Lot details
Registration No: ELA867C
Chassis No: 1E20499
Mot Expiry: Sept 2018

- 1 of 1,584 RHD Series 1 4.2 Fixed Head Coupes made

- Purchased by the vendor from Eagle E-Types as a project car and extensively restored during 2014-2015

- Original engine but sympathetically upgraded with a Tremec T5 gearbox, electronic ignition, Bluetooth 'hands free' telephone facility etc

Triumphantly launched at the March 1961 Geneva Salon, Jaguar's '150mph' E-Type was the sports car that (a) put the swinging into the 'swinging sixties', (b) no lesser a man than Enzo Ferrari dubbed 'the most beautiful car in the world', and (c) transported a galaxy of stars from Brigitte Bardot to George Best, Tony Curtis to Donald Campbell and Roy Orbison to Steve McQueen. Though not designed as a racer, the E-Type was nevertheless a direct descendent of the all-conquering D-Type and thus had motorsport embedded in its DNA. Equipped with all-round independent suspension, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes, its handling and roadholding proved more than a match for most rivals. Just one month from launch Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori drove the Equipe Endeavour E-Type ('ECD 400') to victory at Oulton Park and some fifty-six years later the model remains a force to be reckoned with in historic racing. Updated during August 1964, the Jaguar gained a larger 4235cc XK DOHC straight-six engine and more user-friendly manual gearbox with synchromesh on each of its four forward speeds. Thankfully, the Big Cat's beautiful styling remained unaltered until the introduction of the so-called Series 1.5 cars during September 1967 by which time just 1,584 RHD Series 1 4.2 Fixed Head Coupes had been made.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate, this particular example - chassis 1E20499 - was completed on 26th March 1965 and despatched to South London Motors Ltd early the following month. First owned by Derek Clark, it subsequently passed to Surrey residents R.H. Hopkins, K. Lockhart, Michael Hammond and Edward Baylis. Taken off the road during the 1970s, the E-Type was re-registered with the DVLA under its original registration number 'ELA 867C' on April 1st 1979. Changing hands three times thereafter, the Fixed Head Coupe was purchased by the vendor in October 2013 from Henry Pearman of renowned specialist Eagle E-Types. Mr Pearman had been holding the Jaguar in stock as a suitable candidate for one of his company's restorations but agreed to sell it 'as was'.

Enlisting the services of craftsmen local to his Suffolk home, the vendor had chassis 1E20499 treated to an extensive 'bare metal' restoration during 2014-2015. The bodyshell was repaired as necessary and its opening panels trued for alignment before being painted Opalescent Dark Green. The interior was re-upholstered by Aldridge Trimming and the brightwork refurbished. A Tremec T5 five-speed manual gearbox was fitted for improved high-speed cruising (the original gearbox and propshaft come with the car) and the E-Type further upgraded via the installation of a heated rear window, electronic ignition, updated starter motor, Bluetooth 'hands free' telephone facility, period looking but modern stereo, improved cooling and uprated brakes. Sent to marque specialist Roach Classics Ltd for a stem to stern 'spanner check', 'ELA 867C' was found to need little by way of adjustment / improvement. Unhappy with the performance of the car's original 'matching numbers' engine the vendor has just recently had it overhauled again this time by Woodbridge Classic Cars.

Still being 'run in', the straight-six started readily upon inspection and ran well during our recent photography visit (October 2017). A handsome, home market car, 'ELA 867C' has much to recommend it. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, original logbook, restoration photos and MOT certificate valid until September 2018.