Any E-Type is an appealing prospect, but one like this doesn’t come along very often. Not only has it been cared for by the current owner for more than 20 years, but in that time they have maintained it meticulously and recently had the car professionally restored and refurbished, including a full mechanical recommissioning.

There is a phenomenal record of invoices and history, alongside manuals and memorabilia. Presented in its original colour of Opalescent Silver Grey with a contrasting red interior, this gorgeous and effervescent icon of British motoring is a simply stunning example of the marque.

Replete with its original red hide upholstery, the cabin of this E-Type coupé is a fantastic place to spend time. It's a parade of originality and 60s design flourishes. From the original seats, with their gorgeous level of natural patination, to the dashboard with its tranche of instruments and switches, it's like a love song to 60s sports car design.

Complementing that lovely red hide, the cabin is finished with bright red carpet, which presents in good order and shows no notable signs of wear or damage. Crucially, the all-important clutch kick-plate is still in position on the side of the transmission tunnel too. Personally, we adore the original knurled metal finish of the centre console, with its polished metal handbrake and nicely positioned gear shifter. The gaiter on the shifter is the original leather item and is perfectly usable, beautifully worn and has a great level of patina. Many owners many have changed it for a new item, but we love the fact it's been kept in place.

The rear luggage compartment is also in excellent original condition, the only minor issue being that a couple of the luggage strips are detaching from the carpet a little. Apart from this inconsequential issue, the interior is in great condition for a sixty year old car – and all the better for having been kept as original and unmodified as possible.

In 2020, the vendor had the original steering wheel refurbished to original quality by a specialist firm, resulting in the beautiful item that now adorns the cabin. With its stylish centre badge, motorsport-inspired 3-spoke design and classic thin wooden rim, it's a wonderfully tactile way to interact with the car.

With its achingly pretty curves and lines, the E-Type is a stunning car in almost any specification and condition. But when an example is presented as well as this one is, they become something truly special. Subject to a professional restoration and respray in 2019/20, and little used since (mostly due to the pandemic), to say this car presents well would be a grave understatement. 

Refinished in its factory colour of Opalescent Silver Grey, the paintwork is lustrous and wear a deep shine, while the bodywork is crisp and beautifully formed. There's certainly no evidence of notable blemishes, damage or corrosion - the restoration work has clearly been carried out to a very high standard,

Similarly, the brightwork is original and remains in very fine order, as do the lamp clusters, badging and other items of external trim. The only slight imperfection we noted is on the offside headlamp bezel where there is a slight dent, most likely from a stone.

Underneath, this E-Type presents just as well, looking to be in extremely good order. Everything looks to be straight and true, with no evidence of corrosion or damage that we could see.

As we mentioned, the vehicle has been meticulously and comprehensively restored, with a 'no expense spared' attitude. Some of the work undertaken includes:

As you'd expect, the results of this extensive work are clear and the car presents in superb overall condition.

Not only has the beautifully styled body been restored, but a lot of the mechanicals have also been thoroughly refurbished. Throughout its life, it hasn't wanted for anything. In 2003 the engine was found to be using a little more oil than usual, so the owner had it fully rebuilt. The work was carried out by VSE (a Jaguar engine specialist) and included a lead free conversion and carburettor overhaul to fast road specification.

Then, in 2014, the car was given another full mechanical overhaul. A new stainless steel exhaust system was fitted, along with front and rear suspension components, Cooper Craft brake callipers all round along with new discs and hubs. 

Another mechanical upgrade was made in 2016, when the owner had a Dynatron Alternator fitted by CMC Cars (a Jaguar E-Type specialist). The advantage of this is that, while it looks similar to the original dynamo, it offers a significant upgrade to the electrical system in terms of capacity and reliability.

Following the bodywork restoration in 2020, the owner had the vehicle mechanically recommissioned and MOT tested by K&N Classics, a specialist E-Type engineering firm. As part of the recommissioning, new adjustable shock absorbers were fitted, along with a high torque starter motor and the car was treated to a full service.

The cooling system of this E-Type has also been upgraded, ensuring cool running at all times. Certainly, when we viewed the car, the instruments indicated that everything was running just as it should.

It should be noted too how clean and well-ordered the engine bay is. It's beautifully presented and a great sign that this car has been pampered and cherished.

Ask anyone to name an iconic British car and it's almost certain the majority will say "E-Type". This beautiful sports car has seeped into the national consciousness quite unlike any other car. Revered and highly sought after, it remains a byword for beauty and grace in the automotive world.

Here we have what must be one of the finest examples in existence. Diligently maintained, carefully and professionally restored, while maintaining as much of the car's originality and character as possible, this is a rare and enviable machine. Finished in a simply wonderful specification, presented in excellent condition, and with the kind of history we wish all classic cars had, this is a truly exceptional car.