ETE’s Rebuild 2017

Neil and Anita Wragg's conifer green TR5 came off the production line at Canley in May 1968. After seeing it in a dealers window and following Neil's dad's endorsement, no doubt partly enticed by the powerful fuel injected performance, he struck a deal, part exchanging his Spitfire in the process. Neil used the car as his daily driver until 1975. Giving way to a company car (a Lancia Beta), it then became Anita's daily driver. As the passage of time began to take its toll, ongoing repairs led to a full rebuild in 1995 which Neil undertook himself. All except the final painting, which was entrusted to TR Enterprises in Nottinghamshire. Neil's relationship with TRE continues to this day as he has entrusted ETE's second rebuild to them in November 2016.

Here is ETE in August 2016 during a tour through Germany a couple of months prior to her 2016 rebuild.

Bonnet as revealed following chemical stripping, Dec 16.

Boot lid devoid of paint, Dec 16.

Ete, completely naked, Dec 16.

What followed was a tedious few months of body on, body off chassis whilst assessments were carried out and various repairs carried out, all whilst making sure the body was properly aligned to the chassis.

Body on, rear inner wing shown rust pin holing, Jan 17.

More, filling, rubbing and grinding, Feb 17.

Trial fitting again, March 17

ETE's doors receive expert attention to detail from TRE's Barry, May 2017. These doors were actually replaced early in ETE's life with Stanpart panels.

And then, all of a sudden, it's body off and into paint...

First coat of stone chip being applied, May 17.

That brings us up to current progress. More updates to follow.