Highlights

Professionally converted to a lightweight race car by specialists
€77,351 of work by Frog Racing, Muckensturm and Azur Car
Engine rebuilt and upgraded to 280hp by Frog Racing
3.8L straight six with later 4spd fully synchromesh gearbox
Features adjustable shocks, thicker torsion bar and FIA racing brakes
Engine overhauled 3,800km ago in 2015, costing €7,529
Attractive car in blue/grey metallic with Dunlop racing steel wheels
Road-legal car with current Contrôle Technique to December 2027
One of the last 50 LHD FHC 3.8L Series 1 E-Types built

The Appeal

The E-Type was conceived by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayers to carve a slippery, efficient swathe down the Mulsanne Straight and dominate Le Mans, just like its XK predecessors. Events meant that it never had to, instead finding success in showrooms. Enthusiasts have been left to deliver what the factory never did, including the builder of this remarkable Series 1 lightweight coupe.

First registered in August 1964, this car is one of the last 50 LHD coupes to be built before the switch to the larger 4.2L engine. Between 2003 and 2009, specialists like Frog Racing, Meckenstrum and Azur Car steadily converted it into the car you see today for over €77,000. The focus was on lightening the car, widening the rear track and upgrading power to 280hp to deliver a potent road-registered, FIA-compliant race car. The specification includes a fully synchromesh 4spd manual gearbox, adjustable racing shock absorbers, FIA-homologated brakes, a thicker torsion bar, an aluminium radiator with aviation-grade hoses, and a Danielson electromagnetic kill switch.

Finished in blue/grey with nice detailing like leather bonnet straps and a set of deep-dish Dunlop-style race wheels, this is a hugely potent car whose wider rear track transforms the road presence of this familiar shape. Since completion, the car has received an engine rebuild 3,800 km ago by specialist Steel Motors. It comes to market with a valid Controle Technique until December 2027.

Seriously upgraded, extensively lightened and looking simply great, this is a high-quality bespoke one-off racer to enjoy on road or track.

History & Paperwork

First registered in August 1964
VIN number 890832 with final FHC LHD car being 890872
Large history file documenting restoration and further work
Independent inspection available, per the vendor
Contrôle Technique valid to 5th December 2027
Registration document
Showing 6,371 km, but total mileage is believed to be higher
3,800km reported since engine rebuild in 2015
Conversion cost of €127,351 including purchase of car
€7,529 engine rebuild in 2015 by Steel Motors

Condition

Professionally lightened E-Type with widened rear track
Repainted during renovation in blue/grey metallic, which remains in good order
Bonnet racing roundel and decals to other areas and windows
Fitted with deep dish grey Dunlop-style racing wheel with spinners
Quality Avon racing-style tyres fitted
Stripped interior with roll cage, fire extinguisher and other FIA-compliant fittings
Period E-type style bucket seats fitted
Moto Lita leather-rimmed steering wheel

This car’s conversion was completed 17 years ago, but you would be hard-pressed to know that from the bodywork and paintwork condition. The attractive blue/grey metallic paintwork presents very well, its roundels and decals hinting at its track capability. A set of deep-dish Dunlop-style steel wheels fill the front and the wider rear arches and are shod with quality Avon rubber.

Inside, the interior retains the vestiges of its factory trim, such as the aluminium centre console and toggle switches, but has been extensively stripped and prepared to FIA specification. This includes a roll cage, fire extinguisher and harnesses to the E-Type style bucket seats.

Mechanics

3.8L 280hp XK straight six engine
Triple SU carburettors
Fully synchromesh 4spd manual gearbox
Aluminium radiator with aviation-grade hoses
Adjustable racing shock absorbers
Thicker torsion bar
FIA homologated racing brakes
Current technical inspection

Key to this car’s potential is the 3.8L straight-six engine prepared and built by specialist Frog Racing in 2009. The work is said to deliver 280hp, a healthy jump on the standard car. The long list of upgrades, summarised above, includes a switch to the much-improved fully synchromesh 4-speed manual gearbox.

Steel Motors extensively overhauled the engine in 2015, and it has covered less than 4,000 km since.

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