50 Years Old

[stuarthardy]

I have realised that, despite it having been off the road for more than 20 years, my car will celebrate its 50th birthday on 28th December. Obviously, the car still isn't finished but it is a runner and I intend to celebrate its birthday by allowing it out of the garage to move about under its own steam up and down my drive (weather permitting, of course). I believe this will be the first time it has done so since it was re-patriated from USA in 1989.

So, all of this set me wondering whether and how other owners may have, or intend to, celebrate their car's 50th birthday. Even the youngest E-Types are approaching 40 years old so let us know how you may celebrate the 40th.

Regards

[Geordie]

50 years ago that was a very nice Xmas present for someone!

I've still got 5 years to go, lets hope you have suitable weather for the E to shuffle around in its zimmer frame!

[PhilBell]

Mine hit 50 in February, but I still had all of the rear suspension/diff etc scattered aound the garage floor so I toasted its birthday with a bottle of Harveistoun Bitter & Twisted.

Went out for a spin this Sunday and broke down just outside my local. Submerged fuel pump had failed so it wasn't a roadside fix. Enjoyed a pint in the pub while the recovery truck came to the rescue – only took 40mins to arrive. In nearly three years of ownership that's the first time I've been unable to fix the car and keep going. The shame of it!

Seems my E-type is driving me to drink.

[robv12]

ah Bitter and Twisted eh!!!, a beer close to my heart , and happy days, I was the Sales Manager at Harviestoun Brewery in my last role before moving to Fyne Ales , www.fyneales.com

good beer and good cars clearly DO go together

enjoy

Rob

[J44EAG]

Agree there. Like a tweaked S-type and Carlsberg Special...but on different days.

My first computor quite liked a glass of the Special. The trouble was the keyboard had too much one night and died a horrible death!

Mike

[GordonJ]

www.milestonebrewery.co.uk

You both might also like this one, with a glass of Highland Park as well.

Gordon

[raysearles]

Going back to Stuarts original theme before the alco-frolics took over the asylum, my EV12 will be 50 when the E Type celebrates 60, so is that two bottles of champers or just a magnum....

Help please Rob...

[robv12]

yes a thread hi jack, apologies, but beer is my other passion!!

Ray, easy answer to your dilema, TWO MAGNUMS!!!, not Magners

[raysearles]

Thanks Rob, sorted, only 9 years to wait!!

I was expecting a recommendation on what to lay down for then?? Recognise that might be a bit sophisticated for someone who specialises in Drams and Heavy....

[PhilBell]

At some point over the next year I need to pull the engine and box, after which I think I should treat myself to a keg of Fyne Avalanche – sound like my kind of beer.

Tried several of the Milestone beers at my local beer fest this summer. V good.

I've been gathering opinion on the best way to extract the engine over the past few months. Drop the engine onto a trolley and lift the car off it or go conventional and pull it out from the top. Both seem, er, fun.

New (submerged-type) fuel pump landed today, so Christmas promises some quality garage time, fire extinguisher in hand.

Okay, no more off-topic beer talk. I promise

Phil

'62 FHC

[stuarthardy]

Dumped my submerged pump because of their reputation for poor reliability and inability to keep up with engine demands. Designed a nifty bracket to tuck a 4.2 pump up in the right hand wheelarch without having to cut a hole for access. Drawings available if anyone interested. Beer and whisky a good way of toasting a birthday. Double maxim is world's best beer and perhaps an 18 year old Glenlivet to help it down. 28th approaches.

Merry Xmas fellas.

[raysearles]

Its champers all the way tonight though chaps surely.... - bring on 2013...

Happ-EE New year everyone

[stuarthardy]

Went out and started the old girl on her 50th (28th). Purred like a kitten but ground absolutely sodden wet so no wheel turning.

Today is completely different though and things actually starting to dry out, but not for long I venture. Car staying indoors until ready for MOT. Probably spring time.

Champers? No, the bubbles tickle my nose. It was real ale and live entertainment all night and into the morning. Absolutely brilliant. The best New Year I can remember.

Happy New Year everyone!

[PhilBell]

Hey Stuart

Been out of the loop recently - JEC site became incompatible with my office IP address - but have a work around now.

So, E-type finished now?

Phil

[stuarthardy]

Hi Phil

Not finished, not by a long chalk. Still fighting the gremlins and having to repair new replacement parts.

Engine starts and runs and sounds absolutely glorious. Got the Alternator conversion completed and its fantastic.

Its mostly interior work remaining but current weather isn't compatible with fabrics and adhesives.

Mid to late spring expected completion, if house doesn't demand too much of my time.

Regards