We recently took delivery of a DB5 for a full ground up restoration. Follow the progress of this project right here. Regular updates will be posted along with a photo diary of the rebuild.

Deconstruction begins with the removal of the Jaguar engine. Fortunately the original engine arrived with the car.

Having removed the engine, work commenced on the removal and safe storage of the reusable parts from the engine bay.

Particular attention is paid to the labelling and numbering of the various electrical components. Even though we would be replacing all the wiring, individual wires have to be numbered and the old harness stored for future reference.

Stripping the engine bay continues with removal of major components such as the brake servo assemblies and all brake lines. Servo's will be sent away for reconditioning.

The bumpers and other items of brightwork are removed, labelled and stored together with the lamp units.

Having removed all the ancillaries, brightwork, glass and electrical units, the body shell is ready for paint stripping.

The entire body was stripped of all paint using a chemical paint stripper which revealed a multitude of sins such as filler, bad repairs and corrosion.

Once all the paint had been removed the body panels were cut off and stored ready to be worked on at a later date.

With the panels removed the chassis was assessed for corrosion and damage. Any corrosion and damage found would have to be rectified before the chassis was sent away to be dipped and coated.

The corrosion in some areas was extensive, requiring the complete removal of the rusted panel which had to be replaced with a totally new part.

The worst corrosion areas were the underneath, floor pans and outriggers. The rear radius arm mountings and side sill had to be cut away and replaced.

Surface corrosion was evident to most of the underside.

The corroded panels could then start to be replaced.

Once all the excessively corroded panels had been fabricated and replaced, the chassis could be prepared to be dipped.

All panel repairs have now been carried out. The chassis is now ready to go for dipping and e-coating.

The chassis has now been dipped and is awaiting its e-coat to help prevent future corrosion.

The chassis has now been e-coated.

The chassis is now back from e-coating and is being prepped ready for primer and top coat.

The chassis has now been primed and is being painted.

The chassis is now painted and is ready for chassis components to start being refitted.

Suspension components have now been blasted, prepped and painted.

Having been stripped, overhauled and re-painted, the rear axle and suspension components have now been refitted.

The front suspension has been totally overhauled, re-painted and has been refitted to the vehicle.