1962 Jaguar E-Type Roadster series 1

Many words have been written about the legendary Jaguar E-Type, I think we now all know it is probably the ultimate British motoring icon that is loved by all. Perhaps the ultimate British sportscar? Certainly a design to bring adults to their knees and to move Enzo Ferrari enough to say 'this is the most beautiful car in the world' when it was launched in Geneva in May 1961.

What we have here at first glance is all the things that you should avoid when buying an E-Type. It is not matching numbers, it does not have the original gearbox, it does not have the original engine and it is not an original UK right hand drive car ~ it is a converted original American spec left hand drive car!

However ~ now the purists have been put off~ look a little closer. This is a recently rebuilt car, with lots of new panel work, and makes for a very price rangey series 1 Roadster - a car that is widely regarded as the best looking of all the E-Types.

It has a later full synchro gearbox that is infinitely easier and better to use and the engine is also freshly rebuilt and still running in. Bills and receipts show that the car benefits from an unleaded cylinder head conversion by Jag experts from Par in Cornwall, and now has electronic ignition fitted to the original distributor (so you have a much better chance of it starting!), series II brake calipers which are much improved (so it stops), a lightened flywheel and diaphragm clutch assembly, a 3.07 differential with all new bearings, a Kenlowe fan to stop embarrassment at traffic lights and a modern radiator.

It gets even better - a modern submersible fuel pump is fitted, as are new 'Boge' shock absorbers, painted 'flat hub' 6" MWS wheels (the strongest type for road cars available) and new Avon CR28 tyres all round. The engine is freshly rebuilt and still running in, there is a new wiring loom fitted and an alternator conversion (from the original dynamo) to avoid even more embarrassment when you've driven somewhere and then can't leave!

The car was originally cream coloured with red upholstery but who wants that when you can have traditional British Racing Green with Biscuit leather?!

In this price guide the car represents value for money, fun motoring and an insight in to real classic car ownership without some of the obvious drawbacks of the original cars. No soft top present but a rare factory hard top more than compensates.