472 WK was purchased by RH Classics in early 2012 as a restoration project.
The car was completely stripped to the last nut and bolt and a thorough overhaul of all components and body commenced. The shell was chemically dipped removing all paints, filler and corrosion from the past 50 years.
The shell then went into the metalwork department of RH and was painstakingly restored to original condition utilising as much of the original metal as possible and re-manufacturing sections that were beyond repair. All joints were then lead loaded as the factory would of done in period.
Once the metalwork had been completed it was into the paint shop to add the original colour of Carmen red paint. By this time all the components had been restored to new condition and the re-assembly began.
Once the mechanics and suspension had all been fitted it was time for Sulfolk and Turley’s black hide seats and trim to be fitted along with an original spec black mohair hood.
Now 472 WK was looking like a finished car and just as it would of rolled off the production line at Browns lane in 1961. Just a suspension set-up and a couple of test miles then into the transporter and off to Paris for the Grand Palais auction almost exactly 2 years and 2000 man hours since RH Classics purchased the car.
The auction was a great success with 472 WK setting a new benchmark for none outside bonnet lock flat-floor E-Types.