2007-07-19 17:25:42 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction in '03
www.motorsnippets.com/auctionlots.asp

Auction description:
Registration Number: 627 AUO Chassis Number: 5974976 DN Engine Number: KE2004-8 Engine Capacity: 3442cc Number of Cylinders: 6
Supplied to its first owner by Henley’s on 16th October 1958, this highly modified example was rebuilt to the specification of a well-known marque enthusiast between 2000 and 2002. Finished in Midnight blue, the original dark blue leather upholstery has been sympathetically restored and the complementing carpets have been replaced. The original steering wheel remains and all the woodwork is refurbished, and sitting in the driver’s seat, the car appears very original. However, when the key is turned and the starter pressed this impression changes. Once warm and settled down to a steady idle, the car emits a purposeful growl from the bell-mouthed carbs and the custom built stainless-steel exhaust system with a six-branch manifold. Out on the road, the rebuilt and uprated engine revs freely, Jaguar engine specialists HRG having lightened the flywheel, balanced the crankshaft and fitted a straight port head with sports camshafts. Press the accelerator and the car surges forward, gathering speed at an impressive rate, while through the bends this Jaguar feels stable and sure-footed. Also fitted are a modified rear axle, Koni dampers, Harvey Bailey handling kit and offset 6-inch competition wire wheels (finished in body colour) shod with Pirelli P4000 tyres, eliminating the body roll and loss of traction associated with a standard car. Braking is amply taken care of by Coopercraft callipers with the spatless ‘Coombs style’ rear arches allowing a plentiful supply of cooling air to circulate around the rear discs. A thick wad of invoices totalling over £19,000 details the work that has gone into this fine sporting car, its impressive potential belied by a subtle exterior that draws admiring glances from bystanders. Other documentation includes the V5 an MOT certificate valid to April next year and road fund licence to the end of March 2004.