Highlights
- Bodywork entrusted to Jaguar specialists M & C Wilkinson
- Complete engine rebuild
- Matching numbers
- 5 speed gearbox (original included)
- Magnesium Minilite wheels
The Appeal
Almost everyone can recognise two cars from the swinging sixties, the Mini and of course the E-Type Jaguar.
Enzo Ferrari, upon seeing Jaguars offering, wished that he’d been the man who’d designed it. What better adulation could be heaped onto the E-Type in terms of style and performance.
With the restoration presided over by the vendor, a talented engineer who knew precisely what he wanted, the outcome as I’m sure you’ll see, is very special indeed.
Not only does this E-Type have the legendary Jaguar performance, the legendary handling, the sculptured iconic body, the gentlemen’s club interior, this Jag also has improved brakes, a 5 speed gearbox and uprated engine cooling.
Focused thinking and drive to build one of the best E-Types around has paid off with this restoration and we think this could be the one you’ve been searching for.
The History & Paperwork
- Built in the Jaguar factory on 23rd March 1964
- Dispatched on 6th April 1964 to Emil Frey in Zurich, Jaguars Swiss distributor
- Subsequently exported to the USA, date unknown, but the last US Certificate of Title is dated 1994 in the dry state of Calistoga California.
- In 1996 this E-Type was repatriated back to the UK by Murray Scott Nelson restoration specialists from Scarborough and sold on as a restoration project.
- June 2005 purchased by the vendor as restoration work hadn’t commenced.
- 2009 restoration works commenced, which then extended over a 7-year period.
- 2016 the car received its first UK MoT with an odometer reading of 33,489 miles.
- 2017 registered here in the UK.
- Although an MoT certificate is not a requirement for this age of car, there is a recent certificate with no advisories, which expires June 2023, at mileage 33,964, i.e. 475 miles since the completion of the restoration
- A Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate accompanies the car, confirming build & dispatch details.
- There is a large history file containing a vast number of invoices for parts & work carried out during restoration, which the vendor tells us totals approximately £65,000.
- Detailed photographs were taken during restoration and will be available on an SD card.
- There is a copy of the US Certificate of Title.
- A V5c registration document in present in the vendor’s name.
The Interior
Opening the door, sliding over the high sill and sinking into the sumptuous leather seats of an E-type is an experience not to be missed.
Here you’ll be greeted by a fully re-trimmed interior, finished in soft grey leather, and complemented by matching grey carpets and custom fitted floor mats.
Grasp the new wood rimmed Motolita steering wheel ( 1” smaller in diameter to give a little extra legroom ) & take a quick glance at that wonderful dashboard containing an array of white on black Smiths instrument dials, chrome sliding controls and switches for fans, lighting, wipers and of course the engine starter button.
New seat bases were procured and together with the remainder of the interior, were reupholstered in top quality leather & moquette. Door casings are finished in vinyl and moquette, with moquette wheel arch coverings as they would have been when they left the factory.
The centre console is the correct upholstered finish for an early 1964 car.
Everything in here, from the new wool roof lining to the door cards, the handles, and the seat belts has either been restored or where not possible to do so, replaced with high quality items.
The boot has been lovingly given the same treatment and even the wheel well is spotlessly clean.
The Exterior
- Under 500 miles driven since restoration
- Bodywork undertaken by Jaguar specialists
- New bonnet from Jaguar Cars Ltd
- Lead loading to the panels
- All major chrome work replated
- Minilite magnesium wheels
Restoration of the body was entrusted to M & C Wilkinson Ltd of Doncaster, who are highly experienced Jaguar E-Type restorers renowned for their quality workmanship.
A complete strip down ensued, new sills, engine frames and picture frame were fitted along with a new original specification bonnet supplied by Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Lead loading to the panels, as originally finished in the factory, was used to achieve the purity of shape and, combined with the fine panel gaps of both the bonnet and doors, are a testament to the skills of Wilkinsons’s craftsmen. The invoice pack includes invoices from Wilkinsons totalling £51,000.
During this process, the car was converted to right hand drive.
With bodywork completed, the shell was treated to paint with the final finish being Opalescent Dark Blue, a standard Jaguar period colour but now quite unusual to find.
Front and rear bumpers, door frames and all other major chromework, was replated by ACF Howells of Walsall.
Wheels are original Minilite magnesium items which are 33% lighter than the more common aluminium alloy ones and they dramatically reduce unsprung weight compared to wire wheels. They’re also far easier to keep clean.
The original splined hubs and knock-on spinners will come with the car.
With less than 500 miles completed since restoration, the exterior is as immaculate as you’d expect to see from a pampered E-Type.
The Mechanics
- Full engine rebuild
- 5 speed Getrag gearbox
- Uprated disc brakes front and rear
- New wiring loom
- Electric fan
The engine was completely stripped down to the last nut and bolt during restoration, with every component comprehensively checked.
The crankshaft was reground and fitted with a new harmonic balancer, superior to the original. The flywheel was refaced and the complete crankshaft/ flywheel assembly dynamically balanced.
The engine block has been re-bored and refaced before being rebuilt with new main, big end and small end bearings, new 9:1 compression pistons and a new timing chain set.
The cylinder head has been skimmed and new valves, guides, springs and unleaded seats have been fitted along with new camshaft bearings before reassembly.
The triple SU carburettors were sent off to Burlen Fuels for comprehensive refurbishment before final fitting and set up on a rolling road.
The wiring loom has been replaced throughout, with a Kenlowe thermostatically controlled electric radiator fan installed to aid cooling in modern traffic. The distributor has also been rebuilt by specialist H & H Ignition Solutions.
Finishing all this off is a full stainless steel exhaust system.
The Original Moss gearbox has been substituted with a five-speed model from Getrag, with the clutch replaced during this process. The Moss gearbox will come with the car.
Brakes have been upgraded utilising performance products from BG Developments up front & Coopercraft on the rear, both being popular modifications to early Jaguars, helping to improve braking performance.
Suspension wishbones were tested and then replated before being installed with new bushes throughout.
Summary
Completely rebuilt and ready to go with stunning head to toe looks.
This E-Type will be fabulous to drive and should only need careful servicing and storage to keep it in tip top condition.
One to use and enjoy, local car shows, weekend classic car tours or maybe a trip up to Scotland for the North Coast 500, this Jag will undoubtedly take it all in its stride.
Don’t miss this opportunity, you’ll struggle to find another one this good.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
