I just bought a 62 Jag XKE Roadster and the car was not all together. Where can I see some close-up pictures of what the car looks like completed. I am particularly interested in the interior; how the convertible top attaches and what the orginal chrome on the hardtop should be and whether the hardtop I have is orginal or not. And, just some good pictures of various parts of a completed Series 1. Thanks for your help!

P.S. Where is the best affordable place to buy parts?

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 06:48

Yes, that is a very good series of photos, and shows just how difficult it is to restore one of these cars to a Champion quality car. Having a lift and a rotisserie makes all the difference in the world. Very nice work; thanks for sharing.

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 20:48

Bruce: You might find some photos here and there on the Internet, but nothing really specific that meets your particular needs. You can buy restoration books on XKE, but they are not cheap these days (but still need them). Truly, your best bet is to attend a nearby Jaguar concours and take your own photos. You would also benefit by joining a local club and having an e-type expert over for an afternoon.

Affordable parts prices? You gotten the wrong car my man....it's all expensive.

Go to a bookstore (or go on-line) and get a Hemmings Motor News. Contact all of the parts vendors and get a parts book sent to you. Many are available on line (to download).

There is SNG Barratt, XK's unlimited, Welch, Terry's, etc. Remember the cheapest part may not be the best part for your car.

You've chosen to get a partially-built car. Now comes a lot of research on your part. It's not all available on the Internet. You need a service manual and a spare parts manual (at the very least) for your car. Without them, you are lost.

Good Luck