A regularly used and enjoyed example with £20,000 spent since 2011
Complete with a current MOT history logging mileage progression since 2005
The Appeal
The Jaguar E-Type is one of those rare cars that instantly recognised by most. As such, it needs no introduction, achieving almost iconic status right from its 1961 launch. Officially the E-Type was built across three series between 1961 and 1975.
This Series 2 car has been in the ownership of a Jaguar enthusiast since 2011. During this ownership the car has covered around 10,000 miles and has accompanied the owner on numerous road trips and European tours. Today it represents a useable example that has been well loved, cared for and lavished with attention.
The History and Paperwork
This E-Type was first registered in August 1970
The 1R2 chassis number prefix designates this as a right hand drive FHC
The 0647 suffix suggests this was number 647 of the 1,071 originally built
The E-Type has subsequently been owned and enjoyed by various owners
At some point prior to 2011 the car appears to have undergone a full restoration
This is thought to have included bodywork, paintwork, mechanicals and interior
The previous enthusiast owner acquired the car in 2011
In his ownership the car was used and toured covering around 10,000 miles
The car was diligently maintained during his tenure with over £20,000 spent
This S2 is compete with a great archive of paperwork
This includes the current V5 registration document
This classifies the E-Type as a Historic Vehicle
As such it is MOT and VED exempt in the UK
Despite that the car has been MOT’d annually since at least 2005
This MOT history validates mileage progression and condition history
The current MOT is present in hard copy
This is an advisory free test valid until July 2024
A useful summary of work and expenditure between 2011 and 2023 is included
Numerous invoices are present to back up the summary document
A photograph album documenting the earlier restoration is on hand
The Interior
The interior presents very well and is finished in a soft grey leather
Despite its earlier restoration the cabin retains a good level of originality
All the signature E-Type attributes and charm are present in spades
The E-type’s cabin is an architype for powerful performance cars of the period with a multitude of gauges and switch gear somehow emphasising the drama of a trip in the car. This example has seemingly benefitted from an earlier retrim in a delightful light grey leather. The seats are stitched into vertical box pleats. These are finished in perforated hides whilst the bolsters are finished in an unperforated, smooth finish. Behind the seats is a useful carpeted luggage shelf.
The dashboard is familiar E-Type fare being finished in a crackle textured finish with a deformable foam top roll. The fascia is home to the white on black Smiths gauges, with the supplemental gauges and clock in the centre and the big speedometer and tachometer ahead of the driver. These sit behind the three spoke alloy and wood Mota-Lita steering wheel.
The door cards and rear side panels are finished in grey with chrome trim pieces and door furniture. The complimentary coloured carpets are edge bound in grey for longevity and an extra touch of luxury. A large Webasto sliding sunroof is fitted complete with tinted Perspex wind deflector. The boot is lined and finished with chromed protective strips. The boot floor lifts to reveal spare wire wheel and accompanying tools.
The Exterior
The exterior is finished in deep and lustrous looking Dark Blue livery
This is thought to have been applied at an earlier restoration
Deeply chromed, cross spoke wheels set of the period look perfectly
This E Type’s dark blue livery suits the car very well, accentuating the sublime swoops and curves of this iconic automotive design. The paintwork seems to exude a deep shine throughout with just the odd minor imperfection noted and photographed. The bodywork looks to be equally well resolved with the panel gaps looking refreshingly tight and symmetrical for an E-Type.
The car sits elegantly on a set of deeply chromed cross spoked wire wheels. These are affixed with the correct, Jaguar embossed central spinners. These appear to be in an excellent, overall condition with the rims likely protected by the deep walls of the matching set of Dunlop radial tyres.
The details of the E-Type’s design remain a delight. The purposeful vents on the long bonnet, the open headlights and those chromed wire wheels all work so well together. It is no wonder that the E-Type has secured its place near the top of list of the world’s most successful sports car designs.
The Mechanics
This E-Type is fitted with the now familiar 4.2L straight six XK engine
The engine is fuelled through triple, SU carburettors
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a full synchromesh, four-speed manual gearbox
The 4.2L engine replaced the original 3.8L unit and succeeded in improving refinement and drivability despite the headline power figures not changing. With the arrival of the 4.2 came an improved, all synchromesh gearbox which was praised for being significantly quieter and easier to use than its predecessor.
Reviewing the paperwork archive confirms that this car has been diligently maintained in its previous ownership. Between 2011 and 2023 over £20,000 has been spent keeping the car in the owner’s preferred “ready to go at the drop of a hat” condition. Key work undertaken includes a full engine rebuild (costing over £9,000) in 2018, a gearbox rebuild in 2020 and a full service and carburettor tune in 2022. It will come as no surprise to learn, then, that the car is reported to be in an eminently usable condition.
The under-bonnet presentation appears to be very good indeed and helps to underline the well cared for nature of the car. Likewise, the underside looks admirably well presented, straight and leak free for a car now over 50 years old.
Summary
This is a very honest and clearly much cherished Series 2 E-Type Jaguar. It has been regularly, yet sympathetically used since it came into enthusiast ownership in 2011. Whilst it is clearly not possible to be certain, there is nothing to suggest that the indicated mileage isn’t accurate.
Given its older restoration there are a few minor imperfections in a couple of other isolated areas, but these seem relatively easy to address should the new owner see fit. Overriding this, however, is the fact that this is a really useable example with a great deal in its favour.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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