Lot details Registration No: HVK764C Chassis No: 1E20876
- Supplied new to the acclaimed screenwriter and television producer Brian Clemens OBE whose credits included The Avengers, The Persuaders and The Professionals
- Appeared in The Avengers alongside John Steed and Emma Peel whilst wearing Clemens' personal registration number '140 MPH'
- An older restoration which has recently been treated to a very thorough engine overhaul by renowned marque specialist XK Engineering plus brake / suspension fettling
- 1 of just 1,583 RHD E-Type S1 4.2 Fixed Head Coupes made before the introduction of the so-called Series 1.5 cars
Supplied new to Brian Clemens OBE, the creative force behind such cult TV programmes as The Avengers, The Persuaders and The Professionals, this handsome E-Type first wore his personalised number plate `140 MPH'. A familiar sight at Elstree Studios where The Avengers was filmed, the Jaguar was photographed with John Steed and Emma Peel in the background and appeared in the episode `Something Nasty in the Nursery' during Series Five. Clemens later applied `140 MPH' to a series of Ferraris and by 1975 his old Jaguar belonged to Peter Thompson of West Byfleet. Passing to Edward Richard Tucker of Port Talbot in 1981, the fixed-head coupe was somewhat dilapidated. Still finished in its original livery of Black with Black leather upholstery, an accompanying photo album shows the E-Type being stripped and treated to a protracted restoration. Repaired with new metal as necessary and repainted Red, the Jaguar returned from the bodyshop in 1992. Re-fitted with its original engine two years later, the fixed head coupe undertook a brief ten-mile drive during 1997 before being laid-up for the next two decades. Re-trimmed, re-registered as `HVK 764C' and re-trimmed in correct Black prior to entering the current ownership, the two-seater has since been entrusted to renowned marque specialist XK Engineering Ltd of Coventry. As well as a thorough engine overhaul (reground crankshaft, refurbished cylinder head, new bearings, new pistons and liners), the E-Type benefited from a new radiator, thermostat, water pump, fuel tank sender, heater pipe, steering rack, engine mounts and four new tyres etc plus attention to its alternator, wiring and brakes. Presenting as an older restoration but with the advantage of much recent mechanical work, the fixed head coupe started recently upon inspection and behaved well during our recent photography session (August 2019). A Jaguar E-Type that has appeared in The Avengers is surely the epitome of 1960s cool. Certainly, the buyer of chassis 1E20876 will never want for dinner party conversation or a pub boast. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, restoration photo album and sundry invoices.
Among the last century's great motoring icons, Jaguar's E-type has always inspired loyalty and devotion. Born out of the fabulous D-type racer, the model soon acquired a strong competition heritage of its own. Launched at the 1961 Geneva Salon, the Big Cat proved faster and more glamorous than virtually any production rival. Certainly few could match its reputed 150mph top speed. At a time when Ferrari's lauded 250SWB and 250GTO made do with 'live' rear axles, the E-type utilised a sophisticated independent rear set-up with inboard disc brakes. While, rack and pinion steering enhanced the monocoque chassis's excellent roadholding and handling; putting it light years ahead of American designs like the Corvette. Revised in 1964, the E-type gained a torquier 4235cc powerplant and four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox of Jaguar's own design. Just 1,583 RHD E-Type 4.2 Fixed Head Coupes were made prior to the introduction of the so-called Series 1.5 cars in September 1967.
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