2021-08-26 12:29:43 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 8/21
themarket.co.uk/en/listings/jaguar/e-type-s1-38-fhc/e75ec348-365c-46ad-9a08-68f5 ...

Auction description:
Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Odometer Reading: 3251
Chassis Number: 890838
Engine: 3781
Gearbox: Manual
Steering position: RHD
Colour: Opalescent Maroon
Interior: Black
Estimated Price: £95,000 - £120,000

This Series 1 3.8-litre E Type Coupe rolled down the production line in 1964 and was dispatched on a slow boat to New York, where its lucky first owner was no doubt eagerly awaiting its arrival.

It then spent the next 50+ years giving pleasure to a number of American owners, ending up in the dry state of California, with an engineer owner, before finally being repatriated a few years back by our seller.

The intention was always to restore the car to as new condition and whilst the car was completely dismantled, the seller saw fit to convert the car to right-hand drive. Easy enough to do at that stage and of course it makes the car so much more appealing and easier to use on our ever more congested roads.

The restoration was a considered one, with some components refurbished, but many were replaced with new parts from specialist suppliers Martin Robey and SNG Barratt. No expense was spared the quality of this restoration is really quite superb.

Our seller has added up the costs incurred and with the purchase price of the car, shipping from America and the parts and labour bill, his grand total is just over £130,000! Wow.

The time has now come for him to sell the car, so in the year where we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the E Type, here is your opportunity to buy one of the very best.

On the Outside

There are photographs of the car in its dismantled state, helpful as it shows the comprehensive refurbishment that this car has undergone.

The body shop used is familiar with E Types and having a car from a dry American state was a good place to start.

The result, perfect panel gaps, but most importantly a top-class paint finish. Never underestimate the sprayer’s art.

The maroon paintwork helps accentuate those classic E Type lines and looks so very smart.

Chrome wire wheels with spinners, what else, fill the arches nicely and each comes fitted with a new Vredestein tyre. They set off the car nicely.

We are told that the car’s extensive chrome was either completely replaced or rechromed. We can’t tell which is which, safe to say it’s all very, very shiny!

The care and attention to detail is simply breath-taking and this is a car that needs to be seen in the metal to truly appreciate.

On the Inside

The same level of care and attention has been given to the interior. The black leather seats are supple, supportive and smell divine. It adds to the sensual experience that driving an E Type is all about.

Period correct gauges present a raft of useful information to the driver and what could be nicer than a spindly wood steering wheel. There is a delicacy to the controls that is now missing from modern cars.

It is not only the seats that have had a retrim, door cards, dash and centre console have all been lavished with attention. A quality specialist can be thanked for this.

The boot has been retrimmed too and is ready to receive a modicum of luggage. The E Type coupe is surprisingly practical, so no need to travel light on those weekends away.

Underneath

Whilst undergoing restoration, the E Type was fitted with completely new sections of floor. Look at the pictures and you can see the standard of workmanship.

New stainless steel exhaust, suspension components, brakes….. the list goes on.

The original engine did not escape the restoration. It was completely rebuilt and then extensively bench tested to ensure peak performance. We should also mention that it is the car’s original engine.

The engine compartment is a delight and again the long list of new and reconditioned parts are easy to see.

We expect the car to drive like new, being fresh from its comprehensive restoration.

History Highlights

Sadly, we cannot tell you about all the amazing adventures this E Type had whilst on the other side of the Atlantic. What we can tell you is that the dry climate helped preserve the car in such a way that it was clearly worth restoring.

The seller has been painstaking in his efforts to keep the car to factory specification and we cannot spot any inconsistencies.

The car has been completely taken apart, repaired, parts replaced or refurbished where appropriate.

A labour of love by a team of dedicated specialists, £16,000 of new parts and the end result will take your breath away.

The Jaguar was MoT'd on 3rd August and of course it passed with no advisories.