Jay Leno looks over what I think is the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen — much prettier than any Dino 246 — and talks to the guy who created it.
And the drive… that engine sound made all sorts of my body parts start to swell and stuff. Basically, the guy made an E-type that is what Jag should have made but didn’t, either because the cost would have been prohibitive or else the technology was unknown at the time. What he has now? Phwooaaaaarrrr.
Exquisite.
I’ve seen that episode on Jay Leno’s Garage, and even the superlative “exquisite” isn’t enough for the craftsmanship, attention to detail and good taste the restorer applied to that car. I’ve watched it three times, and will probably watch it again.
The owner’s completion of the restoration was not too long before the show was shot, and as always, Jay took it out for a spin with the owner in the passenger seat. Jay drove nice for a bit, and then punched it up to what sounded like the tach red line. I think I could see the owner wince, wanting to say something, lips sticking to his teeth in a grimace, but saying nothing, trying to be nice. I suspect he was silently praying Jay didn’t hurt his three year labor of love.
Max power for those 6 cylinder engines was just over 5,000 revs. Like a many European engines they were built to run at higher RPMS with all the power at the high end. It’s always disconcerting to someone used to the lower revving V-8’s with plenty of torque in the lower rev ranges. The engine was built by a Jag engine specialist so taking it right up to the power band after it’s warmed up is not a problem.
Yes, they are gorgeous cars, no argument there. Fundamentally flawed aerodynamics, but absolutely beautiful. Particular because he fixed the places like how the bumper were attached. but there was nothing he could do to fix the way the nose lifted at speed due to the shape. I also was always partial to the coupe version before they ruined the lines with the 2+2. I would have installed a ( Series 1 incorrect ) 12 cylinder Twin 6 just because as long as I’m making some other changes anyway it will never be a 100 point car so why not.
Gorgeous. But I prefer the ragtop version; I know, not as aerodynamically clean, not as solid, not as fast. Don’t care, looks fantastic.
I’ve never driven a fine car like that. If I did, I would probably become a gear head.
This one is beautiful.