Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Restoration Yorkshire – V12 Engine Rebuild & Bespoke Paintwork by Classic Car Lab

A Yorkshire Jaguar Restoration Destined for the Spanish Sunshine

The Jaguar E-Type Series 3 is one of the most recognisable and desirable British sports cars ever produced. With its long flowing body lines, dramatic proportions and legendary V12 engine, the Series 3 E-Type combined performance, refinement and unmistakable presence in a way very few classic cars ever achieved.

This particular Jaguar E-Type Series 3 arrived at Classic Car Lab Yorkshire in extremely poor condition and requiring substantial restoration work throughout.

The vehicle would ultimately undergo extensive engine rebuilding, mechanical recommissioning, structural repairs, bespoke paintwork and interior restoration before finally returning to its home in Spain where it now enjoys life basking in the Mediterranean sunshine.

Projects like this perfectly demonstrate the variety and complexity of work undertaken at our Yorkshire classic car restoration workshop.

From V12 engine rebuilding and structural restoration through to bespoke paint development and handcrafted interior detailing, this Jaguar became a truly unique and unforgettable restoration project.

Jaguar V12 Engine Rebuild & Mechanical Restoration

One of the largest elements of this restoration involved the Jaguar’s famous V12 engine.

The client requested a full rebuild and mechanical restoration to ensure the car would not only look exceptional, but also perform and drive correctly once completed.

The Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 engine is an extraordinary piece of engineering, but restoring one correctly requires specialist knowledge, patience and precise machining work.

Mechanical restoration work included:

• Full engine strip down
• New pistons and piston rings
• Engine block skimming
• Replacement seals and gaskets
• Full transmission inspection
• Gear replacement where required
• New clutch assembly
• Exhaust replacement
• Mechanical recommissioning and setup

At Classic Car Lab Yorkshire, we believe proper classic car restoration begins with what lies beneath the surface — and in this case that proved especially true.

Once the engine and mechanical systems were removed from the vehicle, significant corrosion and deterioration became visible throughout sections of the body shell and surrounding structure.

Fortunately, this is exactly the type of restoration challenge our experienced Yorkshire restoration team specialise in.

Structural Restoration & Body Repairs

As work progressed, multiple areas of corrosion and deterioration required extensive repair work and panel replacement.

At our Yorkshire classic car restoration workshop, we undertake everything from structural welding and fabrication through to bare-metal classic car resprays and concours body restoration for classic and modern classic vehicles.

The damaged sections were carefully repaired and rebuilt to restore both structural integrity and correct panel alignment throughout the Jaguar.

Like many E-Type restorations, this project demanded huge amounts of time during the preparation stage.

Proper restoration is never about shortcuts.

The shaping, alignment, blocking and refinement stages are where the quality of a finished restoration is truly created.

Bespoke 3-Stage Pearl Paintwork

One of the most distinctive elements of this Jaguar E-Type restoration became the paintwork itself.

The client loved the original yellow colour of the car but wanted something brighter, deeper and more dramatic while still retaining the spirit of the original shade.

Working closely with our specialist paint mixologist, we developed a bespoke 3-stage pearl yellow finish that completely transformed the Jaguar.

The result was extraordinary.

Under sunlight, the paintwork produces incredible depth and reflection, with the pearl finish reacting beautifully as light moves across the curves of the E-Type body.

The owner later told us the car receives compliments everywhere it goes in Spain due to the way the paint glows in bright sunlight.

At Classic Car Lab Yorkshire, we undertake bespoke classic car paintwork and concours refinishing for everything from Aston Martin and Jaguar restorations through to Porsche, Bentley, Lotus and modern classic performance vehicles.

Bespoke Hard Top & Handcrafted Dashboard

The level of customisation and craftsmanship extended far beyond the exterior paintwork.

The original hard top was refinished from black into matching yellow to create a far more cohesive and striking appearance.

Inside the vehicle, the client requested a completely bespoke high-gloss wooden dashboard inspired by luxury yacht interiors he had previously seen.

To achieve this vision, we collaborated with the luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker who produced a truly stunning handcrafted dashboard specifically for the project.

The finished interior combined traditional Jaguar elegance with a level of craftsmanship and individuality rarely seen in classic car restoration projects.

It transformed the atmosphere of the cabin completely.

A Jaguar E-Type Restoration with Presence & Personality

This Jaguar E-Type Series 3 restoration perfectly demonstrates what makes Classic Car Lab Yorkshire different.

Some restorations focus purely on originality.

Others allow creativity, individuality and craftsmanship to combine into something truly unique.

This project successfully balanced both worlds:

• preserving the soul of the Jaguar E-Type,
• while creating something deeply personal for the owner.

From the rebuilt V12 engine and structural restoration through to bespoke pearl paintwork and handcrafted interior detailing, this E-Type became far more than simply a restored classic car.

It became a one-off grand touring masterpiece built to be driven, enjoyed and admired.

Jaguar Restoration Specialists in Yorkshire

Classic Car Lab are trusted Yorkshire classic car restoration specialists offering Jaguar E-Type restoration, V12 engine rebuilding, bare-metal resprays, fabrication, diagnostics, bespoke paintwork and full mechanical restoration for classic and modern classic vehicles throughout Yorkshire and the UK.

Based in Otley, Yorkshire, our experienced restoration team undertake everything from structural welding and concours paintwork through to bespoke interior work, engine rebuilding and full nut-and-bolt restorations.

Whether you own a Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley, Porsche, Lotus or another cherished classic or modern classic vehicle, Classic Car Lab combine heritage craftsmanship with modern engineering to deliver restorations trusted by enthusiasts throughout the UK and Europe — from Heritage to Modern.