Highlights

Just repainted to the highest standard, the exterior presents in show like condition
Paperwork trail that sums up tens of thousands spent mechanically
Mechanically sorted and reliable yet still wearing beautifully original features inside and out

The Appeal

From an era littered with British, two seater, top down sports cars, the Jaguar E-Type was the king not just because of outright quality but being the first of its kind to top 150 mph and be graced with a wickedly powerful yet smooth V12 engine meant this was a far cry from the run of the mill coupes and convertibles.

This example boasts an extensive history file dating back over a decade, a fresh overhaul of the bodywork carried out by the vendor to an extremely pleasing standard along with a reportedly solid underside, power steering and a wonderful patina throughout the interior, all in all a desirable car ideal for regular use.

The History and Paperwork

Very extensive history file which was primarily accrued by the previous keeper who owned the car for around a decade
There is a receipt for a downpayment on an engine rebuild for £5,000. The vendor told us the actual rebuild was in the region of £20,000
A vast majority of the mechanical overhaul has been carried out by a Jaguar specialist, Lancaster Jaguar in Kent
Major brake and suspension overhaul in 2009 with less than 10,000 miles covered since

In the case of some cars, people only do what they need to, but in the case of this Jaguar just about everything has been fettled, replaced, tuned or repaired making an extremely well maintained vehicle ready for the road.

The vendor has only had the car a short time, buying it from London where the owner had subjected it to all the mechanical work you see done today.

The vendor being in the motor trade, personally attended to straightening and correcting imperfections in the coachwork and then having an employee professionally repaint the vehicle in old English white which has turned out exceptionally well.

The reliability of the vehicle was tested by the vendor with a trip to the Orkney isles and back with 100% reliability but they are now ready for a new project and so this wonderful E-Type needs a new home.

The Interior

Nice original feel throughout with light patina in places
Original leather wrapped, aluminium three spoke steering wheel
Leather covered dashboard with little wear and nice clear dials

Presented here is a black on black interior that although is not original, has been restored at some time in the past and has a fitting level of wear giving the car’s character. The rear bench seems to have more wear than the front seats, perhaps being recovered at an earlier date but all the leather is in fine shape with no rips to see and would simply benefit from some light treatment to retain their suppleness.

A similar story too with the carpets as these are not new and do have some wear, primarily in need of a light clean and some minor repairs in the boot which would be a fair simple fix for some or easily replaced for an identical item.

The dashboard is in great shape with no evidence of sun damage or cracking on the top which can affect some in time and all the switches and dials are in great order with nice clean glass facing the tachometer and ancillary gauges with all the switch labels perfectly legible. The fabric sliding sunroof works perfectly, folding in a nice tidy way with no evidence of damage too.

In the boot the floors are solid and clean, the spare wheel that is surrounded by the fuel tank is a basic steel wheel and classic dunlop tyre. Evidence of new fuel lines and filter are in the spare wheel well too.

The Exterior

Show worthy paintwork and finishing
Chromed steel wheels with matching centre caps
Great brightwork from front to rear

When the vendor purchased the car they reported that the bodywork was in need of some TLC, not because of rust but just from 50+ years of life accruing minor imperfections. These have all been properly rectified, panels realigned and then fully painted. The paintwork is reportedly ‘off

the gun’ meaning no sanding or polishing has been done and to be honest it's not needed as the finish is sublime with a perfectly even finish and shine from top to toe.

Evidently a top-drawer paint job, all the trims had been removed prior to spraying and these have been refitted in excellent fashion, everything neatly in its own place and straight, all the chrome retaining a great shine and only small areas of ageing to see.

The centre exit, quad exhausts are an excellent eye catching point and V12 giveaway doesn’t just look the part but sounds very well too, producing a subtle yet distinctive and perfectly balanced note of that fine 12 cylinder powerhouse.

Ultimately the exterior is in need of nothing but unnecessary polishing and admiration.

The Mechanics

Huge paperwork file for mechanical work done over the past decade or more
Only 20,000 miles covered in 34 years
Reportedly very solid underneath
Plethora of recent new parts
The automatic gearbox shifts and sounds smooth

Subjected to a reported £20,000 engine rebuild by the previous keeper, this V12 runs as sweet as a nut firing on all 12 cylinders on the button and pulling well even from cold. No smoke or tapping noises on startup, just the sound of pure British engineering.

A trawl through the piles of paperwork will show you many new parts have been fitted over the last few years and only a hour or two with a coffee and the file of receipts will help you gauge the expense that has been laid on this car.

Primarily the braking system and suspension has been fully replaced with visual and paperwork evidence to back this up along with various refurbished items such as the radiator core and new cooling fans.

The full exhaust system made from stainless steel and a new ‘fantail’ quad exhaust finisher fitted too, along with various items that will ensure reliability such as ignition parts, fuel hoses, carburettor balancing and a new fuel pump all summed up cost thousands in parts and labour. A recent set of vintage style tyres has also been fitted costing in excess of £1,300.

Proven by the vendor to be reliable with a 600+ mile round trip through Scotland and the islands, it is to be sure nothing has been overlooked on this E-Type.

Summary

A truly majestic machine boasting big engine power and luxuriant comfort, the Jaguar E-type is not for the faint of heart. As classic British sports cars go, the E-Type is widely recognised as being the best and in the case of this example it certainly is excellent.

With some margin for improvement inside by means of a clean and some minor cosmetic repairs, the rest of the vehicle will please any keen eye and is ready for the road ahead.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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