Description
Coming to auction at Wilton House for the Concours Des Legendes, 19-21 June, full catalogue now online, search Dore & Rees Motoring for further info.
1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster
Chassis Number: 877270
Registration Number: JSJ 565
Recorded Mileage: 58, 360 miles
- In current ownership for 29 years
- Subject of much investment in current ownership
It is remarkable to think of the effect the E-Type had on the world when launched in 1961. At a time when 70 mph was considered perfectly rapid enough for a family car, here was a British-built sports car which could hit a claimed 150mph! The top speed figure was possibly a little optimistic but the public didn’t object - with a list price of just over £2, 000 it was half the price and just as striking as its more exotic rivals from Italy.
The Jaguar E-Type is without doubt one of the most important and prettiest sports cars of all time, at its Geneva Auto Saloon launch in 1961 Enzo Ferrari famously referred to the E-Type as the most beautiful car in the world, and he surely was someone who should know. Clearly the E-Type was strongly influenced by the famous Le Mans-winning D-Type racer of the late 1950s. Less famous but no less relevant was the lesser known E1A prototype of 1957; smaller and less powerful than the final production E-Type but showcasing the new independent rear suspension design that went on to be a hallmark of Jaguar models for four decades. The E-Type’s performance did not disappoint; it weighed around 500lb less than the preceding XK150 and sported one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.
An early Series 1 model, this restored E-Type was produced in May 1962, destined for its original supplying dealer of Jaguar Cars in New York, the first owner being a Mr. R. H. Nelson of California. In 1989 the Jaguar was purchased by the previous owner to join his 20-strong classic car collection, renovated and then shown at various events in the area. Our current vendor purchased the Jaguar from the Californian owner in September 1997. After around 10 years of occasional use, the Jaguar was sent to specialist Marcus Barclay in Berkshire for a wish list of various improvements, which were undertaken at a cost of £9, 164. 23. Afterwards the engine was sent to JEC approved specialist Derek Watson, where it was stripped and rebuilt, supported by a further invoice for £14, 163. 61.
In 2009 the Jaguar was sent to R. M. Restorations of Colchester for a speedo repair and conversion to RHD specification, at a total of £5, 579. 43. The following year the E-Type was treated to a full retrim by Welsh specialist BAS, including roof, aluminium dash panel and chrome sill trims, at a further cost of £5, 097. 52.
From 2015-2019 at the recommendation of the Jaguar Enthusiast’s Club, the E-Type was taken to local specialist Auto Classico in Bristol to deliver panel straightening, a full repaint in Imperial Maroon, removal and rebuild of rear subframe, uprated Series 2 front brakes, uprated pistons in the rear calipers, suspension improvements, an electric engine fan, a Lumenition 123 electronic distributor, improved inertia seat belt, new headers and stainless exhaust and a generator/ alternator upgrade. The car currently has a rebuilt all-synchro Series 2 gearbox fitted, the original Moss box has also been rebuilt and comes with the car. The Jaguar has been in storage with Auto Classico since its completion.
After nearly 30 years of ownership, our vendor has finally decided the time has come to pass the E-Type to a new owner. The Jaguar is offered complete with JDHT Heritage Certificate, invoices for above works completed in current ownership and current MoT certificate.
