Highlights

1,460 miles since £25,000 professional restoration
Upgraded to RHD OTS with original 3.8 engine and 5spd gearbox
Beautifully finished in Opalescent light blue with dark blue trim
Thick history file documenting restoration and maintenance
Usefully MOT’d to May 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

The E-Type’s much-admired aesthetics look good in any colour, but some colours bring out those qualities even more strongly.

The photographs of this car prove that Opalescent Light Blue is one of them. It looks resplendent, much of that impression due to a £25,000 restoration by specialists Hutsons in 2009. It has covered just 1,460 miles since, the preserved condition reflecting the care of its keepers.

This car has led an interesting life. It started in early 1963 as a FHC LHD car, before returning to the UK in 1970. It was comprehensively restored in 2009 by E-Type experts Hutsons, the highlights including a switch to OTS, RHD and fitting a 5spd gearbox. It retains its original R-prefix factory 3.8 litre XK engine. The quality of the conversion is impressive - we think observers would be hard pressed to spot that this is not a factory OTS.

The high standard is obvious from the panel fit and the attention to detail throughout the interior and exterior. With such sparing use, the buyer gets the car in much the same condition as it was when it was finished 15 years ago. Although MOT exempt, it has been helpfully regularly MOT’d since completion - without a single advisory through time - and currently has test to May 2025.

This car may not suit purists, but if you’re more interested in enjoying a restored, well-kept and neatly uprated early E-Type, then this could be for you.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1963 overseas
Chassis records confirm this was a factory FHC built very early in 1963 - it was car 17 off the line that year
‘R’ prefix engine number indicates matching numbers car
The ‘R’ prefix was changed to ‘RA’ from February/March 1963
Chassis number indicates that this was one of the last R prefix cars
One of 1,717 LHD FHC Series 1 3.8s built in 1963
DVLA records show first UK registration on 21st October 1970
The same records also use the date of 1st June 2009 which likely relates to when this car was re-registered as a OTS following completion
Two registered keepers since arriving in the UK
Restored and converted by Hutsons in 2009 when the speedo was recalibrated and zero’d
Photographic and invoice records of work shown in history file and photos
The £25,000 of work included conversion to OTS, respray, fitment of 5spd gearbox and attention to other areas
MOT records confirm the displayed mileage of 1,460 miles since completion
Regularly MOT’d since conversion although this is not a legal requirement
Various workshop manuals and books included
MOT to 17th May 2025 with 1,447 miles showing on test and no advisories
No advisories on any MOT test since 2009

The Condition

Finished in Opalescent Silver Blue which may be the original factory colour
Restored in 2009 with 1,460 miles since hence the very good condition
Paintwork presents very well with only minor marks visible in photographs
Very good bodywork with clean, straight panel fit particularly to doors and bonnet
Chrome wire wheels in good order with space saver lightweight spare wheel
Underside in good order with very good finish and no structural advisories on MOT
Supplied with optional hard top according to seller
Blue fabric roof in very good condition with clear screen and matching tonneau
Chromework in good order across car with factory-correct front and rear bumpers
Retrimmed interior with blue carpets, blue velour seat trim and black leather seat facings
Largely factory correct interior including bucket seats, aluminium console and toggle switches
Original dials and layout - converted to RHD - but with later and more reliable Racetech oil gauge
Small three-spoke, leather-rimmed Moto Lita wheel showing some wear to rim

The quality of the Hutsons' work in 2009 is obvious as you inspect the photographs of this beautiful early E-Type. The bodywork presents well with excellent panel fit across the doors and bonnet in particular, and the paint is finished to a very high standard.

It has been well specified. The light blue metallic paintwork is complemented by a blue fabric roof - we are told there is also a matching hard top - and a retrimmed interior in blue and black. The sparing use since completion - less than 1,500 miles - means the car remains in much the same condition as it was when it was completed, only a couple of minor areas indicating use and enjoyment.

The Mechanics

3.8litre R-prefix XK engine which appears to be factory original
Upgraded to triple twin-choke Weber carburettors
Later and desirable 5spd gearbox
Driven less than 1,500 miles since completion
No reported running or driving issues

Jaguar continuously developed the E-Type through its life. Enthusiasts tend to be split into two types: those that prefer purity and those that wish to continue the theme begun by the factory.

This car fits the latter category. It is one of the last factory cars fitted with the correct R-prefix 3.8litre XK engine but has been carefully evolved from standard. Most notably this includes triple Webers and a 5spd gearbox, the latter being a popular choice for those who enjoy long-distance, high-speed driving.

This car has been used very sparingly since a comprehensive £45,000 restoration in 2009 that covered bodywork and mechanicals. The condition of the engine bay reflects that work and limited use. It comes to the buyer in good order with no known issues.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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