motor cars

MOTOR CARS | 213

Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (XKE in the
USA) caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic
lines and 150mph top speed. While, inevitably, the car’s stupendous
straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines,
there was a lot more to the E-Type beneath the skin.

This very early E-Type is the 102nd right-hand drive roadster
completed, the chassis numbering sequence having commenced at
‘850001’. For the last 27 years the car has been in the care of the
current owner, a highly skilled craftsman with 50 years motor-trade
experience and numerous restorations to his credit, who thus was
particularly well qualified to carry out its renovation. Work began in
2000, prior to which the E-Type had been in storage.

During the restoration, the body was fully stripped of components
and paint, fitted to a jig and all corroded panels replaced as
necessary; these included the bonnet, floors, transmission tunnel,
inner and outer sills, boot floor, boot lid and doors. All joints were
then sealed by the traditional method of ‘lead loading’, while careful
attention was paid to ensure tight, accurate panel gaps were
achieved. This was followed by a full, bare-metal repaint in the
original Jaguar cream.

The vendor fully rebuilt the original engine, which was then

re-installed by Classic Restorations (Scotland) Ltd of Alyth.

Drive-train components were inspected and replaced as necessary;

new electrical wiring fitted throughout; and the hydraulics completely

overhauled. All brightwork was inspected and replaced as necessary.

The interior was then professionally re-trimmed in red to a very high

standard and a bespoke mohair hood fitted. Only some 200 miles

have been covered since the rebuild’s completion earlier this year and

the engine is not yet run in.

Representing a wonderful opportunity to acquire a fully restored

example of the Jaguar E-Type in its earliest and purest form,

‘1150 UR’ is offered with old-style continuation logbook, current road

fund licence, V5 registration document, fresh MoT and a quantity of

restoration invoices and photographs.

£80,000 - 120,000

€100,000 - 150,000