2013-11-21 11:32:47 | Lofty writes:

For sale at Brooklands 30 November 2013

www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2013-11-30/car/1964-jaguar-e-type-series-i-f ...

1964 Jaguar E-Type Series I Fixed Head Coupé

Registration DHJ 474B
Chassis Number 890770
Engine Number RA 7330-9
Odometer reading 46,825 miles
Estimate £65,000 - £80,000

We are proud to offer a magnificent example of a series one Jaguar E-Type FHC (Fixed Head Coupé). This ex Californian car was acquired by the vendor in 1990. It was originally thought to have been purchased new by a demobbed American serviceman with his severance pay. The vendor states, "At this time in 1990, the Jaguar was resplendent in faded Primrose Yellow paintwork, rust free, but burned by the relentless sun of Marina Del Rey. So hot was the climate that the upholstery had crumbled and burst and the glass would later require chiselling out of the rubbers. However, although dented here and there, the climate had been unbelievably kind to the bodywork. This was the time of soaring E Type prices, and although we looked along the length and breadth of the mainland at various cars, as a project, this one came out best. I retired in 1998 and subsequently a total restoration was begun. Dismantling and appraisal was carried out at the premises of Alan Collins in Maldon, Essex. On his recommendation a panel man in Burnham, Joe, was commissioned to carry out the body restoration and a fair proportion of the assembly. Joe is to be fair, an eccentric of huge talent and able to fashion aluminium on wheeling and folding machines. He later commented that he had never seen a better original shell."

The restoration proceeded with the body being stripped, shot blasted and reassembled using the talents of both Joe and Alan Collins. In fact, so good was the original shell that there were no replacement panels used on this car whatsoever during the restoration; even the original spot welds abound and are in particular evidence adjacent to the battery and underneath on the boot floor, the areas that typically rot first on the E-Type.

Another later coupé was purchased for parts which supplied the RHD conversion; a 4.2 all-synchromesh gearbox and high ratio axle. It was upgraded with a fully rebuilt and balanced 3.8 engine, Coopercraft brakes, alternator and negative earth electrics. A larger bore stainless steel free-flow exhaust and manifold were also added. In addition, there is an oversized aluminium radiator and header tank, to assist cooling. Most of the bright work is new or re-chromed and halogen headlights improve the lighting. All parts were overhauled and replaced including a new petrol tank that resides within the boot, and detailed finishing to the under trays and splash guards; even the rear suspension cage is detailed. To complete the project, the coachwork was professionally finished in British Racing Green, the interior re-trimmed in Connolly Leather with Wilton carpets and for the final touch, this E-Type sits on new wider chrome wire wheels.

Built to be used, trips to Wales and the West Country were completed without effort. Only approximately 10,000 miles have been travelled since the car was restored over 10 years ago. Still in show condition, this willing and spirited E Type has all the tenacity of the early cars with many of the virtues of the later and subsequent 4.2's. UK registered with a current MoT test certificate and valid historic road fund licence, this coupé is ready to be admired and enjoyed immediately; an opportunity surely not to be missed.