Lot details Registration No: HKH181C Chassis No: 1E21051 Mot Expiry: April 2007
One of the great motoring icons of the last century, Jaguar's E-type is a car that has always inspired loyalty and devotion. Born out of the fabulous D-type racer, it soon acquired a strong competition heritage of its own. Faster and more glamorous than virtually all its production rivals, it put many so-called 'sportscars' to shame at its 1961 Geneva Motor Show launch. Certainly few could live with its reputed 150mph top speed or the savage acceleration that allowed it to touch 60mph in less than seven seconds. In an age when a decent family saloon could call upon its engine for 65bhp, the E-type's 3781cc (enlarged to 4235cc from 1964 onwards), DOHC, straight-six claimed an additional 200bhp. While Ferrari's lauded 250 SWB and its 250 GTO successor made do with live rear axles, the E-type utilised a sophisticated independent rear set-up with inboard disc brakes. Rack-and-pinion steering enabled a driver to make the most of the monocoque chassis's excellent roadholding and handling, putting it light years ahead of American designs like the Corvette.
According to an accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate, 'HKH 181C' was despatched by the Browns Lane factory on 26th October 1965. A home market Series I Fixed Head Coupe equipped with all-synchromesh four-speed manual transmission, it was supplied new via distributor Attwoods Garages of Wolverhampton. Believed to have had just one Oxfordshire-based custodian prior to being laid-up in 1977, the Big Cat was rescued from long-term storage by its previous keeper some twenty-five years later. A professional motor engineer, he subsequently set about a methodical and exacting rebuild to better than new standards. Stripped of what little corrosion it had suffered during hibernation, the original body (no. 4E 23118) was allied to a renewed front subframe and new bonnet. Adhering to a counsel of perfection, the factory-fitted powerplant (no. 7E 6370-9) was replaced with a contemporaneous 'mothballed' unit (no. 7E 8504-9). Though, like the other mechanical components it was stripped down and thoroughly checked over prior to installation. Treated to much new chromework (including wire wheels), the E-type was refinished in its initial livery of gloss black with beige leather upholstery. Believed to have covered just 68,000 miles from new (but only 5,000 since work was completed), this truly remarkable Jaguar is judged by the vendor to be in "as new" overall condition. Sporting a Webasto fabric sunroof, 'HKH 181C' is offered for sale with history file, photographic restoration record and MOT certificate / historic class (free) road tax valid until April 2007.
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