1963 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 RHD OTS

MORE ABOUT THIS CAR...

Undeniably stylish and widely regarded as one of the most iconic automobiles of all time, the early Series 1 E-type 3.8 roadster is by far the most desirable of all models. Shown here is a rare example of an original right-hand drive 1963 3.8, 1 of only 514 produced and retaining its original matching numbers. Offered today as a rolling restoration and prime example for the next enthusiast to put their own spin on this running example. 

Chassis stamped late 1963, this Series 1 was first registered in April 1964, finished in British Racing Green, to a Mr. Apthorp of Wembley, London, highlighted by the accompanying copy of the original Buff Logbook. The original logbook further outlines that during the E-types early years the car exchanged hands 5 times before the decade was out.

It was in mid-1969 the E-type entered the ownership of a one Mr. Amos, having made its way north to Bristol. It was this new owner that started the long and detailed history file that accompanies the E-type today. Keeping records of general running maintenance and detailed entrees of parts purchased and recommissioned. Mr. Amos continued this upkeep until the vehicle’s sale in 1982.

After a brief three years ownership, the E-type exchanged hands again to a Mr. Dalkeith, who would become the car largest contributor to its history file. During the ownership of Mr. Dalkeith, the E-type received regular maintenance to ensure the 60’s sports car was kept in perfect running order, with countless part invoices, recorded inspections and work undertaken such as a full rebuild of the differential in 1984. The E-type was also registered with the highly desirable personal number plate “1 XKE”. Later acquired by Mr. Reeder of North Newnton Garage in 1988, it is believed the E-type was owned as a personal vehicle, frequently maintained by the owner’s garage for the following decade. Following tradition, Mr. Reeder continued to document the E-type’s work and part invoices, further adding to the car’s growing history folder.

1995 saw the E-type sold through the North Newnton Garage to its current custodian, who would become the roadsters longest-standing owner – cherishing the car for the next 25 years. It’s believed the E-type was used sparingly and in a mostly original state until late 2004, where the E-type was given to a Hampshire Jaguar specialist for assessment and works estimate to refresh this desirable matching numbers example. It was highlighted during the car’s assessment the E-type was believed to have received an undocumented previous exterior respray, which at the time had begun to bubble and peel. It was also suggested the interior had been recommissioned and the mechanicals required immediate attention to become roadworthy again. Following this estimate a plan was hatched to gentle address the areas of concern, returning the mechanicals to safe working condition and restoring the worse of the paintwork, focusing primarily on the flaking bonnet, all in an attempt to preserve the originality of this UK right-hand drive example.

As the years went on the E-type later returned to the North Newnton Garage, from where it had been purchased from, later becoming a regularly face across the following 5 years, treated to running repairs, an interior freshen up (2010) and finally bodywork in 2015, replacing the outer and inner sills, repairing the rear wings and A-posts.

This highly desirable and early chassis Series 1 roadster is presented to the market as a rolling restoration, offering the new owner a unique opportunity to restore and put their own spin on this 1960’s icon. Finished today in factory-correct British Racing Green featuring paintwork defects over highly patinaed Beige leather. Accompanied by a detailed history file documenting invoices as far back as the late 1960s (work invoices, sale receipts and MOT's).

Whether you would like an original, factory-correct E-Type or a highly useable and upgraded example, this roadster is offered as a prime donor vehicle. If you would like more information on restoration options and the corresponding pricing please contact by email or call us the office.