I purchased the dark blue car, the first one I inspected, and it was the best. Full restoration history by A.A. Snowden in Dortmund in 2003-04, pictures, invoices, communication in two big binders, no rust anywhere, perfect chrome, original seats, like-new condition of the interior, great colour combination.
Brexit Hassles
And I made a second important decision: I spoke to the MD of Retro Classics again and we decided that importing/exporting the car with the unbelievable hassle of customs, added costs of 10% customs duty and £4,500 for registering Retro Classics with the HMRC to allow the “inward processing of goods“ procedure – it all does not make sense for either of us. It’s a shame, but maybe I’ll convert another car after the UK comes back into the EU?
Luckily, I kept researching companies (some have a 12 months waiting list!) in Europe and have multiple options.
EU to the rescue
I spoke again to Peter from Peetclassics in Voorschoten, NL. Peter showed me around the workshop and the Mk2 he recently electrified for a customer in a virtual video tour. His experience with both, electrification and the specifics of the Mk2 will be invaluable.
Next step is agreeing on the specification, mainly capacity and engine type, and a calculating the costs for the basics (battery, motor, AC, power steering) without any extras that might come after. Spoiler: This will def. be more than €70k. I am prepared.
I am also talking to Srdjan Jovović from CRS in Vreeland, NL. Let’s see who has the better concept. Srdjan has converted a few E-Types (66 kWh as he did not want to make the car heavier) and has done 100 (!) restorations of XK140/150s – very impressive.
I am trying to get to 80 kWh if at all possible. Maybe 2027 offers a higher energy density by weight and volume.
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