Referral for mechanical work on a classic XKE

Do any of you have experience with someone who works on classic XKEs? Preferably someone who knows how to look under the hood and not someone who will hook the car up to a computer and say there's nothing wrong with it even though the convertible top is stuck halfway between up and down right in front of your eyes. What about Gables Cats? Any opinions? Thank you

 

Steve Smith at Twin Cam in Sarasota. The best. Did a complete rebuild on my E-Type motor as well as every race car motor I've ever owned, all British cars. He is the very best. Call 941-923-0024. Tell him Chip said to call. He does it all and has extensive knowledge of E-Types. Well worth the trip. I live an equal distance from him and wouldn't go anywhere else. He also works on my old Rolls Royces. I just did a 1000 miles in my 1933 and didn't have a single issue.

 

Thank you.

 

I've known Steve for >20 years. He is the best for anything classic British. He did a great job on my Elan.

 

How do you hook an XKE to a computer ?

 

what year and model do you have?
is Jupiter too far for you?

 

Distance Earth to Jupiter: 928,081,020KM.

In astronomical units the distance varies from 4.2 AU to 6.2 AU.

The Jag would need a seriously big gas tank to get there I'm guessing.

BHW

 

+100. he kept my XK150 runniing like a watch.

 

It's a 1963 XK-E coupe. Jupiter is good. My friend has a house on Jupiter Island.

 

Mara, I would recommend Formula 1 in Naples: very good and very thorough.
At any given time they have a number of classic / exotic cars under repair or restoration and they are the only one that I know of that can fix the windows of a Ferrari 456.

 

Hayes at Wire Wheels in Vero Beach sells a lot of old British cars and may be able to recommend someone in the area that can help you, since he goes to car events all over the state. Eagle Automotive is next to his shop and they have done work on some of the cars he sells, but I dont know if they are Jaguar experts.

 

Thank you, Alfredo. Hope you and Mara are doing well.

 

Thank you. Several people highly recommended Steve Smith, so I think we're going to go with him, but I appreciate the advice.

 

BTW, Steve does work for Hayes as well!! They are good friends.

 

Just curious, who would you recommend in or near Jupiter? I have a '70 XKE coupe I'll be bringing down there next spring, and a couple of friends with E rag tops there as well. Knowing a good local mechanic would be helpful.

 

Mara,sorry, for the delayed response. You can also try Ryan Noble in Jupiter 561-743-6441.
He has a mechanic working for him that specializes in Jags. Mention my name if you call.
Good luck.

 

No worries about the tank. It would have to be towed, anyway.....

 

I generally do all my own work on my E-type. If I can be of assistance please feel free to contact me. I've owned or restored a dozen of them over the years, beginning in 1974. My current and forever E type is a 1967 Coupe, fully restored. I've owned her since 1982, an engagement present from my wife.
As for mechanics hereabouts, I've had some limited contact with The Jaguar Doctor here in Boca. He does excellent work but is kinda pricey. That being said he is very well informed, talented and quite trustworthy. Highly recommended.
Contact me if I can be of assistance. Always delighted to meet fellow E-type folks.
Steve