Lot details
Registration No: PLU605E
Chassis No: 1E1829
Mot Expiry: July 2019

- 1 of just 863 RHD Series 1 4.2 Roadsters made (before the introduction of the so-called Series 1.5 cars)

- Current ownership since 1973 and original factory-fitted engine, Red leather seats and green logbook

- Treated to an extensive 'bare metal' restoration between Autumn 2008 and Summer 2010 by E-Type specialist K.J. Dymott Classic Car Restoration of Burnham on Crouch

- Further improved by Clark & Carter Restorations Ltd during 2018 who valued it at £130,000 for insurance purposes

Famously launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type created a furore. The newcomer's combination of supercar performance, superb styling and low-price tag was unrivalled. Early sportscar racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori amongst others cemented the model's reputation. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, its combination of all-round independent suspension, disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering gave it excellent roadholding and handling capabilities. The indomitable XK twin cam supplied abundant power. If the design had a weakness then it was the somewhat recalcitrant Moss gearbox. However, this shortcoming was addressed in 1964 when Jaguar introduced an all-synchromesh four-speeder of its own design together with an enlarged 4235cc straight-six and revised dashboard layout. With a quoted 265bhp and 283lbft of torque on tap, these updated E-types were reputedly capable of nigh on 150mph and 0-60mph in circa 7 seconds. A mere 863 right-hand drive E-Type Series 1 4.2 Roadsters were made prior to the introduction of the so-called Series 1.5 cars in September 1967.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Production Record Trace Certificate, chassis 1E 1829 was built on 16th May 1967. Initially finished in Cream with Red upholstery and a Black hood, the E-Type was dispatched to Henlys of London the following month. First road registered as `PLU 605E' on 7th June 1967 and supplied new to Sabre Motor Accessories, the original green logbook on file also lists Hertfordshire residents Peter White and Peter Hall as former keepers. Purchased by the vendor from a gentleman in Brentford for £950 during 1973, the Roadster is warranted to have covered 129,000 miles from new. Very much loved over the past forty-six years but sadly underinsured when accident damaged in 2006, the Jaguar was subject to a total loss payment by Royal & SunAlliance. Having treated his pride and joy to a repaint during 1980, the vendor used the prang as the catalyst for an even more extensive restoration. Recommended by the E-Type Club, K.J. Dymott Classic Car Restoration of Burnham on Crouch undertook the work between Autumn 2008 and Summer 2010. The Series 2 bonnet fitted to the car since at least 1973 was straightened and reused (proof that the 2006 impact was not overly severe), while the rest of the tub / bodywork was similarly stripped back to bare metal. The A frames were realigned and repaired with new metal as necessary. The suspension and brakes were refurbished, the wiring loom renewed, and the original, factory-fitted engine sent to Thurston Engineering Ltd for a thorough overhaul. A new hood, rejuvenated steering wheel rim, recovered door panels and fresh carpets smartened up the interior. However, the original Red leather seats were left alone. An uprated alternator, auxiliary (manually controlled) Kenlowe fan and halogen headlights were all worthwhile upgrades. Clark & Carter Restorations Ltd carried out over £17,000 worth of additional fettling last year making improvements to the steering, suspension, brakes, ignition system, rear subframe, cooling and exhaust etc. Steve Clark of Clark & Carter Restorations Ltd valued `PLU 605E' at £130,000 for insurance purposes in July 2018 and feels that Royal & SunAlliance should never have written it off. Starting readily upon inspection and performing well during our photography session, this rare and desirable right-hand drive Series 1 4.2 Roadster is coming to market very reluctantly for the first time in forty-six years. Offered for sale with original green logbook, 1973 bill of sale, MOT certificate valid until July 2019, Heritage Certificate and a wealth of receipts / invoices.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot comes with a hardtop which can be collected from the vendor who is based near Braintree, Essex