1965 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 4.2 FHC

This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe is a beautiful classic sports car, benefiting from an extensive rebuild and restoration around 10 years ago, and finished in an elegant colour scheme. Under the svelte bonnet is a 4.2-litre straight-six, fed by triple SU carburettors, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 73,674 miles.

First registered in April 1965, this two-seater Series 1 coupe is understood to have been purchased from the supplying dealer by the John William Leonard Lyttelton, the Viscount Cobham. There are now just seven previous keepers on the log book, and the current owner acquired the car in January 2014.

The car was subject to a major restoration that was completed around 10 years ago, with most of the work carried out by Jaguar specialist P&K Thornton in Nottinghamshire, and the renowned Classic Motor Cars in Shropshire. Invoices in the file from these specialists total more than £70,000. As well as a colour change from red to silver, the car was also fitted with a few upgrades, including stainless steel tubular exhaust manifolds and pipes, as well as larger callipers to improve braking performance.

Following the bulk of the restoration work, it was also improved by E-Type specialist Clayton Classics of Coventry, from whom the current owner acquired the car. Prior to this purchase, a full inspection and assessment was carried out by Ken Jenkins, technical adviser to the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and Jaguar Heritage, to ensure the car was ‘on the button’. It has since been used for weekend drives and longer road trips across the continent to Cannes, proving to be a reliable and thoroughly enjoyable example.

The bodywork and paint is in excellent condition, with flush shut lines and impressive panel gaps all around the car. Its silver finish still looks superb, illustrating the quality of the restoration work. All of the chrome is in great shape, with a mirror shine to the front and rear bumpers, light bezels and window surrounds. It rides on 15-inch wire wheels, which are in superb order.

In the cabin, the eagle-eyed will spot the earlier style Series 1 seat design, which are bespoke items fabricated in aluminium by Jaguar specialist Winspeed, and which were upholstered to match the existing trim. They are stronger and safer than the standard S1 4.2 seats, but still have a fantastic period-correct look. The seat piping perfectly complements the exterior colour, and there are dark blue three-point seat belts in place. Ahead of the driver is the full set of Smiths instrument gauges, while the bank of toggle switches in the centre console are all present and correct. Naturally, there is also an elegant wood-rimmed steering wheel.

The vendor reports that the car runs and drives very well, and its last scheduled maintenance was carried out by specialist engineering business Webster & Lancaster in September 2020. Throughout the most recent ownership, it has been maintained and serviced by this workshop as well as Jaguar specialist Winspeed.

The most recent MOT test was on 3 November 2020 at 73,674 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. Despite the fact that it is now exempt from mandatory annual testing on the basis of age, it has been inspection regularly over the last 10 years. The wheels are fitted with 205/65 R15 Michelin tyres on all four corners, which were fitted three years ago.

Accompanying the car is a good file of service history paperwork, and the vendor advises that a Jaguar Heritage Certificate is also present. This car is also documented on the XKE Data registry website.

This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 FHC is a stunning British classic, which has been restored and maintained in recent years by some of the best names in the business. In two-seater coupe form, it is arguably the definitive E-Type silhouette, and the quality and reliability of this particular car will make it a compelling proposition for collectors and keen drivers alike.

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.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.