Highlights
- Extensively restored by Automo
- Beautiful condition all round
- Comprehensive history file
- Desirable 123 ignition system
- Original moss gearbox rebuilt and sold with the car
- More practical 5-speed box currently fitted
The Appeal
Even if you are not a car nut you will still know the story of the E-Type, quite possibly one of the prettiest cars to ever be built. With its long sleek nose, enclosed headlights, and side opening tailgate this Series I is the real deal.
It has recently been through an extensive re-build with the specialists at Automo in Berkshire. Since then it has covered minimal miles and the underside is clean enough to perform surgery on. The car never fails to turn heads wherever you are, and with E-Types known to hold their value, this could be an excellent investment that will reward you with some excellent memories.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally this car was sent out to America where it would stay until 1991 when one of the previous owners repatriates the car to the UK
- It is believed that the car was put through a big restoration as soon as it arrived from the States, this is probably the time that it was converted to RHD too.
- After 5 years with that owner, it was sold on to the next owner in 1996
- And in 2004 it would be sold on to the previous owner
- There are a few assorted invoices from this ownership within the paperwork bundle
- In 2017 the current owner managed to buy the car off of the previous owner and it would go to Automo in 2017 to start a long and expensive restoration
- The final bill references work such as a full body bare metal repair and paint, the sills were replaced, new wiring throughout, re-chromed the bumpers and door frames, the head was skimmed and the brakes were re-built
- This only scratches the surface when it comes to the works completed in the past decade.
- In 2017 the gearbox was also replaced, it is a lovely box when the oil has warmed up
- The majority of the large invoices have been photographed and can be found in the gallery for you to look at
- It is now time for you to start your exciting E-Type journey and why not do it in style with this perfect example
- You will be able to create some more happy history for this car long into the future.
The Interior
- All the dials show correct pressures
- Lovely wooden steering wheel
- A wonderful place to sit
Of all the places to sit, the inside of an E-Type is probably one of the best places. Luckily the interior of this Series I is presented in very good condition and just raring for you to get in and go.
If we start by looking at the seats, we can see that both of the seats in this 2-seat sports tourer are in great condition. These seats have more than likely been re-trimmed at some point, but this shouldn’t matter when you remember that you’re sitting in an E-Type with the red bonnet extending out in front of you. The seatbelts could be original, with the metal holders still retaining a nice shine. The carpets appear to have been re-done during the last restoration in 2017 and as such the footwells and boot sections are both looking amazing.
As you slide into the seat you are met with a lovely wooden steering wheel, the wheel looks in good condition. Casting your eyes to the left of the steering wheel you can see the bank of toggle switches and Smiths dials set into a lovely piece of metal. Further down the centre console, you will find the modern/retro single din stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, making the car easier to live with on a day to day basis.
The gearstick and handbrake handle are also presented in great condition. Casting your eyes up you will also see that the headliner is in good condition with no unwanted sagging.
The gearstick and handbrake handle are also presented in great condition. Casting your eyes up you will also see that the headliner is in good condition with no unwanted sagging.
The current owner has highlighted a few very minor issues on the interior that shouldn’t amount to much. The rear boot hatch has a slight rattle over bumps, the driver’s door has to be shut with a gentle short sharp push, and the second speed on the heater is noisy. Apart from these small areas the rest of the interior is in great condition.
Before we forget, in the boot you will find a well-trimmed floor. Under the floor, you find the new fuel tank and new spare wire wheel.
You will be able to make many happy memories in the interior of this car throughout your ownership. Whether you wish to take it to the shops or cross continents with it you will be doing it in one of the best interiors out there.
The Exterior
- Completely resprayed in 2017 – with bumpers re-chromed
- Beautiful wire wheels
- Cannot beat the looks of an E-Type
There is no other car that can compete with the looks of the E-Type, they somehow evoke emotions that no other man made object can. This is obvious when you see every turning to look at this low slung and sleek classic sports car.
This particular example now looks like a showstopper, as we know it had a full body respray during the most recent restoration at Automo, but it didn’t stop at the paint they also re-chromed both front and rear bumpers. Thanks to this time consuming work the bodywork looks amazing. The looks are then further enhanced by the four stunning wire wheels (the spare is also a wire wheel).
As this is a Series I the front end is notably different from later models, with the characteristic nostril and central bar, but also the enclosed headlight a feature that was dropped from the Series II onwards.
Another quick place to draw your attention to are the sills, these were fixed during its restoration. And as it has been dry stored since they should still be nice and strong.
Whatever angle you look at this car from your jaw can’t help but touch the floor, they really don’t make them like they used to. What’s even better, is that this one could be yours! It would look really good in your collection.
The Mechanics
- 123 Ignition system
- New 5-speed Fabs gearbox (original moss box will come with car)
- Incredibly clean underneath
Although a lot of care was taken with the interior and exterior during the restoration, it is the mechanical elements that have probably received the most work. As such this E-Type is an absolute dream to get in and take for a long drive.
After the car had been stripped back to a bare shell the work on the mechanical aspects began and included works such as a new loom throughout, stainless steel exhaust, a head skim, new suspension bushes, the breaks were rebuilt, the carb was tuned, a new fuel tank was installed along with the pump and plastic fuel lines, a new upgraded alloy radiator and header tank were fitted, and the rear axle was re-shimmed. All you need to do is pop your head under the iconic bonnet and you can see these shiny new parts dotted around.
One of the biggest jobs was to replace the old Moss box, it transpired that there was a chip in first gear. So the current owner decided to fit a new 5-speed E-Type Fabs box at a huge cost, as this was a few hundred miles ago it still needs some bedding in, but once everything is up to temperature it performs spectacularly. The original Moss box has been reconditioned and will come with the car, along with a spare original distributor and exhaust downpipe.
Speaking of the distributer it has recently been swapped to a modern 123 ignition, which is a new revelation in the world of classic cars. It can work out all of the correct parameters itself making set-up/tuning easy. The current owner has said that it runs a lot better with this now.
Overall, this is an incredibly capable E-Type that is ready for you to jump in and take it on a long European road trip with your co-pilot sitting next to you. You really cannot beat the feeling of driving an E-Type down the road.
Summary
What’s not to love about this E-Type? With all the recent work that has been completed on the car, it is almost like new. When you look at the condition of the interior, exterior, and the mechanical aspects you can probably deduce that you will not find a better one for the money.
It is about time that you treat yourself to an E-Type before it is too late.
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