Description
1961 Jaguar E-Type Fixed Head Coupé (Chassis 860024)
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to chassis number 860024.
William Heynes Ltd is deeply privileged to present what we believe to be the very last early 1961 UK-market Fixed Head Coupé remaining in a true "barn find" state. This represents what is almost certainly the final opportunity globally to discover and resurrect an unrestored E-Type of this calibre.
The extraction of 860024 was a hugely emotional day for everyone involved. Recently recovered by William Heynes Ltd on behalf of the late owner’s family, this historic Jaguar saw daylight for the very first time since 1988. It is an immense honour for our team to be trusted by the late owners family to find this car's next custodian and to ensure its story continues.
A True Piece of Jaguar History:
As Chassis Number 024, this vehicle is one of the earliest, most sought after "Flat Floor" cars ever produced by the Browns Lane factory. Historical records indicate this specific vehicle holds immense significance: it is believed to have served as an original factory demonstrator in 1961. Of the two documented FHC factory demonstrators from this launch era—one finished in blue and the other in red—this car, 860024, is that legendary red car.
The Heynes family believe that upon concluding its duties as a factory demonstrator, this very car was gifted as a spectacular wedding present by the founder of Jaguar Sir William Lyons.
In November 1961, Sir William’s daughter, Mary Lyons, married Guy Rimell—son of the four-time Grand National-winning racehorse trainer Fred Rimell—in a prominent, highly publicised Warwickshire wedding. This magnificent red Fixed Head Coupé is believed to be the ultimate token of celebration passed down from Sir William to his daughter on that historic day.
Following its time with the family, and in keeping with how many celebrated works cars were managed at the time, the car was transitioned to its first private owner outside of the factory gates, and in keeping with how many celebrated works cars were managed at the time, 860024 was sold outside of the factory gates at Haytword Autos located on Torrington Avenue Coventry in November 1961 to its first private owner out side of factory ownership.
Today, the vehicle is remarkably complete and retains its matching-numbers engine block. Crucially, the car still retains its invaluable original green logbook, meticulously documenting its ownership history from that first post-factory sale all the way through to the 1970s.
The car is currently fitted with a fiberglass bonnet dating back to the 1970s we believe. While this is part of its unique timeline, William Heynes Ltd possesses the specialised capability to manufacture a visually perfect, correct 1961-specification steel bonnet. Utilising original panels were possible, we can fabricate a replacement featuring the exact, authentic spot-welds unique to this early production era as well fabricating the body to what we believe to be some of the best available, and what William Heynes Ltd is well known for.
The only other known historical deviation is the gearbox, which was upgraded in the late 1970s to a smoother E-Type 4. 2 unit—a highly common and practical modification for driving enthusiasts of that era and today.
The Next Chapter, while 860024 now requires a total restoration of 3, 000 + hours, its soul remains entirely intact. It was the explicit wish of the family that this car be returned to its former glory by William Heynes ltd if at all possible.
Like all William Heynes Ltd jaguars, our ultimate goal is to restore her to the absolute, correct 1961 factory specification as we deeply care bout early E-Type preservation, and what is period correct, we would relish the opportunity to carry out this monumental restoration to our world-class standards, partnering with the new owner to write the next chapter of this car's incredible history.
This is not merely a purchase; it is a passing of the torch for one of the rarest E-Types, once she is sold, that is it, it will never happen again.
For further details, or to arrange a private viewing, please contact us via email: using the button below
Photos taken by: Amy Shore.
- details above
- details above
