good. As far as I can ascertain there is no major rust anywhere on the car. I will likely return the car to BRG, if indeed that turns out to be the original color. The brightwork is all intact and decent, though the bumpers are hazy and need to be re-chromed. The chrome Series 2 knock-off wheels are in excellent condition. Mechanically the car is excellent. The engine and gearbox have been re-built, as have the cooling, steering, braking and the a/c (original) systems, as well as the front suspension. The car drives and handles very well. It fires up instantly and quickly settles into a nice idle. The non-power steering is tight and responsive, placing the car exactly where desired. The brakes bite well and have good feel. With some cosmetic work the car will be an excellent show car or driver. The engine is responsive, but having driven cras equipped with the 3 SU carbs I have to say that the 2 Strombergs have to go! I will likely fit either an SU setup or perhaps even a set of Webers.

2009-08-07 10:50:45 | Gary Hasseler writes:

Car update, August 2009: I received a heritage certificate from Jaguar Daimler for my car showing that the original color was British Racing Green over a black interior. I plan on re-painting the car that color in the next year or so. I've fitted a Pertronix electronic ignition, a spin-on oil filter and a three spoke Moto-Lita wood steering wheel. Other plans include upgrading to triple carbs, either SUs or Webers and having the interior from the seats forward re-done. The car gets driven weekly and drives well.

2018-11-02 22:16:29 | Paul Barrett writes:

I have recently repatriated this Series 2 XKE back to England where she now resides here in Southampton. I would first like to thank Gary for providing some of the historicals around this car and go on to say she is still pretty much as described with very little change.

So far since becoming the custodian I have got the old dowager to run but have to report low oil pressure so I have methodically been working through all the likely candidates to resolve that before making her road worthy again.  As for the patina that surrounds the car I quite like it because it's give the character in a way that only an unmolested car can. So no plans for fully restore and she will remain stock.