Lot details Registration No: UN-REG Chassis No: 850436 Mot Expiry: None
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 production rivals, it put many so-called 'sportscars' to shame at its 1961 Geneva Motor Show launch. In an age when a decent family saloon could call upon its engine for 65bhp, the E-type's 3781cc, 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. Responding to popular demand, Jaguar had footwell recesses pressed into the model's previously 'flat-floor' platform so that it could better accommodate tall drivers / passengers (a change that is thought to have occurred on right-hand drive roadsters after chassis 850357).
Finished in red with black leather upholstery, this particular example is reputed to be one of the earliest known post 'flat-floor' RHD roadsters to have survived. Despatched by the Works on 3rd May 1962 to Independent Motor Sales Ltd of Wellington, New Zealand, its first owner was celebrity Sybil Lupp. Reportedly "New Zealand's first woman mechanic, the first woman to establish a major motoring-related business, and the country's first nationally prominent, and still unbeaten, woman race driver", Mrs Lupp's competition career lasted from 1946 to 1954. Racing an assortment of MGs and Jaguars during that time, she was twice winner of the Automobile Association's Sundstrum Trophy as well as capturing the South Island Hill Climb Trophy in both 1948 and 1949. Known for her record breaking, she was reputedly not averse to competing in wedding outfits! In her possession for two years and 17,853 miles, the E-type was traded among various South Islanders until it passed into the hands of previous keeper Mr Paul Salt during August 1979. With him for twenty-one years, the car had undergone a bodywork restoration and engine rebuild but been sparingly used before entering the current ownership in 2000. The subject of some 30,000 EUROS worth of fettling, this well travelled Jaguar is described by the vendor as being in "good overall condition" and comes with "all bills", Heritage Certificate, NZ registration document and Dutch papers.
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