27/01/2022
One of just 1,584 right-hand drive Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 Fixed Head Coupes made before the introduction of the so-called Series 1.5 cars, this particular example has been in the current family ownership since 1971 and off the road for the past forty-nine years!
Still retaining traces of its original paint and what is thought to be its original factory-fitted interior, the Jaguar has spent its entire life in East Anglia. As such, it is highly appropriate that the two-seater will be going under the hammer with H&H Classics Ltd on March 16th 2022 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.
Enzo Ferrari famously described the E-Type as the ‘most beautiful car in the world’ and even five decades of dust have failed to lessen this Fixed Head Coupe’s allure.
Understood to be substantially complete, the car even boasts its original ‘matching numbers’ engine. Series 1 4.2 litre machines are particularly sought after because of their improved gearbox, torquier engine and better brakes. If restored to its former glory, this Suffolk sweetheart could fetch as much as £150,000.
The Jaguar was first registered on 3rd March 1965 to Grawford (Oaklands) Farm Ltd of Wood Farm, Cabrooke. A year later, on 20th June 1966, 'DPW 785C' saw its first change of keeper to a Mr David Trenchard Thom, a professional jockey turned racehorse trainer, based in Exning, Newmarket.
The vehicle passed hands twice more before being sold via Roger Bradbury Motors to its current custodians in 1971, who purchased it to celebrate getting a teaching job. 'DPW 785C' was then driven to school on a daily basis sometimes with a white husky riding shotgun in the passenger seat!
The car was parked up to replace the brake callipers and undertake some minor bodywork repairs in 1973 or thereabouts. The last tax disc, which is still affixed to the windscreen, expired in August that year. Sadly, other commitments arose and the E-Type was sidelined which is a pity given that it was running and driving when laid-up. The odometer currently displays just 79,651 miles, believed to be correct.
‘DPW 785C' pleasingly comes with its original logbook as well as a current V5C Registration Document. Jaguar’s E-Type is one of the all time great classic cars and the appeal of ‘barn find’ Series 1 4.2 litre Fixed Head Coupe being offered for sale at no reserve is hard to overstate for an enthusiast.