The Left Over Jaguar
The Classic Jaguar V12 E-Type was long thought to be gone, with only original vehicles kept in mint condition by antique auto lovers and movie prop car companies. That wasn’t good enough for Ray Parrott – he wanted his own “brand new” V12. So, he took the last remaining original Jag parts from storage and donations to built his very own DIY Jaguar.
In Britain during the 1960′s anyone with a Jaguar V12 E-Type had it made. It was the ultimate sports car for the swinging era – just ask Austin Powers (he drives one in his films). By 1974 Jag’s final E-Type rolled off their assembly line in Browns Lane. Remaining parts were sold and kept in storage for over 30 years. Most of these parts were in their original packaging, thus in pristine condition. These pieces eventually made their way to Ray, a self-taught engineer and Jaguar/sports car enthusiast, who has owned 25 cars in just 17 years. A dream was about to be fulfilled.
With the pieces in place, Ray went to work. He now had a mostly perfectly unused frame, original rear axle, perfectly kept V12 engine and a whole lot of free time.
Ray the Jaguar lover lived out a fantasy of creating his DIY vehicle, and bringing back an E-Type to the world many thought was finished 30 years ago. For now, Ray is awaiting registration of the car – from there he can drive it through the streets of his home town with pride.
Thanks to Octane for this great story!
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