Lot details
Registration No: HEW 88D
Chassis No: 1E21334
Mot Expiry: Oct 2012

The E-Type's Malcolm Sayer-penned lines are thought by many to be among the most striking ever to adorn a motorcar. The XK-E as it was known in the USA, made its debut at the 1961 Geneva Salon and from birth was available as a two-seater Fixed Head Coupe or Roadster. Like the XK120, at launch the new Jaguar was the fastest production car of its time - its 3.8-litre straight-six engine allowing a 0-60mph acceleration time of around seven seconds and a top speed of circa 150mph. Despite this, the engine size was increased from 3.8 to 4.2-litres in October 1964 and, with the change, came a sweeter all-synchromesh gearbox, better brakes and more comfortable seats.

This right-hand drive 4.2 Fixed Head Coupe departed the Browns Lane factory in 1966 and was reportedly exported new to Hong Kong on behalf of an RAF officer. By 1978 the two-seater is said to have been in the hands of a Chinese national, who moved it to Singapore. It was there that the vendor purchased the Jaguar in 1980/1981 before apparently treating its engine to a rebore; new bearings, pistons, and oil and water pumps; reground crankshaft and camshaft, and overhauled cylinder head. The car was repatriated in 1983, at which point it acquired the current age-related registration. Further refurbishment included: a new fuel tank and steering wheel, an additional fan; some rewiring and a differential check. Another £2,162 was invested in 'HEW 88D' last October in order to recommission it ahead of a MOT test. The Jaguar has still only covered about 1,000 miles since the engine overhaul and very few in UK winters, so it is understood to have remained relatively rust free. The vendor regards the bodywork and engine as "fair to good", the manual transmission and Black leather upholstery as "fair" and the Red paintwork as "poor".