1962 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 FHC

This 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 FHC is an impressive example of what is often heralded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, presented in very smart condition. Originally fitted with a 3.8-litre block, this E-Type is now powered by a later 4.2-litre straight-six – which officially provides the same 265bhp but with more torque, making the car more usable and civilised on the road. This is linked to a later four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh. The odometer shows 89,113 miles from new.

Manufactured on 22 August 1962, this left-hand-drive Series 1 was dispatched to Jaguar Cars in New York, US, where it was purchased by its first owner Mr E M Collins. The next known history is when it came up for sale in 2011, when a seller in the US stated that the Jaguar has been in their household for 43 years – her husband having purchased the car in 1968.

It is understood that the car was shipping to the UK in 2016, and received a full respray shortly after its arrival. The Jaguar was subsequently re-registered here as ‘672 UYU’, and it was acquired by the vendor around one year ago. He has subsequently spent some £12,500 on maintenance and refurbishment, including repairs to various switches and wiring.

Today, this E-Type’s shapely bodywork remains in great shape, presenting with straight panels and even shut lines. The bright Carmen Red paintwork is described by the seller as being in good condition following the repaint four years ago, with just minor stone chips and blemishes commensurate with this being a good ‘driver’s car’ example rather than a concours competitor.

All of the exterior brightwork, including the bumpers and trim has been polished to a mirror finish, and the twin exhaust pipes present equally well. The car rides on a set of 15-inch chrome wire wheels with the correct two-eared knock-off hub nuts. All four remain in good order, with only minor surface corrosion visible on the wheels’ spokes.

This British icon’s cabin is in fair condition, with some elements having been restored. The seats have been re-trimmed in black and are reported to be in immaculate condition. As a Series 1 example, this E-Type features the correct dotted aluminium dashboard and console trim panels, which show some signs of wear, but suit the interior of this 1960s sports car perfectly.

Elsewhere, the black vinyl covering the door cards and inner sills has aged and split slightly in places. The vendor believes that to bring the rest of the interior up to the same condition as the seats would cost around £2,000. Thanks to recent maintenance work, all of the interior switches, controls and electrical items are reported to work without fault.

Its most recent maintenance was an extensive refurbishment at classic restoration specialist Pitt Lane Limited in August 2020. This included fitment of a new independent rear suspension unit, trailing arms, ball joints, shock absorbers and springs, bump stops and bushes. New front brake callipers and flexi hoses were also installed, along with a new master cylinder and wheel bearings. The car also received a new fuel pump, window wiper motor, horn, high-torque starter motor, fan control switch, tailgate stays and refurbishment of the speedometer. The carburettors were rebuilt, a braided cam oil feed pipe was fitted, and the torsion bar was refurbished.

Exempt due to its age, this E-Type’s last MOT test was conducted on 10 January 2017 at 88,661 miles, shortly after it entered the country from the US, when it secured a first-time pass without a single advisory notice. All four wheels are shod in a set of period-correct 185 HR 15 Michelin XVS-P tyres, which the seller states are in as-new condition.

Accompanying the car are an original Jaguar service and maintenance book, as well as its maintenance poster. The seller is also including the car’s Jaguar Heritage Certificate which details its original specification and early history, and itemised receipts detailing the renovation work performed by Pitt Lane this year.

This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 FHC is a gorgeous classic car, which benefits from recent and extensive mechanical work. With a later 4.2-litre block installed – though retaining the 3.8-litre cylinder head – this extra driveability makes this a much more tractable car, even better suited to road trips as well as occasional weekend use. It would make a fine addition to any collection, and could be a great entry point to iconic Series 1 E-Type ownership.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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