Description
1965 Jaguar E Type series 1 4. 2 FHC. Last owner for 26 years. A concorse winning car & without exception.
First launched in March 1961 at the Geneva Motor show, The E-Type needs little introduction. A car that reputedly the late Enzo Ferrari referred to as the most beautiful car ever made.
In 1964, Jaguar upgraded the original 3. 8 engine, replacing it with the enlarged 4. 2 unit. In many ways a better car than its predecessor, the car was launched at the 1964 Motor show with production commencing in August of that year. The bore was increased from 87mm to 92. 07mm and the stroke remained unchanged, resulting in the same power at 265BHP but providing greater torque.
The original Moss gearbox was replaced by a new all-synchromesh box, significantly improving refinement. Other changes consisted of a new brake servo, negative earth electrics with an alternator replacing the dynamo, pre-engaged starter motor and more comfortable seats.
This particular car was manufactured 14th April, 1965 and dispatched to Hoffmans of Halifax on 3rd May. Originally finished in Opalescent Silver Grey with Red trim. The first owner taking delivery in late August of the same year.
The current owner bought the E-Type from The Classic Car Club, Britannia Street, London August 1998, at this point the car had been subject to an older historic restoration, the colour being changed to Old English White during the process.
Upon taking custody the owner conducted a complete nut and bolt restoration including a number of specific modifications, namely a custom made walnut veneer instrument fascia, glovebox lid and door capping’s – you would assume they were factory fitted, the design and execution being superfluous! A small rear seat which is more akin to a shelf, being created and fitted to the highest standard. White wall tyres are also featured. It is worth noting that all of the aforementioned could be reversed but in our view they tell the story of the car’s history.
As you can glean from the photographs, this wonderful example still looks factory fresh and drives as it looks. We haven’t seen an E-Type with such precise panel gaps in a long time, the doors, bonnet and hatch close with absolute precision. Quite something. The car has won the Jaguar Owners Club Concorse awards in both June, 2000 and June 2004, testimony to the utter perfection of build undertaken. Today, the car still looks as good as it did over 20 years ago, having being kept in a climate controlled environment for some 25 years.
If you are looking for one of the very best examples, this would not disappoint, not a ‘fresh’ restoration which in some ways is more assuring but a car that has been kept in such impeccable condition for almost three decades.
Upon sale we will conduct a new MOT.
