We ship out a fair number of E-Type panels to be used in monocoque restorations by home restorers, and often other shops as well. I talk to alot of people on the phone, but it’s rare that I get back photos of the completed body. In this case, however, I recently got a sneak peek at one restorer’s work, and needless to say, I was impressed! In my opinion, it simply cannot be done better than this!
Shaun Saunders is an E-Type restorer in Scottsdale, Arizona. He builds E-Types by contract, and also for consignment in some of the top auctions in the country – Monterey, etc. His work is quite simply, second to none.
Over the past couple of years, we have spoken briefly here and there for parts orders, but recently we ended up speaking at length one evening, and I was quite impressed with his knowledge of both E-Types in general, and the build process he described. So I asked him to send me some photos, and was QUITE impressed!
Like me, most of my customers are masochists – we actually ENJOY the agony of building these cars ourselves! But if you’re a little smarter than that, and want to skip several years of pain and suffering – call or write to Shaun – he’s doing it right!
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Shaun Saunders — (480) 922-5773 — shaunss@cox.net
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- Fresh Opalescent Silver Blue paint.
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- Wow…
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- Pretty Nice!
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- The forward bulkhead and firewall are flawless.
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- Engine Frame Rails are attached and it looks like assembly is ready to start.
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- Fitting the XK engine is Step 1…
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- Funny – I do the EXACT same thing with that strap – setting it in a position where the bonnet is past the point where gravity wants to bring it all the way around. You’d better make DAMN SURE that strap is on there good, though – I’m always worried that someday, one is going to come loose and the bonnet is going to destroy itself by hitting the floor. This only works when the car is up in the air, or course…
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- These overflow tubes for the carbureetor bowls will be trimmed, of course.
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- This is a neat shot, showing how each carb feeds two cylinders, and the cam lobes for each valve in a different position…
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- A better shot showing what I mean with the bonnet strap…
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- Here is a 4.2 Fixed-Head Coupe going together – in the same color scheme as the first E-Type coupe, 9600HP…
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- A shot from the rear showing the E-Type’s stunning lines. This also shows “the light line” somewhat, which is what William Lyons was always most concerned with.
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- In this shot, the front suspension is on, with upgraded brakes!
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- All chrome appointments are replated to the highest standard.
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- Tape is being used here to protect the chrome during assembly. This is the best “blue” tape you can buy – it’s the same stuff I use for patterns, etc. It’s also the most expensive, but you get what you pay for here…
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- Flawless!
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- Another shot – and even incomplete and without wheels, the E-Type looks like it’s moving when it’s standing still…
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- What I envy the most in these photos is the “clean room” these cars are bieng assembled in!
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- Absolute attention to detail – inside and out!
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- New wheels, new interior, new wiring – and all correct pieces, correctly installed…
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- Look at the polish – perfection!
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- Shaun’s work is truly second to none! Auction houses are constantly being bombarded with E-Types for consignment, but few are chosen – the fit and finish of E-Types is just too varied and the auction houses don’t want to risk showing a sub-standard restoration. Shaun’s cars have a solid reputation, and are often sought out by top auction houses.
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- Equal attention to detail on the coupe doors.
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- A parting shot that speaks volumes! Note the clean microfiber towel, and reading glasses to get the absolute best view possible of even the smallest detail!
