1965 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 4.2 FHC BY FRUA / ITALSUISSE

KEY FACTS

• A truly unique example of the iconic classic sports car, modified by coachbuilders Frua and Italsuisse in period, and now presented in excellent restored condition.
• Under the bonnet is the 4.2-litre straight-six, which is powered by triple SU carburettors and drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
• The only one of its kind, this unique E-Type was reworked by Frua and refined by Italsuisse, under the instruction of former racing driver and Jaguar dealer John Coombs.
• Revealed at the 1966 Geneva Salon and shown again at the Earls Court Motor Show, the car was sold to Roy MacCulloch of haberdashery firm MacCulloch & Wallis, who kept it until 1984.
• The car then changed hands several times, moving first to Belgium and then into a Dutch collection in the year 2000, before eventually finding its way back to the UK in 2007. It was then extensively restored in 2008, and remains in impressive overall condition.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Issued with the unenviable task of improving upon the E-Type’s styling while adding a touch of Italian flair, it is understood that Frua subtly re-profiled the body, added a small scoop and decorative grilles to the bonnet, and capped the headlights with a pair of clear covers.
• Somewhat unsatisfied with Frua’s work, Coombs then had the car sent to coachbuilder Italsuisse, who carried out further revisions, including fitting the car’s conspicuous front and rear chrome bumpers.
• While the original E-Type was red prior its modification, today this bespoke E-type presents in the same silver hue that it was initially displayed in, and retains its original black leather upholstery.
• It rides on the correct set of 15-inch silver-painted wire wheels with two-ear knock-off hubs.
• A very well-known car in the E-Type community, this Jaguar will be accompanied by two substantial folders of documents detailing its history, including restoration work which was carried out in 2008.

CONDITION

• During its restoration in 2008, the car’s bodywork was carefully tended to, with minor repairs being carried out on the bonnet and rear valance.
• Today, the body is in great shape, with no visible dents, creases or other damage.
• The paintwork was also fully resprayed, and now presents in excellent overall condition, with a bright and glossy appearance.
• Furthermore, all of the exterior brightwork has been re-chromed, and is in superb order.
• Inside, the cabin has been sympathetically refurbished but remains highly original, and as such shows various signs of its age, including cracking on the seats’ leather upholstery, light wear on the wood-rimmed steering wheel and various small marks on the trim items.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• While exempt on the basis of age, the car’s last MOT test was conducted on 2 September 2020 at 65,894 miles, which resulted in a clean first-time pass.
• In August 2020 at 65,894 miles, Howard Wise Cars replaced a manifold downpipe and performed a general inspection.
• The vendor will carry out an oil change prior to handover to the next owner.

SUMMARY

This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 FHC is a true, one-of-a-kind example of the elegant British sports car. Modified in period by coachbuilders Frua and Italsuisse, this well-documented E-Type has since been restored to a high standard, and represents a truly unique opportunity for any Jaguar collector or fan of bespoke 1960s design.

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