It's my birthday, and what better way to celebrate than to go and look at a new toy.

Rob takes me to meet Alan, who has a Series 1.5 E type Jaguar for sale.

Within a few minutes I'm pretty sure that this is the car for me.  The body looks straight, panel fit is good and most importantly everything is there, attached to the car.

Alan hooks up a battery and the engine turns over, coughs a bit but won't run.  Nevertheless that alone is pretty positive.

Half an hour and a handshake later the car is mine.