Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has visited a Wealden-based classic vehicle business Eagle, which has specialised in restoring Jaguar E-Types since 1984 and performs all aspects of the complete restoration process on site in Wealden.
The vehicles are completely rebuilt, with a process that consumes more than 4,000 hours and uses as much of the original car as possible to retain both structure and integrity and leave the layout unchanged. Any suspect metal is cut out and replaced and everything, including seat-making, is done in-house.
Nusrat has previously visited Eagle to learn more about the difficulties the historic and classic vehicles sector is facing while navigating red tape surrounding the movement of vehicles and parts for sales, restoration, competition preparation and events. Subsequently, the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) of which Nusrat is a supporter was launched in May last year with a mission to protect and promote the sector and secure its long-term future.
Nusrat Ghani said: “I am proud that we have an internationally renowned classic car businesses in Wealden. The sector provides thousands of highly skilled and well-paid jobs in my constituency and across the UK and preserves exemplary skills and craftsmanship. We should be making it easier, not harder for reputable high-quality companies to serve their customers. I am keen to support Eagle and the HCVA in finding solutions to problems around red tape and I continue working with the DVLA and the Department of Transport to get various matters resolved.”
Henry Pearman, Founder & CEO of Eagle, said: "It was a great pleasure to see Nus again and her visit offered the opportunity to talk about the work Eagle does restoring E-Type Jaguars and the progress we’ve made with the Historic and Classic Vehicle Alliance (HCVA). Eagle employs twenty skilled craftspeople and trainees in Wealden. Nus has been a great supporter of the HCVA since it launched in May 2021, and we’re delighted to be able to work with Nus on our campaign to protect and strengthen our £18bn industry and help it move towards a sustainable future.”
