1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: 390 CFH
Chassis No: 860826

- Matching chassis and engine numbers (cylinder block and cylinder head)

- Supplied new by Western Motors of Bristol to A.E. Powell Esq and current ownership since August 1976

- Credible but unwarranted 63,000 miles shown on the odometer

- Barn stored since the mid / late 1980s and last started in 2001

Famously launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type created a furore. Its combination of supercar performance, superb styling and a low price tag left rivals reeling and customers clamouring. While, early sportscar racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori amongst others helped cement its reputation. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, the model's combination of all-round independent suspension (torsion-bar front / coil-sprung rear) rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes gave it excellent roadholding and handling capabilities. Fed by triple SU HD8 carburettors and topped with a 'straight port' DOHC cylinder head, its indomitable 3781cc straight-six engine was quoted as developing some 265bhp and 260lbft of torque. Allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox (with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th), it reputedly enabled the low-slung two-seater to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 150mph. While any E-type Fixed Head Coupe is desirable, the lithesome free-revving 3.8 litre cars enjoy a particularly exalted status. Dating from early in the production cycle before Jaguar responded to popular demand for greater comfort and refinement, they arguably represent the automotive icon in its purest form.

One of just 1,799 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupes made to right-hand drive specification, this particular example - chassis 860826 - was completed on 23rd August 1962. Supplied new via Western Motors of Bristol to A.E. Powell Esq., the two-seater initially sported the latter's personalised number plate 'AEP 246' but had been re-registered as '390 CFH' prior to entering the current ownership during August 1976. A mere five years older than the Jaguar, the vendor spent several months grafting on the then still expanding M5 motorway so that he could become the envy of his university friends! A sports car enthusiast, he treated the E-Type to a thorough engine overhaul (crankshaft reground, new timing chains, fresh 40thou oversize pistons, chrome plated SU carburettors etc) as well as sundry running repairs many of which are documented in the accompanying history file. A notably tall gentleman, the seller fitted alternative seats to give him greater control of the car at high speeds but thankfully retained the original Dark Blue leather buckets which are being reinstated for the auction.

Taken off the road during the mid / late 1980s due to increasing business demands, the Fixed Head Coupe was driven into the first of the two North Devon barns that have sheltered it ever since whilst in possession of a valid MOT certificate. Last run some sixteen years ago, the 3.8 litre straight-six is stamped R7145-9 to both its cylinder head and block which tallies with the engine number quoted on the car's Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Trace Certificate. The same document also shows that the E-Type was initially painted Opalescent Silver Blue traces of which are still visible when the boot floor is lifted and the spare wheel examined. Opening the fuel filler flap reveals plenty of solid metal and, although by no means air tight, the Fixed Head Coupe's current Linney Barn abode seems to have been surprisingly kind to it. A potentially rewarding restoration project, this much-loved Jaguar displays an unwarranted but not inconceivable 63,000 miles to its odometer and is now ready to change hands again for the first time in forty-one years.

Offered for sale with old-style V5 Registration Document, Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Trace Certificate, tool kit, jack and a wealth of old invoices and receipts etc.