I’ve owned this beautiful car since Jan 2012 when I bought it during a nut and bolt restoration by The Carrosserie Company in Barnard Castle who also maintained it for the previous owner since 1996 when he imported it from the USA in its original Golden Sand colour. Hard backed book of photos of restoration included. Full service history and no MOT required but checked annually. Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate No 43513.
Inspected for insurance purposes by leading e-type expert Nick Goldthorp in 2015 he wrote:
“As requested I inspected the Red E Type belonging to Robert Breeze. Inspection took place at his house on Tuesday 21st July 2015. Red Series 1 4. 2 E Type Roadster registration number FDS 579D, chassis number 1E 11862, engine number 7E5910-9.
Body condition.
The car has been through a comprehensive restoration having been stripped to the bare tub. Body appears to have been restored very well, paintwork is very good both underneath the car and on the upper surfaces. Just a small note would be to make sure the underside of the car is checked and touched in when required as I noticed a small area around the captive nut which holds the seat belt mounting where the paint had chipped off and some surface rusting had started.
Engine bay.
Detail in and around the engine compartment is very good, front suspension has been plated, tubular stainless steel exhaust system is fitted. Front brakes have been upgraded to four pot callipers. All rubber hoses are good as are all the brake pipes. Koni classic adjustable shockabsorbers are fitted and the engine appears to be oil tight.
Rear axle.
Again very good visual condition having been fully restored and painted, small amount of oil collecting at the bottom of the differential casing.
Interior.
The car has had a full interior retrim including the top dash panel which for some reason appears to be the early 3. 8 type as they were much thinner than the later 4. 2 model. Hood is somewhat creased from being left in the lowered position. Would recommend that when the car is being stored it should be left with the hood up as this will keep it taught and crease free.
Cosmetic items.
Chrome mouldings are very good most of which have been rechromed. Rear lights are original but in very good condition.
Wheels and tyres.
Chrome wire wheels are very good as are the Dunlop radial tyres, spare wheel is second hand as is the tyre.
Road test.
The car runs and drives very well, gives the driver a good feeling of confidence as everything is working well. Oil pressure gauge is over reading and there is a little differential whine. Only noticed one small rattle from the front drivers side, could be right bonnet catch.
Conclusion.
Overall the car is in a very good condition, it has been restored to a high standard. The Jaguar heritage certificate shows that the car started life as an export left hand drive model, which appears to have been converted to right hand drive during restoration. Skimming through the history file it shows that a company called VSE restored the engine but the engine number recorded on their invoice dose not match the engine number showing on the cylinder head in the car. I was unable to check the engine number shown on the cylinder block as there were too many components obscuring this area. At the time of inspection I could not verify that the engine fitted to the car was in fact the original engine. I did suggest to Mr Breeze that he contacts the restorer to get a written statement to confirm that the engine is original to the car. One other number missing from the chassis plate is the body number.“
