Description
Few cars manage to balance engineering pedigree with aesthetic purity the way the Series 1 does. This 1965 Open Two-Seater (OTS) represents the model at its most desirable: early styling, covered headlamps, the refined 4. 2-litre engine, and that unmistakable presence only a genuine Series 1 can carry.
This particular example underwent a restoration some years ago, prior to our acquisition. Though not recent, it was completed to a high standard and has aged well. The body remains true and tidy, with clean panel gaps and a finish that still shows careful workmanship. It’s the kind of restoration that has settled in naturally—showing gentle use rather than neglect—and benefits from having been driven, not just displayed.
Mechanically, the car runs well and retains its original character. The 4. 2-litre straight-six offers strong, smooth performance, paired with Jaguar’s upgraded all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox, introduced in 1965. The car has also been converted to negative earth and fitted with an alternator for improved reliability, along with a later-spec brake servo—considered thoughtful, period-sensitive upgrades rather than detractions.
As a Series 1, it retains the features that define the early E-Types: covered headlights, slim bumpers, toggle-switch interior, and polished aluminium details that would later disappear. It’s these touches that have made the 1961–1967 cars the most desirable to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
This is not a concours trailer queen, nor is it a car that needs major work. It sits in that increasingly rare space between over-restored and overused: a genuine, usable classic with the right bones, an honest restoration history, and all the elegance the E-Type name implies.
Available for viewing by appointment. Further details on request.
