1964 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Litre Convertible

Registration No: 549 GYP
Chassis No: 860554
MOT: Exempt

• Originally built as a right-hand drive Fixed Head Coupé but was re-shelled as a Roadster during an extensive overhaul in the 1990s
• Supplied with a history file dating back to 1973 including Green continuation logbook
• A home market car that has been improved with features such as a full synchromesh 4.2 E-Type gearbox
• Owned by the vendor since 2018 and maintained regardless of cost

Famously launched at the 1961 Geneva Salon, the Jaguar E-Type created a furore on its debut and has become one of the most iconic designs in automotive history. With its stunning looks, outrageous performance and accessible price tag, the newcomer left rivals reeling and customers clamouring. While early competition success in the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori among others helped cement its reputation on the racetrack, the list of celebrity owners ensured its cult status on the roads. Built as a monocoque with an engine cradling front sub-frame a la D-Type, the model's combination of all-round independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes gave excellent road-holding and handling capabilities. Fed by triple SU HD8 carburettors and topped with a 'straight port' DOHC cylinder head, its 3781cc straight-six engine was quoted as developing some 265bhp and 260lbft. Allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox, the free-revving unit reputedly enabled the E-Type to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 150mph – figures the press cars certainly managed even if the standard ones couldn’t quite! Seemingly borrowed from a light aircraft, the wonderful turned aluminium centre console that adorned its cockpit was complemented by scalloped 'Dunlopillo' seats and a wood-rim steering wheel. Achingly beautiful yet viciously quick, the sublime E-Type remains for many the ultimate production Jaguar.

Understood to have been manufactured in 1962, chassis 860554 was purportedly first registered in July 1964. Built as a UK Market, right-hand drive Fixed Head Coupé in Blue. Little is known of the early history of the E-Type until 1973, when it was under the custodianship of Hardings Motors Ltd of London Road, Leigh-on-Sea. The car was purpotedly sold to a local gentleman by Hardings - a Mr. J.I. Gilmore of Church Road, Shoeburyness and then through the hands of a number of owners (one as far away as Plymouth) before it was apparently laid up until the 1980s. By this point, it is understood that '549 GYP' was bought by a Gentleman who was ex-Jaguar who deemed it necessary to overhaul it. For whatever reason (either increasing values of Roadsters particularly or a very rotten FHC shell) the car was re-shelled as a Roadster during this extensive overhaul which included painting the new bodywork in Sherwood Green and trimming the interior in tan leather to full 1964 3.8 Litre E-Type specification including the vinyl covered centre console. The 3.8 Litre engine unit was also overhauled around this time and it is believed that the fully synchromesh gearbox from a 4.2 Litre car was fitted to improve the driving experience in place of the original Moss gearbox. Having been in the ownership of two other enthusiasts since this period, the owner (who owns a number of fine Jaguars) bought '549 GYP' in 2018 to 'cover for' his other E-Type whilst it was away being restored and has enjoyed a number of long trips and rallies with the car. The car has been maintained exceptionally within the vendor's ownership, who describes it as being 'ready to go anywhere' as it is in 'very good' order mechanically. The history file backs up these claims and includes a number of service receipts and invoices for shotblasting and repainting the inside of the bonnet and headlamp bowls and the fitment of a Lucas 123 distributor. Now, with a driveway and garage filling up with a number of 'Big Cats', including his original E-Type that is back home from restoration, it is time for this iconic vehicle to find a new, loving home.

On our inspection, we were greeted with the pleasing sight of the Sherwood Green paintwork with Black Mohair hood, which the present owner describes as being in 'very good' order, having stood up remarkably well given that the overhaul was completed in 1995. The Tan Leather upholstery has also worn with an attractive patina which is to be expected from nearly 30 years of loving ownership. However, please note that if you are of the opinion that everything must be of concours standard, it will need some amount of work to arrive to that level. The car started remarkably quickly when we visited the car with the note of the legendary twin-cam straight six resembling a purr through a fresh looking stainless steel exhaust system.

Presenting the perfect opportunity to own a 3.8 Litre Series 1 E-Type Roadster at a much lower premium than a more original car might, this Jaguar would make a fantastic drivers' car for anybody who can overlook a six-digit number stamped on a chassis plate - after all, just look at it!

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430