1961 Jaguar E-Type recreates an iconic speed test in Belgium, and achieves 146mph, just shy of the 1961 figure.

1961 Jaguar E-Type chassis 860001, the very first right-hand-drive production Fixed Head Coupé restored by Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC), has been driven to 146 mph on a German autobahn by British Hill Climb Champion, David Franklin.

David was recreating for Octane magazine’s 150^th issue one of the most famous road tests ever undertaken, attempting to match the 150 mph a Jaguar E-Type reached on a Belgian motorway in 1961, and he nearly made it!

David said:  “I saw 146mph and it was still accelerating when I had to back off because of cars and lorries in the distance.  When you’re travelling at that speed you have to err on the side of caution. You’re catching other traffic up quite quickly and you have to remember that there’s no ABS, although the brakes felt strong and progressive.It would comfortably have reached 150mph. Of that, I have absolutely no doubt.”

In 1961, Autocar took E-Type 9600HP to Belgium for a high speed test, looking to assess Jaguar’s claim that a standard roadgoing E-type could achieve 150mph.  This claim was validated in the historic road test, and Octane ventured to recreate the event using a similar car, E-Type 1VHP, chassis 860001.

The car was restored in the early 2000s by CMC, one of the world’s leading restoration companies, and is regularly serviced and prepared by the company.

Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of CMC, said: “For safety’s sake, we could leave nothing to chance with the preparation of the car.  The demands of running at 150mph are very different from those required at half that speed.”

For this occasion, the team at CMC went through the car with a fine attention to detail, fitting new wheels and Avon CR6 ZZ tyres and checking every mechanical element. The car’s engine was even dyno-tested on a rolling road and a higher capacity fuel pump was installed as well.

Peter Neumark, Chairman of CMC and owner of the car 1VHP, said: “Chassis 860001 was built on 10 July 1961 and despatched on 26 August to Henlys in London as a demonstrator, which makes you wonder how many famous personalities sat in it during the first few weeks. We restored it to factory condition in the early 2000s and I drive it a lot.”

David Franklin, who has been competing in motor sport since 1965 and has been a champion in disciplines ranging from HSCC Historic GTs to hillclimbs and sprints, was incredibly impressed with the condition of the E-Type.  He said: “It rode very well, and the engine seemed notably smoother above 3500rpm.”

The official reading on E-Type chassis 860001 was 146.49mph, a result that greatly impressed Peter, who said: “I thought it would do well to get to 135, maybe 138mph, so I’m absolutely delighted. Well done to David Franklin!”

EUROPE - Porsche recreates the 1969-1975 911 Dashboard, to absolute perfection, and it's for sale.

He came back: Porsche Classic reproduces the original dashboard of the historic 911 of MY 1969 to 1975. A sophisticated production process combines high quality, able to meet today's standards, a design faithful to the original in every detail. 

The dashboard is made ​​from a substructure modern coated from the original surface. The plot knurled and the feel, luster and shade of black is identical to the original. The new component is available at all Porsche Centers to 976 € including VAT. 

OTHER DASHBOARDS FOR THE ERA

As the technical equipment, the interior of the Oldtimer are subject to normal wear. The solar radiation, temperature variations and humidity damage the surface and materials. 

The materials of today are much more resistant and to maintain over time the value of the cars Porsche Oldtimer, Classic Porsche has redesigned the dashboard. Extensive testing conducted according to the most current guarantee absolute precision of shape and quality even in difficult weather conditions.  

The dashboard is an original component that also includes coverage of the speakers. Thus, it can be installed only by following the procedure of assembling the original, which involves removal of the windshield. For this reason, Porsche Classic recommended to make the replacement of qualified staff from Porsche Classic. 

Porsche Classic is a division of the car manufacturer, responsible for the maintenance of the cars produced usually over ten years ago. The services offered cover all areas, from the care and technical literature to the supply and reproduction of original spare parts, to complete restoration. 

To facilitate the maintenance and restoration of optimum Classic cars, over the next few years the company will extend its international network of dealers and service approximately 100 Porsche Classic. Customers and potential customers so Porsche will receive the full range of Porsche services Porsche Classic. 

With this initiative, Porsche has integrated the care and preservation of the value of the Oldtimer and Youngtimer part of an innovative service concept, which closely unites tradition and innovation Porsche.

Translation by Google - Apologies for any errors.