1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 RHD

MORE ABOUT THIS CAR...

First built in June 1962, this original UK right-hand drive roadster was originally finished in Opalescent Dark Green over Suede Green trim and Black mohair hood, later sold by an approved dealer, P.J.Evans of Birmingham, just 6 days later, with the same registration the E-type retains to this date.

The earliest documentation in this classic’s file begins in Leeds in the early 1980’s, following a reissued replacement Green Logbook, highlighting the then owner a Mr Moorhouse. The following years saw the E-type pass through ownerships, one of which included Darlington’s Royle’s vintage motor car restoration firm, in Staindrop. A well-known restoration outfit of the time, which sadly closed its doors a decade later following 50-years of sales and restoration.

Royle Cars successfully sold the E-type in December 1985, with the accompanying records highlighting the condition to be “restoration”, further reinforced by a letter from the firm to the new owner, Mr Forbes, arranging collection of the vehicle's remaining drivetrain. Following his purchase, Mr Forbes documented countless parts invoices from reputable Jaguar parts suppliers including body panels from Martin Robey. It is believed a “Wheeler and Davies” restoration outfit was assigned the task of restoring the classic, with pages of parts invoices made out to the Leicestershire classic car restoration garage featured in the accompanying file.

As the decade drew to a close the restoration had completed and the E-type had been finished in the Old English White, Red hide and Black Mohair hood combination you see today. At the start of 1990’s the E-type changed ownership a further two more times, finally landing in the new ownership of a Mr Clayton of Leeds. Ensuring to keep his recently restored purchase in great running order, Mr Clayton continued to meticulously maintain the classic inside and out, following the tradition of past owners by heavily documenting the ongoing works.

Following 5 years of dedicated ownership, Mr Clayton passed the Roadster to a Mr Smith of Warwickshire, in 2000. Once Smith had his hands on the roadster, he wasted no time putting this classic through a performance upgrade programme, which included:

• 5-speed gearbox
• Aluminium radiator with modern electric cooling fan
• 6 branch competition exhaust manifolds
• Oil cooler
• High torque starter motor
• Upgraded adjustable suspension
• Uprated anti-roll bar and poly bushes throughout
• Electronic ignition
• Uprated sports coil
• Chrome wire wheels
• Cooper Craft front brakes with steel braided hoses
• Conversion to negative earth
• New hood and tonneau with refurbished frame

Alongside these desirable performance upgrades, Smith also refreshed other areas of the E-type which included replacing the front windscreen and fitting a complete carpet replacement. Putting a cherry on the cake, the E-type was registered to a personalised plate, 81 LBP, thus completing Smith passion project.

After another 5-year cycle of ownership, Smith decided to place the E-type in auction for sale.  As expected, the E-type sold with ease achieving a sale in 2005, noted having its factory registration reinstated. With a new custodian, Mr Harris, the E-type proceeded to be treated with more upgrades to further increase the value and performance of this early classic. Harris commissioned VSE, the now-closed engine specialist reconditioners, to finish the original 3.8L XK engine to “Clubsport” fast road specification and overhauled triple carburettors. Alongside this work, the E-type was fitted with a Dynamo Alternator conversion and full stainless steel sports exhaust system. Being an avid classic car enthusiast, Harris toured the car to countless events such as Goodwood circuit track days and JDC Concours d’Elegance, in which the roadster took second place in Best-in-Class 2005.

The E-type landed into its current ownership in 2017 and has since been used sparingly, meticulously maintained, gently upgraded such as an ITG performance air filter, and has only ever been dry stored. Today the car offers the opportunity to purchase a highly desirable early Series 1 Roadster that presents exceptionally well and offers a high-performance driving experience thanks to countless upgrades.

With all-around great bodywork and an eye-catching Old English White finish, paired with a clean Red hide interior, which not only features a period correct aluminium centre console but also surrounds sound audio system, this unmissable E-type is available for immediate viewing, should you wish to arrange a viewing please contact us on +44 (0) 1732 852 762 or email sales@etypeuk.com.