Lot details Registration No: GAS 854 Chassis No: 860191 Mot Expiry: May 2008
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 E-type to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 150mph.
Seemingly borrowed from a light aircraft, the wonderful turned aluminium centre console that adorned its dashboard was complemented by scalloped 'Dunlopillo' seats and a wood-rim steering wheel. Achingly beautiful yet viciously quick, the E-type remains for many the ultimate production Jaguar. While any fixed-head coupe is desirable, the so-called 'flat floor' cars enjoy a particularly exalted status. Dating from early in the production cycle they arguably represent the automotive icon in its purist form.
This original righthand drive example was dispatched from Browns Lane in February 1962, its first owner being a J.G. Raenk from Bancroft, North Rhodesia. In 1981 it was exported to South Africa from where the current owner purchased it in 2002 and returned it to the UK. Finished in Carmen red with a black leather interior and full-length Webasto sunroof, it has since been the subject of a most exacting restoration costing in excess of £60,000 (excluding the owner's time), completed in 2007. The body has been subjected to a bare metal respray, with new panels fitted where necessary, indeed the panel fit is among the very best that we have seen. The engine was entrusted to Dick Bradley of Braintree, Essex, who undertook a total refurbishment and prospective purchasers are urged to view the history file to see exactly how comprehensive the work was. Fast road camshafts were fitted and the engine lightened and balanced. Further work undertaken has included the fitment of a new wiring loom and a stainless steel exhaust system.
Worthy of the closest inspection, the car is offered with a Swansea V5C, MoT certificate expiring May 2008, JDHT certificate, photographs of the body work undertaken and restoration invoices.
PLEASE NOTE: The starter motor on this lot has developed a fault and will not disengage properly. However, the car is supplied with a replacement unit.
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