Description
VRX 186H is a UK Home market matching numbers car that has been with its last owner for an impressive 49 years. With only two owners from new, this is an incredibly rare opportunity to purchase a super low ownership car that comes with a fantastic history file dating back to its first service on the 15th October 1969 at 1215 miles. The E-Type was purchased new by a Mr A. G Butler in Henley on Thames and six years later in 1975 the E-Type was supplied to its recent owner by Rickmansworth Sports Cars – the guarantee dated 23rd September 1975 is still with the car. We have an incredible maintenance and servicing record with the car spanning across five decades, pages and pages of invoices detail upkeep and improvements over the many years that have kept this Jaguar E-Type on the road and usable throughout most of its lifetime.
Whilst in the early 2000's the E-Type was treated to an external re-paint and interior re-trim, it is the most recent history that will be of more interest to the cars next owner. Over the last 6000-7000 miles, since 2008 the E-Type has been looked after by Dorset based classic road and race car specialists Wren Classics and an impressive £42, 000 has been spent with them. They have carried out major work to include a top end engine rebuild and with the engine and ancillaries removed from the car, the front end and space frame were renovated and the space frame and bulk head completely re-painted. The cylinder head and block were sent for machining, the head rebuilt and the block treated to new pistons and liners. The front end was then built up with various renewed ancillaries and a brand new clutch fitted. The SU triple carburettors were rebuilt, the heater system renewed, a new high torque starter motor fitted, a new alternator fitted and the braking system overhauled. Further to this general regular service and upkeep has continued with Wren Classics and cosmetics include a brand new hood in recent years.
From reading through the history of this car we can see it has been maintained with no expense spared right throughout its life. Over the years this car has had anything it has required and from the extensive MOT certificates dating back to the 1970's we can see this is a car that has always been used, driven and enjoyed. On the road performance is very impressive, the original 4. 2 six cylinder engine unit is strong and offers excellent oil pressure, the all syncro four speed gearbox changes smoothly and up and down the gearbox and the car handles incredibly well. This is an on the button, usable E-Type that can be driven with absolute confidence. The E-Type underside is structurally excellent, it has had body renovation to include new inner and outer sills, sill end panels and floor sections during the 1980's and the space frame and front end overhauled in 2021. The paintwork is bright and well presented, there are some light blemishes and we are happy to discuss rectifying if necessary in our own bodyshop. The rear bumper is ready for a re-chrome as there are signs of pitting but it's not essential. The interior trim has nicely aged and is well presented, the switch gear all excellent as is the hood, and the engine bay is very good having had the recent work. As stated, this is a usable E-Type, its ideal for long distance touring, regular use and enjoying out on the open road. There are not many two owner E-Type's left and it won't be easy finding one with a history like this....
