Description
An E-Type with a high level of provenance will always prove to be in high demand, and without doubt 1655 MF has everything a collector would look for. This is a genuine UK supplied RHD Home Market car, it is a 'matching numbers' car with Heritage Certificate to confirm the wonderful colour combination of Jaguar Light Blue with Dark Blue leather upholstery and the car has covered a genuine 77000 miles from new. Not only is this an incredibly correct car that has beautiful looks, it is capable of long distance touring and regular use which has been proven on many occasions. Whilst the car retains a high level of originality, and has been subject to a late 1990’s restoration and the most recent who purchased the car from us has spent over £30, 000 on the car over the past seven years ensuring it’s been kept to the highest of standards. A substantial amount of mechanical work has been carried out Aston Martin Works and the E-Type has also been beautifully re-painted during 2022.
We know this car really well, not only did we supply it in 2017, we really got the feel for the car having driven it 175 miles faultlessly from Dumfries to North Yorkshire. We usually collect cars in our enclosed transporter but we took a rare opportunity to give this car the perfect, long distance test drive prior to offering it onto the market. Looking back to 2017, we recall a perfect Sunday afternoon drive south from Scotland. Leaving at 3pm, the Jaguar quickly warmed up and the temperature gauge didn't rise above one third of the gauge the whole way back. Oil pressure at 60mph on the A75 was recording 60psi and by the time the E-Type had reached the M6 it was cruising comfortably at 3500rpm at 70mph with consistent steady oil pressure at around 55psi. The car pulled effortlessly southbound on the motorway before being driven cross country over the A66. By 5pm the E-Type was pulled up in Thirsk market place for short break and less than one hour later it was in Malton having handled the country lanes in darkness very well. The E-Type pulled up Sutton Bank like a train, a maximum gradient of 1 in 4 with a hairpin bend was no issue, the car enjoying the revs. It was a true delight to drive, the heater worked properly, it was comfortable, relaxed and makes the ideal long distance tourer. Just as it was in 2017, the engine sounds incredible and fit, the all syncro gearbox is smooth with perfect changes and the clutch pedal feels perfect. The brakes are sharp, steering is perfect and the handling just brilliant. Having then sold the car to new customer based in Surrey, we have since carried out various cosmetic work to the car, at times stored the car here in North Yorkshire as its recent owner has spent several years over in Canada, but now the decision has been made after seven years to part with the car to concentrate on the rest of his collection. Around 2000 miles have been covered since we last sold the car, and needless to say we are delighted to once again have it back here.
1655 MF comes with a detailed history dating back many years. Between 1996 and 2003 over £45, 000 was spent on the E-Type to include a body restoration and mechanical work to include rebuilding the engine, gearbox, brakes, carbs, new fuel tank and lines, new wiring loom, new water hoses, rebuilding the heater, rebuilding the rear suspension and replacing many parts/ components to include manifolds, new heat shields, new high spec radiator, bonnet gas struts, new ball joints and much more. The rear subframe was stripped, rebuilt and powder coated and treated to new drive shafts, wishbones, hub carriers, wheel bearings, and splined hubs. All mechanical work was carried out by one Jaguar specialist in 1996 and the body restoration was completed in 1998. Since the major restoration work, the E-Type has covered just 13, 000 miles explaining why it drives so well and is in such strong condition many years after its rebuild. Further to this, with its most recent owner further mechanical work has included rebuilding the carburettors, replacing the fuel tank, replacing the servo and master cylinder, a new distributor assembly, new front brake caliper seals and front brake pads.
This Series II FHC today presents very well with a stunning, first class paint finish, excellent straight body panels and having inspected the shell closely we can report it has no major issues. The arches are sharp, the underside is impressive and gaps and bonnet fit are excellent. The chrome work is still very good, as are the chrome wires. The upholstery is delightful with the original leather beautifully aged, carpets have been replaced and are as new, door cards, dash and headlining are all lovely. The engine bay is tidy and looks nicely used and original, the boot floor is excellent and glass is all in very good order. This is an E-Type that can be really used, driven and enjoyed yet is the ideal collectors piece with provenance, history and of course fabulous looks. This is a special car, we love finding them like this.
