Hello all, and thank you.
I've been "lurking" here for a while and finally decided to join. Good stuff here!
Last spring my wife and I went to look at a Jag about an hour away from us. It didn't "grab" us, but the owner was nice and we got to talking about the cars he had in the garage and the cars I have. We got to Lotus and he said "I have one, I'll show you." We wandered out to the "back barn" where a number of cars were. Aston Martin, Morgan Plus 8, TVR Tuscan, etc. etc. There, in the corner, under a Ferrari 355 on a two level lift was a Black Europa.
Well, I've wanted a JPS since I was about 15. I went over, peered inside and was a bit let down. "Not a numbered car" I said. "Oh yes it is" he said. "I removed the number when I put the radio in. It's number 191, I have the plaque safely stored away." That began a dance. He hadn't really thought of selling it (he and his wife left their wedding in it) but he hadn't driven it in about 40 years. To make a long story short we agreed on a price if it ran.....
I had just had 2 discs replaced. He (72 years old) and I worked (slowly) for about 3 weeks changing fluids, new battery, new tires etc. By accident he had pulled the distributor and put it back in 180 degrees out so our first attempt at starting rewarded us with crank crank BANG. That fixed, it started. I bought serial 3801R.
It still needed a bunch of work to be roadable. It took some time but mid summer it went out and about. It is original. All the bits except for a Pertronics ignition and stainless steel muffler. At it's age some of the bits are somewhat tatty but I'm moving forward (slowly) with restoration to the extent possible with the original pieces.
I've learned a lot from you all and would like to thank you. Not all is gone as planned with the work. 5th gear lives fine in the transmission, but not in the linkage. Yesterday I pulled the linkage, checked for play, replaced the gear shift bushes, put it all together again and....no 5th. It won't clock far enough clockwise to depress the detent. Out it will come again after I get the new center u joint from Ray and I can clock it easier than roll pins......The fun of an old English car. As an aside, I also have a Caterham with a Twin Cam that my Dad and I but 100 years ago and my wife and I left our wedding in. English cars are an affliction.....
Best to you all and thanks again.
Mark
