Author Archive: kwecars

Author Archives for kwecars

While external crash damage to a vehicle is clearly noticeable, other parts are less so and therefore require thorough checks and repairs before a car is deemed roadworthy and safe to drive.

A car’s powertrain comprises several important components that are prone to serious damage if a vehicle is unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident.

In most modern vehicles the powertrain includes the engine, transmission, drive shaft, differential and the final drive. Together, these components transmit the engine’s power through to the road surface.

Jaguar XJS differential

Our workshop technicians have been kept particularly busy recently with two Jaguars XJSs that [...]

Why now’s a better time than ever to source and restore a classic car in the UK

 

The classic car industry is international, and so are KWE – we’re wherever our clients are. Over the past few years, we have seen a steady increase in the number of international clients. We’re thrilled that our hard work and dedication has resulted in KWE developing its international profile. The secret is out!

 

The current favourable exchange rates are particularly good news for international customers, whether sourcing a car in the UK or shipping one over for restoration. Post-Brexit, it makes smart financial sense to take advantage of the weaker pound. As Classic & Performance Car reported in July 2016, British classic cars are currently much more appealing on the international market. They’re now approximately 15% more affordable in the U.S. – plus, the exchange rate will effectively pay the cost of shipping the vehicle.

 

One

Are you a true classic car enthusiast? If you can recognise three or more of these tell-tale signs then the answer is probably yes!

 

1. You’re a member of a classic car club

You enjoy nothing more than socialising with like-minded motor heads. Joining a classic car club gives you an opportunity to celebrate the life of your vehicle, and the pleasure attached to owning it, with people who care. You regularly attend events where you bond over fond memories of your prized possession, exchanging tips on rust prevention and what makes the best chamois leather.  

 

2. You have a boot-load of classic car memorabilia

Christmases and birthdays have become synonymous with receiving classic car-related memorabilia and merchandise in a variety of forms. Your office has become awash with replica models, mugs, stationery, and various other car-related oddities.

 

3. You have named your car

Your car (an inanimate metal object) has

This low mileage example of the XJS convertible has covered under 56,000 miles, of which only 6000 in the last 6 years. Finished in Solent blue this car was manufactured ca 1990 and has the fabulous Jaguar 5.3 litre V12 engine under the bonnet. The interior is in Savile grey leather with walnut veneers.

Earlier in 2016, KWE reported on the meteoric rise in the value of classic cars in general, and the Jaguar XJS in particular. The XJS has been widely documented as the next modern classic, with prices set to go up year on year.

We’re happy to report once more that the Jaguar XJS is continuing to rapidly increase in value, from a slow start up to mid-2015 to a rate of 5-25% a year. The big stars are the rare 6 litre convertibles, and the pre-HE (1975-1980) coupés. It would be fair to say that the XJS is ‘doing an E-Type.’ In other words, as good examples decline in availability, the XJS is becoming very sought-after, with prices soaring due to the investment potential.

Although all examples of the XJS are rising in value, it is not too late to grab one at a reasonable price. However, a good un-restored example that cost, say, £5000

We’ve got our hands on this XJS convertible in Jaguar Crimson, available for sale now.

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The car is ready to drive off in, but it could also be upgraded to the full KWE specification, offered at cost price. So whether you want it as is, or would like to see some changes made, this car offers plenty of options!

KWE has already assessed and refreshed the car with our usual attention to detail, carrying out what little maintenance it required. With low mileage and only 3 owners, it’s in excellent condition.

You can read the current specification and see the stunning new photographs here.

 

For enquiries, please contact KWE by calling +44 (0) 1635 30030 or emailing [email protected].

KWE has developed a way of repairing the Delanaire Mark 2 aircon servo amplifier. Delanaire 2 amplifierSpares are unobtainable and the amplifier has a limited life. The symptoms of failure of this device are a lack of temperature and air direction control, even though the heating and cooling systems are working.

Similarly, KWE can now replace or repair the Delanaire Mark 3 frost thermostat, Delanaire frost thermostat sensor

Why invest?

Over the past 10 years, the value of classic and luxury cars, as measured by the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, has increased by 467 per cent. To put this incredible performance in perspective, this compares with a rise of just 111 per cent in the top end of the London residential market. Hedge fund managers saw returns of only 7.73 per cent over the same ten-year period. The index has reported a continued rise of 17 per cent over the course of 2015 alone. Due to this meteoric rise in value, classic cars are beginning to be recognised as an asset class in themselves, rather than just high-value collectibles.

Buying a classic car is clearly a smart investment choice, particularly as the stock market is volatile and interest low post-Brexit. At a time when there is little benefit to keeping cash in the bank, why not invest in an asset that will

It is not uncommon to experience total brake failure after a long, hard period of braking – just when you want full brake power. By far the most likely cause is that the high heat generated in the brake callipers has raised the brake fluid above the boiling point of water, i.e. Screen Shot 2016-07-29 at 15.36.29100°C. Normally, this would not be a problem – brake fluid is designed to withstand at least 200°C – but if the fluid contains water above approximately 3%, then this rise in temperature will cause the water in the brake fluid to boil and turn into a vapour. The vapo [...]

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