Highlights
- Matching numbers and colours (Opalescent Maroon/Beige leather) confirmed by JDHT certificate
- Exceedingly well-preserved California car with all original panels and wire wheels
- Single UK registered keeper who imported the car personally in 1989/90: dry-stored and used sparingly throughout
- 10+ year comprehensive restoration performed encompassing paintwork, interior, and trim: holding up impeccably ~25 years on
- Original 4.2-litre XK engine rebuilt in 2023, including rebuilding the carburettors and fitting hardened valve seats: still running in with ~500 miles covered
- Sympathetic upgrades include Coopercraft brakes, revised differential ratios for UK roads, high-torque starter, stainless steel exhaust, and thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan
- Undersealed and subframe injected with corrosion inhibitor
- Substantial history file from UK import onwards
- Offered in supremely usable order, with scope to elevate to concours level
The Appeal
Britain's climate is not kind to cars. Despite the Jaguar E-Type's enormous sales success, few good UK-market examples remained by the late 1980s. This led enthusiasts to import cars from sunnier climes. That brings us on to this Series I FHC, a California car, dispatched on 26th May 1965 to one Dr Gerald O. McMichal of Palos Verdes. Our vendor imported the Jaguar in 1989/90. It was in running, driving condition at the time and highly original with matching numbers, preserved by the Californian sunshine. However, the vendor wanted to return the car to its absolute best, embarking upon a painstaking restoration that took 10+ years to complete and has been followed by judicious maintenance ever since.
The restoration and subsequent work covered practically every aspect of the vehicle. The bodywork was refinished in its original scheme, the interior was retrimmed in its original colour, and the engine has been rebuilt to its original specifications. There are a smattering of discreet and sensible upgrades, and the car has, of course, undergone a left-hand drive to right-hand drive conversion, but in all other respects, it adheres as closely as possible to how it would have been when it left Browns Lane in 1965. The original wheels were retained, as were much of the exterior trim, the fuel tank, the steering wheel, and much more. This work was performed approximately 25 years ago, and as the photographs attest, it has held up incredibly well - a credit to its fastidious owner.
The E-Type has been used sparingly throughout the vendor's near-40-year tenure, venturing out on dry days and covering modest mileage, predominantly local to the vendor's home, always using premium petrol. The underside has been protected with underseal, as per factory spec, and the front subframe tubing has been wax-injected to ensure its continued preservation. The most recent major work was the engine rebuild completed in 2023. It now starts readily, ticks over very contentedly, and sounds wonderfully crisp through its stainless steel exhausts. The motor is still in its running-in period, with around 500 miles covered.
Our vendor describes the E-Type as highly usable. The older restoration has mellowed ever so slightly over time, and the car presents all the better as a result. It would likely take little to elevate this Jaguar to show-winning standard, should the next custodian wish.
The Jaguar E-Type created quite a stir when the first prototypes were dashed across Europe for the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, and it's fair to say the model has lost none of its impact 65 years on. Mr Enzo Ferrari, no stranger to a good-looking vehicle, is reputed to have called it "the most beautiful car in the world". Series I examples are the purest expression of Malcolm Sayer's wind-cheating design, while the great Norman Dewis honed the chassis as an evolution of the Le Mans-winning D-Type. The 4.2-litre cars offered increased torque over their 3.8-litre forbears, geared specifically for Europe's emerging autoroute network. For many, it's the sweet spot in the Series I E-Type's evolution, with a 4-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox (replacing the somewhat esoteric 'Moss box'), while retaining the much-loved glass-covered headlights, toggle-switch dashboard, and twin-suction HD8 SU carburettors.
For those seeking a well-sorted early E-Type, this Series I 4.2 Fixed-Head Coupé has everything going for it. It's no wonder the owner has cherished it for nearly 4 decades.
The restoration and subsequent work covered practically every aspect of the vehicle. The bodywork was refinished in its original scheme, the interior was retrimmed in its original colour, and the engine has been rebuilt to its original specifications. There are a smattering of discreet and sensible upgrades, and the car has, of course, undergone a left-hand drive to right-hand drive conversion, but in all other respects, it adheres as closely as possible to how it would have been when it left Browns Lane in 1965. The original wheels were retained, as were much of the exterior trim, the fuel tank, the steering wheel, and much more. This work was performed approximately 25 years ago, and as the photographs attest, it has held up incredibly well - a credit to its fastidious owner.
The E-Type has been used sparingly throughout the vendor's near-40-year tenure, venturing out on dry days and covering modest mileage, predominantly local to the vendor's home, always using premium petrol. The underside has been protected with underseal, as per factory spec, and the front subframe tubing has been wax-injected to ensure its continued preservation. The most recent major work was the engine rebuild completed in 2023. It now starts readily, ticks over very contentedly, and sounds wonderfully crisp through its stainless steel exhausts. The motor is still in its running-in period, with around 500 miles covered.
Our vendor describes the E-Type as highly usable. The older restoration has mellowed ever so slightly over time, and the car presents all the better as a result. It would likely take little to elevate this Jaguar to show-winning standard, should the next custodian wish.
The Jaguar E-Type created quite a stir when the first prototypes were dashed across Europe for the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, and it's fair to say the model has lost none of its impact 65 years on. Mr Enzo Ferrari, no stranger to a good-looking vehicle, is reputed to have called it "the most beautiful car in the world". Series I examples are the purest expression of Malcolm Sayer's wind-cheating design, while the great Norman Dewis honed the chassis as an evolution of the Le Mans-winning D-Type. The 4.2-litre cars offered increased torque over their 3.8-litre forbears, geared specifically for Europe's emerging autoroute network. For many, it's the sweet spot in the Series I E-Type's evolution, with a 4-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox (replacing the somewhat esoteric 'Moss box'), while retaining the much-loved glass-covered headlights, toggle-switch dashboard, and twin-suction HD8 SU carburettors.
For those seeking a well-sorted early E-Type, this Series I 4.2 Fixed-Head Coupé has everything going for it. It's no wonder the owner has cherished it for nearly 4 decades.
The History and Paperwork
- One registered keeper since UK registration: imported by our vendor in 1989/90
- Extensive history file includes a significant collection of MOT certificates and invoices for parts/labour (further invoices reportedly accompany the car besides those photographed)
- JGHT heritage certificate present, confirming matching numbers and colours
- Road tax and MOT exempt
- 3,140 miles (indicated)
- ~500 miles covered since engine rebuild
- Restored over 10+ years and continually improved since
Vehicle information:
- Chassis Number (VIN): 1E31133
- Engine Number: 7E4216-9
- Body Number: 4E21867
- Gearbox Number: EJ3272
- Registration: ABW 150C
- Exterior Colour: Opalescent Maroon
- Interior Trim: Beige
- Date of Manufacture: May 18, 1965
- Original Distributor: Jaguar Cars, New York, USA
Chronological service and restoration history (summary of invoices):
07/22 – 08/22 – 62,396 miles – JF Gburek Motor Engineer & Risborough Service Centre
07/22 – 08/22 – 62,396 miles – JF Gburek Motor Engineer & Risborough Service Centre
- Carried out comprehensive engine rebuild including standard-size cylinder bore prep, new oil pump, water pump, timing chains/tensioners, big/small end bearing shells, pistons, rings, valves, and gaskets
- Skimmed cylinder head, welded water galleries, and pressure tested
- Overhauled standard crankshaft and fitted new head studs and lock tabs
- Rebuilt triple SU carburettors with new diaphragms, gaskets, and filters
- Overhauled brake system with Lockheed brake servo, Coopercraft brake upgrade, and fresh lines/fluid
- Fitted high-torque starter motor, new alternator, sports coil, and ignition components
- Fitted four new Vredestein 185 VR15 tyres and inner tubes
- Carried out engine oil and filter change
03/13 – David Manners Ltd
- Supplied high-torque starter motor (C37948HT)
08/12 – 62,396 miles – Risborough Service Centre
- Carried out engine oil and filter change
08/04 – M & C Wilkinson Ltd
- Supplied replacement chrome horn push button, tool kit roll, bonnet hinge covers, and screw set
06/03 – 07/03 – SNG Barratt
- Supplied wiper arms, blades, sill chrome strips, sill seals, pedal rubbers, brake servo repair kit, and battery clamp kit
09/00 – FB Components
- Supplied replacement front seat backrest foams
08/00 – Phil Eaton Auto Electrician & T&M Motor Co Ltd
- Installed bonnet headlamp wiring looms, fan wiring harness, horn relay, Kenlowe fan loom, and custom battery cables
- Fitted new double horns and replaced flasher relay
- Finalised stage payments for ongoing mechanical restoration works
08/00 – FB Components
- Supplied side finisher clips, headlight seals, and trim screws
07/99 – M.C. Autos & Phil Eaton Auto Electrician
- Fitted gearbox baffle plate, heat shields, throttle linkage, and exhaust mountings
- Stripped and cleaned heater blower assembly
- Extended stop lamp wiring, overhauled dashboard wiring harness, and fitted Kenlowe fan loom
06/99 – M.C. Automotive
- Carried out body and mechanical refurbishment work on E-Type coupe
05/99 – Ken Jenkins Jaguar Specialist
- Overhauled rear axle, fitting replacement Koni rear shock absorbers and radius arm bushes
09/94 – M. & C. Wilkinson
- Converted steering configuration from Left-Hand Drive (LHD) to Right-Hand Drive (RHD) using an exchange steering rack
01/92 – Barry Hankinson Jaguar Trim Specialist
- Supplied light beige interior trim kit, Ambla vinyl materials, and chrome hinge covers
01/92 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares
- Supplied replacement rear window seals, insert seals, door seals, and fluid bottle brackets
11/91 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares
- Supplied replacement sill seals, 'A' & 'B' post seals, quarter light seals, and luggage fur rubbers
10/91 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares
- Supplied front suspension spring seats, wishbone bushes, centre stabiliser bushes, and torsion bar seals
10/91 – Phoenix Engineering
- Supplied headlamp scoop rubbers and overrider captive nuts
08/91 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares
- Supplied replacement overrider seals, headlamp screws, side/stop light lenses, fuel hoses, brake hose set, and light badges
07/91 – Barry Hankinson Jaguar Trim Specialist
- Supplied black vinyl hooding material
06/91 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares
- Supplied brake master cylinder repair kit, clutch master cylinder kit, slave cylinder kit, and servo repair kit
09/90 – Nuneaton Brake & Clutch / ML Sales
- Supplied main wiring harness looms (JL103, JL107, JL123, JL124, JL131), brake pads, engine mountings, and exterior rubbers
03/90 – The Axle Centre (Bristol)
- Rebuilt final drive differential with ratio change (13/43) for UK road use and fitted new inner drive shafts/bearings
12/89 – Ken Jenkins Jaguar Specialist
- Overhauled front brake callipers, fitting new brake pads, retainers, seals, and supports
1989 – Vehicle Import
- Purchased in California, USA, by a UK owner and imported to the United Kingdom
The Condition
- Bodywork and interior restoration complete ~25 years ago
- Original panels retained
- Windscreen replaced; glass otherwise reported to be original
- Cellulose paintwork applied following extensive preparation, then protected by two coats of lacquer
- Good door fit which can be studied in the photographs
- Recent new Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres
- New bumpers fitted during restoration; exterior trim otherwise reported to be original
- Original chrome wire wheels: the vendor reports no loose spokes
- Original wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Original radio accompanies the car: the vendor opted not to refit a radio or speakers
- Armrests removed during interior retrim and not replaced (many owners prefer to exclude them due to space constraints)
- Vehicle undersealed (as Jaguar did originally) and subframe injected with corrosion inhibitor
The E-Type was stripped down in its entirety, revealing the original body shell and front subframe in enviable order, requiring no repair work or heavy application of body filler, unlike so many of these cars. Following extensive preparation with numerous coats of primer, cellulose Opalescent Maroon paint was applied, followed by two coats of lacquer. Much of the original trim was repurposed and so exhibits a gentle patina. The bumpers were replaced, but the wire wheels are reportedly original. The fact that the respray was completed so long ago shows just how solid this car is.
Indeed, West Coast weather did wonders for the bodywork, although the leather interior fared less favourably under the baking sunshine and required a comprehensive retrim in period-correct beige leather. As the photographs show, the interior surfaces have aged very gently, reflecting minimal use and dry storage out of direct sunlight. The switchgear and instrumentation all present very well, and it's refreshing to see an original steering wheel, rather than the oft-spotted smaller sports replacements.
Indeed, West Coast weather did wonders for the bodywork, although the leather interior fared less favourably under the baking sunshine and required a comprehensive retrim in period-correct beige leather. As the photographs show, the interior surfaces have aged very gently, reflecting minimal use and dry storage out of direct sunlight. The switchgear and instrumentation all present very well, and it's refreshing to see an original steering wheel, rather than the oft-spotted smaller sports replacements.
The Mechanics
- 4.2-litre DOHC XK straight-six
- Four-speed full-synchro manual gearbox
- Matching numbers across engine, gearbox, rear axle, front subframe and chassis plate
- Running in with ~500 miles covered: will require an oil service before higher RPMs/speeds can be explored
- Shows good oil pressure in line with the specialists' expectations
- Original fuel tank retained; did not require replacement
- Gearbox serviced; assessed as not requiring a rebuild, selecting ratios smoothly
- Cylinder head fitted with hardened valve seats compensating for unleaded fuel: the vendor has always used high-octane petrol
Engine rebuild:
- Engine block prepared with standard-size cylinder bores and standard crankshaft preserved
- Cylinder head skimmed, water galleries welded, and pressure tested
- Fitted new pistons, piston rings, valves, timing chains, and timing chain tensioners
- Installed new oil pump, water pump, and big and small end bearing shells
- Replaced cylinder head studs, lock tabs, and all engine gaskets
- Rebuilt triple SU carburettors with new diaphragms, gaskets, and fuel filters
- Upgraded electrical and cooling ancillaries with a high-torque starter motor, new alternator, sports coil, and new water hoses
Upgrades:
- Coopercraft brakes front and rear
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- High-torque starter motor
- Electric cooling fan (thermostatically controlled)
- Differential rebuilt with ratios revised for UK roads
Other mechanical work:
- Replacement wiring loom installed
- New brake servo
- New alternator
- New coil
- Battery usable, but reported as old
The venerable XK engine helped Jaguar win Le Mans five times. It's tough, so mechanically tired examples can often keep going when they ought to have received internal attention. Not so this car, which had its original 4.2-litre engine comprehensively rebuilt just ~500 miles ago. The vendor says it starts easily when cold and hot, settles into a steady, mechanically quiet idle, and revs freely at the slightest touch of the throttle. The all-synchromesh gearbox feels delightfully smooth and tight, selecting ratios without untoward noises, including reverse, which is so often the first to grind. We're told the E-Type drives very well and has performed as expected during its running in period after the engine rebuild.
While covering relatively low miles throughout their ownership, the vendor has always expected this car to be usable at a moment's notice and has maintained it accordingly. They never intended it to be a concours restoration destined only to grace well-coiffed lawns. It's reported to be as good to drive as it is to look at. What more could one possibly want from an early E-Type?
While covering relatively low miles throughout their ownership, the vendor has always expected this car to be usable at a moment's notice and has maintained it accordingly. They never intended it to be a concours restoration destined only to grace well-coiffed lawns. It's reported to be as good to drive as it is to look at. What more could one possibly want from an early E-Type?
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Comments
Lovalot••••
Confused of Hampshire? It’s a FHC not a 2+2, so it isn’t equipped with rear seats. Is it?
bob-tho••••
Can you confirm that the car is a 2-seater, and not a 2x2? The `boot` area looks much longer than normal, with the boot splits which seem unusual.
plb1956
Rear folding bench, is there one? Apologies if I’m being naive. No picture?
Robert1••••
SellerYes there is a rear folding bench. Apologies for no photographs.
alangor••••
Hi. I see that the windscreen wipers are US spec and not transferred. What is the axle ratio has it been changed to UK spec?
alangor••••
The photos show the car windscreen wipers as per US spec. RHD cars drop down to the UK offside.
Robert1••••
SellerYes shut and gap lines are perfect.
ross-ha••••
BidderHello, A couple of questions please: Do all electrics operate as normal? Do the 3 doors open and close cleanly without slamming? Do all locks open and close cleanly? When the doors are shut, do the shut lines and gaps line up nicely? (It’s not apparent on some photos)? Regards Ross
Robert1••••
SellerYes, all locks open and close perfectly and the same key is used for the ignition which indicates originality.
Stigsfa••••
Hi good looking car are there any photos of engine rebuild or body and paint prep and finishing , if you were keeping the car what works would you deem necessary to keep in good order for the next year, thank you good luck with the sale
Robert1••••
SellerThanks for the enquiry. No, I don’t have any photos, which is very disappointing for me as I was present at every stage of the body preparation and paintwork! The vehicle is in first class condition, but the engine oil will need replacing once the vehicle is run in. Also, the battery may need to be replaced in due course.