Lot details Registration No: KGU782D Chassis No: 1E1468
- 'Garden Find' liberated via the felling of a holly bush and temporary ramp!
- 1 of 863 RHD 4.2 Roadsters made prior to the introduction of the Series 1.5
- Factory hardtop, original cylinder head, engine free, surprisingly sound
Famously launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type created a furore. Nothing else on the market could rival its combination of supercar performance, breathtaking styling and relative affordability. Whilst early racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori amongst others only added to the model's allure. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, the newcomer boasted excellent roadholding and handling capabilities due to its all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. The indomitable XK 3.8 litre twin-cam supplied abundant power. If the design had an Achilles' heel then it was the recalcitrant Moss gearbox. However, this shortcoming was addressed in autumn 1964 when Jaguar introduced an all-synchromesh four-speeder of its own design together with an enlarged 4235cc straight-six and revised dashboard layout. With a quoted 265bhp and 283lbft of torque on tap, these updated E-types were reputedly capable of nigh on 150mph and 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds. For many the ultimate E-Type derivative, just 863 RHD 4.2 Roadsters were produced before the introduction of the so-called Series 1.5 cars.
According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, this particular example - chassis 1E1468 - was built on 4th February 1966 and despatched some twelve days later to Henlys of London. Initially road registered as 'KGU 782D' (the same number plate it pleasingly wears today), the two-seater is understood to have been repainted and re-trimmed from Primrose Yellow with Black to Red with Beige as part of an extensive restoration that was completed in 1980. Owned for the best part of four decades by the Shreeves family of Flitwick, Bedfordshire, the Jaguar was last on the road in the early 2000s. Parked up in a garden and obscured by a hollybush that also hemmed it into place, the E-Type was protected from the worst of the elements via a voluminous tarpaulin. Despite these less than ideal storage conditions, the Roadster seems to be remarkably sound. A testament no doubt to the quality of the work that it underwent c.1980.
The Jaguar's odometer currently shows some 27,992 miles which is believed but not warranted to represent the total covered since its refurbishment was completed. Deemed 'one restoration project too many' by the vendor's family, 'KGU 782D' appears to retain its original cylinder head (the number stamped into the inner 'vee' matching the one quoted on the JDHT Certificate) but has been fitted with a replacement cylinder block most likely due to frost damage. The aged Michelin tyres hold air and the engine can be turned over by hand (though, no attempt has been made to start it). The clutch and brakes are also free. The carpets are missing from the front footwells but otherwise the car looks to be substantially complete. The paintwork has lost its shine and the chromework has corroded in places. To the interior the leather seems to be in good (if slightly grubby) condition and the Roadster boasts both a factory hardtop and soft-top. In our opinion, chassis 1E1468 remains in far better order than one could reasonably expect of a 'garden find'. However, potential purchasers are very much encouraged to make their own inspections and draw their own conclusions as to the amount of work necessary to make this slumbering E-Type roadworthy again. Offered for sale with V5C registration document, JDHT Certificate, various 1980s photos and old tax discs etc
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035