1962 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Coupé

The Kinlee Collection illustrates our vendor's lifelong devotion to improvement. Eclectic, yes, but each motor car represents an aspect of our vendor's personality. Having bought many cars from us over the years, we appreciate our vendor's loyalty in returning the nostalgic Escort RS16000 and much-improved E-Type back into our care for the next custodians. Before we come to the extraordinary Wolf Defenders, the unique restoration of the 110 Pick-Up started out as a wager between our vendor and his friend, who together have changed the skyline of a major city, and whether he'd recognise his old car once it had gone through our vendor's private workshop, he didn't!

Our vendor's appreciation of engineering started early, awarded Student of the Year five years running whilst ignoring the obvious distractions of 1970s college life. With success came fast cars and a classic Aston Martin or two, but one day, an interest for improving a certain type of Land Rover began and became a passion that has grown into a private workshop with skilled technicians who do take their time when restoring the cars and maintaining our vendor’s fleet of classic Astons, Jensens and more. Finally, when asked by this consignor of the significance of Kinlee, our vendor referred us to his favourite song by The Kinks: I’m Not Like Everybody Else.

The Jaguar Heritage Certificate shows that this particular left-hand drive Series I 3.8 Fixed Head Coupé was manufactured on 18th January 1962, finished in Carmen Red with a black leather interior and delivered to its first owner by Jaguar Cars New York. The coveted 'flat-floor' model E-Types finished their left-hand drive production run with chassis #885504, making this car intriguing as it was manufactured only three cars later, being chassis #885507, and probably on the same day as the body-type change. This could mean that it's one of the earliest 'non flat-floor' cars to roll off the production line.

First registered in the UK on 1st August 1984 but later changing registration numbers to the current WVS 980, this car was sold to a Mr D. Adams of Hertford in 2005 by the E-Type Centre who, at the time, carried out the necessary work and converted the car to right-hand drive. At the same time, a Luminition electronic ignition system was fitted, along with a Kenlowe fan to improve cooling. Later in 2005, further improvements were made to the car with the addition of Coopercraft front and rear brake calipers, an uprated fuel pump, new rear subframe mounts and a professional respray.

The next traceable owner was a Mr Snow of Derby, who in July 2011 sent WVS 980 to classic Jaguar specialist, Michael Cannon of Derby, for a full check up. At that time, the engine mounts were replaced, new exhaust manifolds were fitted on both sides, the braking system was given a full overhaul, the carburettors were cleaned, reset and tuned and some wiring was replaced where necessary. An invoice totalling £11,000 for this work is included in the history file. In April 2012, the car was again taken to Michael Cannon where it was fitted with a new Elite Racing Transmissions Tremec 5-speed gearbox.

Sold by us and joining the Kinlee Collection in 2016, the previous owner was a serial E-type owner for almost 40 years who purchased chassis #885507 in 2013, continuing his enthusiasm for the model. Under our vendor's custodianship since 2016, the car has been taken to another level, with mechanical works amounting to nearly £70,000 of bills plus a retrim of the interior. The list of works is exhaustive but includes a full engine-out rebuild and attention to the running gear. The incredibly detailed history file includes photographic records, and our vendor’s recent bills join the receipted works by previous owners. Performing on the button and estimated keenly, this very early E-Type is ready for its next journey having covered some 6,324 miles since having been zeroed after restoration.