MORE ABOUT THIS CLASSIC...

This highly desirable original right-hand drive Coupe is available from our Kent based showroom. A brilliantly cared for true drivers’ car, finished in a heritage correct Carmen Red over Black trim, completed with a handful of desirable upgrades that brings this 1960s classic to life.

Rolling off the production line at the beginning of July 1965, finished in Carmen Red over Black trim, this right-hand drive Coupe was immediately shipped to Port Elizabeth, South Africa (SA) to Embassy Motors, est. 1950. The E-type was quickly purchased by its first registered owner, Mr K. J. Jooste, a SA architect, before the month end of July 1965.

It is understood that this Coupe spent its earliest years in the SA capital, escaping the usual ravages of British weather which corroded so many E-types of the time. The Coupe arrived back to the UK in 1989, setting some early roots in Oxfordshire with the new owner. In the following years it is understood the E-type exchanged hands a further two more times across the space of 5 years, until the summer of 1993, landing into the ownership of a Mr John Eastbury, Abingdon.

Mr Eastbury began documenting servicing and parts for the Coupe, which at the time was documented with the registration ABW 52F. Documenting countless MOT certificates, Tax and parts from reputable Jaguar suppliers, it is clear that Mr Eastbury spend the time and effort to ensure the E-type remained in perfect running order.

Remaining in this ownership for what is understood to be over a decade, the Series 1 E-type changed ownership to the owner of Kent-based classic Jaguar specialist, Mr Hugo. Tipped off from a fellow industry contact, the E-type purchase was an unmissable opportunity. Appearing to all-around solid and original, apart from being 3 shades of Red, the E-type offered a rare opportunity to restore a highly sought after 1960s British classic.

Taken in by the high level of originality the E-type offered, the owner decided to recommission the E-type, removing the original 4.2 straight engine and four-speed synchro manual gearbox. With the beating heart removed, the E-type was treated to an external respray to its heritage correct Carmen Red. Whilst aiming to refresh the Coupe, Mr Hugo decided to also paint the engine frames but left the underside of the bonnet to retain some of the car's original paintwork.

Whilst the shell was overhauled, the engine was treated to a full rebuild and finished to fast road specification, complete with the cylinder head re-machined, re-valved and ported by Coventry engine specialists, Chesman Motorsport. The 4-speed manual gearbox was also stripped and inspected, reporting all parts in good working order, therefore ensuring a reliable drivetrain for this E-type.

With the shell and drivetrain now recommissioned, the assembly could begin, during installation other components were also restored including front and rear suspension, steering, brakes and triple SU carburettors. It was at this time that Mr Hugo also decided to increase the reliability and performance of this British Coupe fitting the following upgrades:

• Electronic ignition
• High torque starter motor
• Full stainless-steel sports exhaust
• Triple lace stainless steel wire wheels

With the exterior and mechanicals addressed, the focus turned to the interior. Presented to be mostly original with the exception of the seat and footwell carpets, the trim was left to retain the originality and factory fit.

To put the perfect ribbon around this recommissioned project, Mr Hugo set out to make right the incorrect registration given to the E-type upon returning to the UK. Starting the process, it soon proved to be an involved process, which Hugo was unable to see to fruition.

Mr Hugo decided to part with the E-type in 2017, when the car was purchased by another keen enthusiast. The owner set out to place the cherry on top of this restoration by restoring an age correct plate to the E-type. Picking up from where Mr Hugo left off, the owner managed to reinstate a correct ‘C’ suffix number plate to the E-type.

2021 the E-type arrived at E-Type UK for sale and was quickly snapped up by the current owner. With this purchase, the owner achieved a lifelong dream of owning a true British classic, which lead to a busy summer of upgrades, Drive-it days and classic car events, including taking to the Hampton Court Palace lawn and participating in the Concours of Elegance 30 under 30 class.

Returning to E-Type UK for maintenance and upgrades, the E-type was treated with:

• Original 4-speed gearbox reconditioning
• Aluminium radiator, header tank and silicone hoses
• Performance air filter
• Rolling road set up, recording 217 BHP
• LED map lighting
• DAB and Bluetooth enabled sound system

On top of this work, the E-type’s interior was also fitted with all-new centre console trim, headliner, sun visors and rear bulkhead vinyl. Following this renovation, the E-type is reluctantly returned to the market following a change in situation, parting with the E-type to pursue future aspirations.

Having only been looked after by the best specialists in the industry, this Coupe has been and continues to be meticulously cared, while also presenting a rare opportunity to own a highly useable and yet great investment UK 60’s classic, with full matching numbers.

The E-type is available for immediate viewing and should you wish to see more from this exceptional example, enquire today via +44 (0) 1732 440 494 or email sales@dmhistorics.com.