Description
We are proud to be able to present to you on behalf of the owner this fully restored Jaguar E-Type Series 1 OTS OBL, by us. We are known for our high-quality restorations of Series 1 E-Types, but this was also a challenging and unusually enjoyable assignment for us. This open two-seater was built in June 1961, making it a very early example of the E-Type. This is a so-called outside bonnet lock and concerns chassis number 289, thus belonging to the so-called “first five hundred”. The car is fully matching numbers and matching colours, a given for such a unique vehicle.
A few years ago this car was offered to us for a complete restoration. Brought to our attention by a well-known auction house to an investor, who, on the auction house’s advice, decided to place the car with us. The car was indeed matching numbers and in particularly good condition; however, during a previous restoration the team had failed to restore the specific features and details that make a car from the first five hundred so special and which distinguishes it from the other Series 1 E-Types. These kinds of details include, for example, distinctive variants of number plate illumination, windscreen mouldings, chrome door mouldings, ashtray, drainage in the luggage compartment, drive shafts, inset engine-cowler louvres, and, of course, the characteristic exterior bonnet lock, as well as a host of other small details. This was the challenge for us, and we took the time to determine exactly which details needed to be reinstated. We began by completely stripping the car and removing the paint, after which we brought back the body details as they were used in 1961. The car was subsequently refined and painted in Carmen Red. Thanks to Standox, our paint supplier, ideas were brainstormed and the original colour recipe was found and produced for us. The engineering throughout was handled by our technicians and revised in detail, using as much information from documentation and books as possible. The engine was rebuilt to exact original specifications and the transmission received the same treatment. All chrome parts, after their fitment, were re-chromed by G&R Chroming, renowned for top-quality chrome work. After the full restoration, in collaboration with our trim team, a new interior was created, again using as much as possible of the original materials.
The result speaks for itself: this car not only looks brand new but drives in the way one would expect from a car of this calibre. The six-cylinder engine has regained its full power and the gearbox is easy to operate. Although early Series E-Types were not renowned for heavy braking, our car more than satisfies. We gave ourselves a small cooling upgrade with an aluminium radiator (still in the original form with the louvers on the side) combined with an electric fan controlled by a Revotec fan controller.
The restoration is supported by an extensive dossier of invoices and photos, and the car also carries a Dutch registration. Aside from our test kilometres, the car is effectively new and will be delivered with an appraisal report. We warmly invite serious interested parties to an extensive introduction, where we will gladly tell you everything about this unique Jag.
