Description
We are excited to offer this rare opportunity to own an unrestored, genuine UK RHD example, 2 owner, 1966 Series 1 E-Type that only shows 20, 500 miles ever recorded.
Offered from a deceased estate, 39 WMB remains what could well be one of the most original E-Types in existence, with only 2 owners from new and 20, 500 ever recorded, while never being restored or repainted. After only 10 years of use from its original owner in 1976, the E-Type was then purchased by the late Geoffrey Plaister for less than £500, which by then had covered circa 19, 000 miles in total. 39 WMB then remained in his garage as a feature of his varied collection of other cars, for the proceeding 45 years until his passing, while only incrementing a remarkable 1000 miles in that time. The car now remains with the charity set up in his name, and was on display in The Great British Car Museum for a short period of time.
The exterior condition is impressive for a car of such a history. The paintwork remains very tidy and unscathed with the only blemish being some slight blistering on the right hand side of the bonnet. The bodywork and panels are also still very presentable with very little to no signs of rust anywhere including the usual suspected areas, while the underside and chassis are widely untouched and clean, correlating to the extremely low mileage displayed. However, it should be noted that, although the car remains unrestored, the first owner had took it upon himself to “modify” the rear wings and weld a subtle “lip” to the top of the rear wheel arches which any enthusiast would soon identify, and unfortunately take away from the total originality of this fantastic example. The original painted wire wheels are also great, and the centre wheel nut shows little sign of bashings too.
The same of the body can be said for the interior, which still stands up exceptionally well 60 years later with a lovely patina finish. The black leather seats feature expected signs of use with light cracking (and very slight scuffing), but are still soft and supple. The seat belts also display the sense of originality due to the colour loss to the Pebble Weave webbing. The leather trim on the dash, door cards and boot remain un-scuffed and shows no cracks or sun damage. The headlining is in an exceptional condition and undamaged. This example also still has the original stereo and speakers fitted, which continue to work. In the footwells, the carpets are very good, but slight creasing in the passenger side. Underneath the boot there is still the spare wheel and also the original complete tool kit with it too.
The E-Type only needed a very surprisingly light recommissioning to get it properly running after being sat for so many years, only having the fluids changed and the original champion spark plugs being replaced, which could probably be classed as memorabilia now! It now drives really smoothly apart from the clutch being fairly heavy, likely due to the master cylinder after being stood for a long time, and the handbrake sticks a little but frees up after driving it. It would be strongly advised to possibly have the car checked, either thoroughly serviced or a valid MOT, as is always useful and helpful with a car of its history.
The history file includes the log book, Jaguar Heritage Certificate proving the matching numbers, and also some of the original paperwork, including the sales receipt to Geoffrey Plaister from 1976, and a few other invoices.
This is one of the most in-tact and genuine E-Types we have come across, presenting an exceptional level of originality, and would be an unrepeatable and remarkable opportunity for any enthusiast or collector.
Viewings by appointment only.
