Highlights
- Very early RHD car
- Older restoration finished to high standard in Opalescent Light Blue
- Reported to be a matching numbers engine, gearbox, colour and registration
- Extensively recommissioned in 2015 by CKL Developments
- Currently part of a high end private collection
- Regularly used by current keeper for European road trips
- Maintained to high driving standard while preserving period authenticity
- Recently completed brake system overhaul
The Appeal
This beautiful Opalescent Light Blue car was first registered in late 1962 and is said to be a ‘matching numbers - engine, gearbox, colour and registration. It began life as a RHD FHC but was converted to a soft top around 40 years ago as part of a high end, ground-up restoration. As such, it is an early car you can confidently use, and the current keeper certainly has.
The vendor acquired the car in 2015 to join his high end private collection. Since it had previously been in a static collection for two decades, on purchase he commissioned marque specialist CKL Developments to check the car over and undertaken any necessarily remedial work. The result was a new hood, replacement hoses and other minor work. In 2020 the car went to Pilling Coachworks for light work to the bodywork. Since then he has used it for several European road trips to Switzerland and Italy, including most recently as this year.
The car’s condition is impressive, the bodywork showing even panel fit and few signs of use. Inside there is a gentle but not unsightly patina to fittings that arguably suits such a usable example.
More recent work has included a brake overhaul including new master cylinder. We are told that the car is ‘on the button’ with no known faults - something all that road use makes the vendor equipped to confirm.
Early E-Types in the right colour are the ones you want. This car adds usability to the model’s appeal - it’s a Series 1 to get out and enjoy, rather than park up and merely admire, although you can certainly do that too.
The vendor says:
“A car to be used on either the open roads, or urban runs, which responds well to the input of a skilled driver.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 11th September 1962
- Vendor states that registration 700EAC is original to the car
- DVLA records four keepers
- Current keeper since September 2015
- Chassis number 860884 identifies car as a 1962-built factory RHD FHC
- Restored and converted to convertible around 40 years ago we are told
- Work to convert and restore was by a Jaguar specialist
- The engine, gearbox, colour and registration number are all understood to be original
- Two decades in a static collection prior to vendor acquiring car
- Purchased from Hendon Way Motors in summer 2015
- Recommissioned by CKL Developments after purchase in 2015
- This work included new hood, perishables and general checks
- Vendor states that CKL found the engine and gearbox were in full working order
- Maintained to high driving standards while preserving period authenticity we are told
- Recent European touring history includes Switzerland (2018), northern Italy (2020), and central Italy (2025)
- Recent work includes replacement of the brake master cylinder
The Condition
- Very attractive Opalescent Light Blue is said to be factory correct
- Paintwork and bodywork the result of an older restoration by Jaguar specialist
- Car remains in very good order across paintwork and bodywork as shown
- Exterior improved by Pilling Coachbuilders in Kings Langley in 2020
- No known scrapes or scratches on the bodywork
- Brightwork appears well-maintained and shines appropriately
- Interior is in very good condition with slight patina on the seats and trim
- Correct bucket seats with aluminium dashboard trim and early rear view mirror
- Period E-Type wood-rimmed wheel and classic radio fitted
- All instruments are reported to be functioning correctly
- New blue fabric hood fitted during the 2015 recommissioning with matching tonneau
- Chrome wire wheels in good order with matching spare
- Matching Pirelli tyres fitted
- Fitted with chrome rear luggage rack
This beautiful Opalescent Blue metallic car was restored 40 years ago by a Jaguar specialist. The quality of that work is evident from how well it presents today. The eagle-eyed will spot the flush door panel fit and equally well-fitting bonnet across the scuttle join. The bodywork received light renovation in 2020 by Pilling Coachbuilders.
The vendor fitted a new a new blue mohair roof when he bought the car in 2015. Inside there is a black leather cabin with correct bucket seats, aluminium dashboard, wood-rimmed wheel and classic radio. The carpets, door cards and seats show light wear typical of its recent usage, but certainly not unsightly.
The Mechanics
- 3,792cc XK straight six engine
- 4spd ‘Moss’ manual transmission
- Vendor states car has matching numbers engine and gearbox
- The vendor states the car is in "on the button" condition with no known faults
- Recent brake system overhaul including replacement of the master cylinder
- Starts and stops effectively for modern road use we are told
- Engine and gearbox assessed as in full working order during the 2015 recommissioning
- All perishable components were replaced during recommissioning
- Used regularly by current keeper for long European tours including 2025
The earliest E-Types got the sweetest-revving version of Jaguar’s long-lived XK straight six engine. This car is reported to retain its original engine and ‘Moss’ four speed manual gearbox.
The car was extensively checked and recommissioned when the vendor acquired it for his collection in 2015. The engine and gearbox were found to be in good order. The hoses were replaced and more recently the brakes have been overhauled including new master cylinder.
The vendor uses this car extensively for European road trips. He has told us of trips to Switzerland and Italy, the latter requiring a return trip in 2025 for a two week tour.
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