Our March monthly club evening was a visit to the renowned restorers of classic Jaguars, Classic Motor Cars (CMC), proved very popular, with over 40 of us meeting at their new premises in Bridgnorth. Founded in 1993, their new building covers over 40,000 sq ft, plus another 20,000 sq. ft. for bespoke classic car storage. After viewing the impressive display of classic Jaguars (plus a rogue Ferrari 275GTB) in their reception area, we split into two groups and were given a comprehensive tour of the facilities by Nick and Tim. Employing over 40 people, CMC undertake all types of work from routine service and repairs to full restorations. Around 60% of the work is for overseas customers, and they also source cars for clients who are seeking a suitable car for restoration. All work is carried out in house, with the exception of re-chroming with is out sourced. They are happy to work on Porsche cars especially bodywork and trimming.
Region 13 members admiring the Lightweight Jaguar
During our tour it was clear that the overwhelming majority of work is currently on E-types, plus early XK120/140/150 and some Jaguar saloons, mostly Mark 2’s. There was also an Aston Martin DB5 undergoing a full bare metal restoration. One highlight was the recently completed Ian Callum Mk 2. As the current Director of Design at Jaguar Cars, he commissioned CMC to build this bespoke, much modified Mk 2 with an uprated 4.3 litre XK engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, upgraded brakes and bespoke independent rear suspension. Sitting on 17 inch split rim wheels under heavily flared wheel arches, much has been written about this car in the classic car press recently, so it was a real treat to see it in the metal. One PCGB member commented that it reminded him of the “outlaw” style of Porsche 356 that we sometimes see! Also in the workshop was very rare ash framed, alloy bodied, early XK120 roadster, of which only 240 were manufactured before Jaguar switched to all steel construction. With CMC having only recently started the restoration, the car had not yet received its new panels so the beautifully crafted new ash frame was exposed for us all to admire. Unfortunately the stretched E-type that has also been much written about was not there, having been shipped to it’s exceptionally tall Texan owner who needed the extra 7” in the wheelbase that CMC provided to allow him to drive it comfortably!
Mainly Jags with the Ferrari in the background
Our thanks to CMC for opening up in the evening just for our visit, and for a very interesting and enlightening insight into classic car maintenance and restoration at the highest level.
http://www.classic-motor-cars.co.uk/