HIGHLIGHTS
- Refurbished by CMC in 2016
- Presents extremely well
- Driven approximately 8,000 miles in 34 years
- One of the nicest E-types we have seen in a long time!
THE APPEAL
The Jaguar E-type is undoubtedly an iconic design, said by Enzo Ferrari to be the most beautifully designed cars ever made. This particular E-type was imported from California in 1989 and sent straight to Don Law Jaguar, who carried out the conversion to right-hand drive complete with UK spec rear lights. They also gave the car a full recommissioning, replacing various suspension bushes and brake parts. The car was then given another extensive restoration/recommissioning in 2016 by CMC Ltd in Bridgenorth, which is documented in the history file.
Since the import of the E-type in 1989, the car has covered just over 8,000 miles, which can be seen documented in the MOT history, usually less than 100 miles driven yearly.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take over the ownership of a British classic which is ready to be used and enjoyed. The car is in superb condition running like a dream!
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- Manufactured in December 1970
- First registered in California in 1971
- Imported to the UK in 1989
- Extensive recommissioning and conversion to right-hand drive by Don Law Jaguar in 1990
- Refurbished in 2016 by CMC Ltd, Bridgnorth
- Four previous UK keepers
- Owners manual
- Repair manual
- Parts manual
- Detailed invoices for work carried out and recommissioning
- Less than 8,000 miles covered since 2006
- Previous MOT certificates included
THE INTERIOR
- Seats have had new foams fitted
- Well presented
- Modern but period-looking USB head-unit
- Original features
Inside the E-type is like stepping straight back to the 70s. The Biscuit leather interior is in lovely condition. The seats have had new foam fitted, but 90% of the leather is said to be original. There is some patina to the door armrests, but the door cards are in good order.
Don Law Jaguar has installed the dashboard to convert it to right-hand drive. This is in good condition, with no splits or cracks to be seen. The instruments working correctly apart from the clock and cigar lighter, and the odometer reads 97,937 miles. There is a wood rim Moto-Lita steering wheel fitted, which is in good condition. The switchgear shows very little wear, and everything reportedly works as it should. An aftermarket but period-looking head unit has been fitted with USB. The Vendor informs us that the clock and the cigar lighter no longer work.
The carpets have been replaced; therefore, with not many miles covered, these are in excellent condition. Looking up at the headlining, this is free from any sagging and appears in good condition. Inside the boot, the floor matches the Biscuit leather seats; under this is an excellent spare wheel, wheel knock off and hammer.
THE EXTERIOR
- Fantastic Signal Red paintwork
- Solid underside
- Well presented
- Original chrome work
Originally the E-type was finished in the colour of Sable; as you can see, it has undergone a full-colour change to Signal Red, which is in stunning condition. There are one or two tiny chips which have been touched in as it was painted several years ago. But with that said, it is just an odd few which are difficult to spot.
Looking around the Jaguar, there are no dings or dents to point out on the body, and the doors align with perfection, opening and closing with a light touch. The chrome work is excellent, with no signs of tarnishing to the headlight surrounds or bumpers. The rear bumper has a very small ding, but this is really light.
Around to the sides, the chrome trim and window surrounds are in excellent order with a bright, tarnish-free finish, and the windows look to be free from any scratches. Looking over the shapely rear quarters to the back end, which looks fantastic. The window and seal are excellent, as are the Jaguar E Type V12 badges and chrome vent. As mentioned earlier, the lights are UK-specification lenses, free from any splits. Finishing off the rear are probably the most famous tailpipes of all time which are in excellent condition.
The chrome wire wheels are in good order. Some of the spokes have a small amount of tarnishing, but generally, they present extremely well and have a bright finish. The tyres are all matching Avon Turbospeed CR28 with a good amount of tread remaining.
THE MECHANICS
- 5.3 Litre V12
- Automatic gearbox
- Well maintained
- Last service was carried out in August 2021
At the heart of this Jaguar E-type is the fantastic 5.3 Litre V12. This engine seems to have been well maintained when looking through the history file and hearing it run; it sounds as smooth as silk, just as a V12 should.
The V12 fires up without hesitation thanks to the upgraded Lumenition electronic ignition system, which has been fitted to provide a reliable and excellent spark to each of the 12 cylinders. No untoward noises are coming from the engine bay, the oil filter does appear to be slightly damp but everything else appears in good order.
The vendor reports the car to pull strongly through the gearbox, which has a smooth, clunk-free change when working it through the gears. No knocks or bangs are reported to come from the suspension, and the vendor says the brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal. The vendor also tells us that it has a small oil leak, that a local garage said was from an aftermarket oil filter seal and nothing to be concerned about.
The underside of the car is in excellent condition. Even though the car has been in the UK since 1989 it has clearly not been used in wet weather conditions an enormous amount. The vendor even admits that since owning the E-type, it has never seen a damp road.
SUMMARY
What a wonderful Series III E-type 2+2 Coupé. An American import means it spent several years in a dry, warm climate. Since coming to the UK 34 years ago, it has covered just over 8,000 miles. Within that time, it has had a complete righthand drive conversion by reputable Jaguar specialists Don Law and was used for a few years before receiving a further renovation in 2016 by CMC Ltd.
As with any classic, there will always be some small jobs that need doing, which is part of the fun of classic motoring, but you will be hard-pushed to find a great deal to do on this beautiful E-type. It is simply ready to be enjoyed.
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