Description
UTAC | Millbrook, Bedford
Viewing: Tues 24th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 25th June from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JQ
1962 Jaguar E-Type 3. 8 Litre Convertible
Estimate
£65, 000 - £85, 000
Registration No: 5680 PP
Chassis No: 860201
MOT: Exempt
An original RHD matching chassis and engine number example
Converted from a FHC to its current Convertible guise in the late 1990s
Offered with an extensive history file
Subject to an extensive older restoration that still presents very well
As recorded on a 1989 Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate this particular 'matching chassis and engine numbers' example was manufactured as a Fixedhead Coupe on 31 January 1962, finished in Gunmetal with blue interior, and supplied to its first owner via Henlys, London. According to a 1991 letter on file from Buckinghamshire County Council, by the mid 1960s the car was registered under 5680 PP to Denham Mushroom of Denham, Suffolk. They also state the previous registration number as being 333 NML.
The car was reportedly treated to an extensive 'nut and bolt' restoration to show standards in the early '90s, including: thoroughly overhauled engine, gearbox and running gear; all new outer body panels and conversion from Fixedhead to Roadster by Martin Robey together with a retrim using new upholstery by Suffolk and Turley. Photographs of some of this work together with a detailed job listing accompany the car. The beautifully restored E-Type subsequently achieved a string of concours successes and even appeared on Top Gear's 'The Car's The Star' E-Type TV special and was also featured in Practical Classics magazine. Subsequently sold by renowned marque specialist Henry Pearman of Eagle E-Types in 1997, the car continued to be used primarily for shows, and was also featured in the October 1997 edition of Classic Cars magazine.
Finished attractively in Opalescent Silver Blue with dark blue trim and sitting on chrome wire wheels this beautiful looking E-Type is offered with a detailed history file including: heritage certificate, restoration photographs and invoices. Described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork, '5680 PP' presents very well indeed – a lasting testimony to the high standard of the restoration works previously carried out.
Launched on 15 March 1961 at the Parc Des Eaux Vives during the Geneva Motor Show, the new Jaguar E-Type was nothing short of a revelation. Having been driven there flat out by ex-racer and Jaguar PR man Bob Berry, he arrived in 9600 HP with 20 minutes to spare, much to the consternation of Sir William Lyons. Test drives proved so popular that the services of Norman Dewis were called upon to rush over from the factory with an additional roadster to ease the load. He completed the journey in just 11 hours averaging some 68 mph. Thus with its heady blend of supercar performance, breathtaking styling and low price tag, the newcomer left rivals reeling and customers clamouring. The launch was a total success and the canny Sir William had even managed to have the event paid for by the Society Of Motor Manufacturers & Traders! Some 500 orders were taken – double the number Jaguar thought total production might amount to in just one week.
Early sportscar racing successes at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori and the Briggs Cunningham / Roy Salvadori drive to a strong 4th overall in the 1962 Le Mans 24-hours helped cement its reputation. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, the model's combination of all-round independent suspension (torsion-bar front / coil-sprung rear) rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes gave it excellent roadholding and handling capabilities. Fed by triple SU HD8 carburettors and topped with a 'straight port' DOHC cylinder head, its indomitable 3781cc straight-six engine was quoted as developing some 265bhp and 260lbft of torque. Allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox (with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th), it reputedly enabled the E-type to sprint from 0-60mph in 6. 9 seconds and onto 150mph. Achingly beautiful yet capable of being viciously quick on the open road or docile around town, the E-type remains for many the ultimate production Jaguar.
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Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
