Description
I’ve owned my beloved E-Type since June 2010 when I bought it privately from the previous owner in West Sussex following a thorough restoration (receipts available) and drove it 500 miles home to Aberdeen. Its history prior to that is unknown other than it appeared to have remained in/ around the M4 corridor. The Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate No 27419 shows that it is an original RHD OTS, manufactured on 10 March 1967 and supplied to Henleys London and first sold by Great Western Motors, Reading later that month. The engine block was cracked and replaced some time prior to restoration hence no ‘matching numbers’. The current mileage is 91, 700 having driven 23, 000 miles since I purchased the car, which included two trips over the Alps to Monte Carlo and Lake Garda and several forays into England! The car was MoT’d this month plus new oil and filter.
Body condition
There is no rust anywhere on the car and the paintwork is excellent, both underneath the car and on the outer surfaces. All brightwork and lights are in excellent condition, even though many are original.
Engine bay
Detail in and around the engine compartment is very good, a tubular stainless steel sports exhaust system is fitted and all rubber hoses are good as are all the brake pipes and suspension. There are usually a couple of drips of oil after a run. Although restored, the previous owner and I have strived to keep the car as original as possible but the following ‘improvements’ have been installed:
- aluminium radiator and header tank
- Kenlowe fan
- electronic ignition timing
- hi-torque starter motor.
Interior
The seats are in good condition as are the carpets and mats. Although the original mohair hood is watertight, it is showing signs of wear and needs replacing (est. £500 plus fitting). The radio does not work, nor does the clock (a common problem with Jags).
Wheels and tyres
Chrome 72 spoke wire wheels are in good condition and four new Hankook tyres were fitted earlier this year
Road test
The car runs and drives very well, giving a good feeling of confidence as everything is working well. Oil pressure is 60psi when started and settles at 50psi when driving. The speedometer reads fast (e. g. displays 40mph when driving at 30mph) and needs recalibration.
Conclusion
Overall the car is in very good condition, having been restored to a high standard 15 years ago. It is an original UK car which is in regular use. It starts easily, drives well and is very reliable i. e. I’ve never had any breakdown or recovery in the 14 years I’ve owned it. The realistic price takes account of the few things needed to bring it back to ‘excellent’ condition. Having owned classic cars for over 35 years, my age and recent medical issues have forced me to sell and I hope the next lucky owner has as much pleasure as I’ve had in my beloved E-Type.
