1966 E-type FHC; 1966 OTS

Jim is pleased to see the fixedhead coupe arrive homewith its bonnet fitted, while the open car goes into hibernation

- Jim Patten

IT IS with some relief that I see the CL Classics transporter reversing up the farm drive to our house. Finally, we have the car back in our control, where hopefully we can begin the steady procedure of re-assembly.

Our first task is to fit up the bonnet (see Classic Workshop, p88). After years of running E-types with standard headlights behind the delicious glass covers, I am trying revised lights from The Better Lighting Company to see whether the high-intensity light is good enough to blast through the glass covers. The new headlamp units also have an option to run a driving light inside the unit, a separate light to the usual sidelamps that I originally thought was over the top. But, being a motorbike rider, I ride with lights on all the time (in fact, the Ducati I bought new offers no other option; it is legislation), so, I’ve decided to do the same with the E-type.

Douglas Metal Finishing turned our chrome around very quickly. It was extremely expensive, but looks fabulous. A quick trial fit is pleasing, so I have high hopes for the parts (unlike those I had rechromed some while back, when bumpers that were previously a perfect fit and original to the car required work in the body shop to refit).