A morning spent at the SNG Barratt factory...
On Friday the 24th April, three of the Maurice project team (Nick, John & Shane), were thrilled to be invited to visit the SNG Barratt factory in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Established in the early 1980’s, SNG Barratt are now the go-to supplier for the classic Jaguar restorer, not only that, but they have been a generous sponsor of the Maurice Project from the start. Having contact with an organisation like this has made all the difference to us, their staff are incredibly helpful and what they don’t know about E-types probably isn’t worth knowing.
Take a look at this beauty of an XK120 we happened across, she’s the CEO’s car and has been well maintained but kept very original. The car has an incredible history, still entering competitions like The Lucus Classic hill climb, she transports you to another era when you get up close.
Some months ago, whilst collecting some parts for the E-type, I happened to meet the CEO of the company, Mr Julian Barratt. It so happened that he had recently read the ‘third’ article the The E-Type magazine had printed about us and was interested to hear of our progress. Very kindly, he suggested that I come again, with the team, and see if there is anything we can use on our car from the ‘returns store’ at the back of the factory. Trying not to get too excited, I said, wow, that would be great, thank you!
So here we are!
Upon arrival the head of Global Marketing, Alex Dent, treated us to a guided tour of the factory, which was fascinating, particularly the area where they assemble and even print their own parts. After that we were handed over to Peter Stant, he had been working to tweak and perfect a prototype fuel injection system fitted to a fabulous V12 E-type. Now feast your eyes on the engine pictured below.
Pictured left is the CEO, Mr Barratt about to take the fuel injected, V12 out for a proper run. Notice the subtle, but very enhancing changes made to the front bumpers by Peter Stant, an engineer and craftsman.
If you look beyond the car and up, you will see the ‘returned parts container’ that we were given access to, to rummage for parts. I turned up with a good idea of what I was looking for and was very pleased to find the following:
A new rear bumper set,
fuel filter assembly and glass bowel,
rear offside light cluster,
a Distributor,
HT lead organiser,
and a steering wheel boss.
It just remains for the team and I to say a very big Thank You to SNG Barrett and staff for everything, we had a great time with you.
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