1963 Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8 FHC to Fast Road Specification

• US-delivered, left-hand drive Series 1 3.8 E-Type Fixed-head Coupe sensibly upgraded for fast road use
• A Briggs Cunningham tribute including lightweight panels, tuned suspension, Accusump and fuel cell
• Potential to be further developed for competition use with suitable upgrades, a good base for fun on the circuits or hill-climbs
• Imported from California and accompanied by a large history file with details of the car's development
• Offered from a private collection, on-the-button with an MOT for peace of mind, well maintained and ready to enjoy

Offered here is a rather purposeful looking, early left-hand drive Series 1 E-Type 3.8 upgraded for fast road use. Exported and sold through US distributor Jaguar Cars, New York and first registered in California in 1963, around 48 years later the E-Type returned to the UK. Over the years, whilst in the US, this lovely British sports car has been owned by some well known personalities including ex-Santa Pod champion – Clive Skilton. A member of the 'British Drag Racing Hall of Fame', he was a leading light in drag racing in the UK and, in fact, his first ever event was at Santa Pod in 1967 driving an E-Type. He moved to the US in 1976 and spent many years circuit racing and developing well-engineered competition cars.

Skilton took the decision to set about a thorough restoration of this venerable E-Type and rebuild the car with some performance modifications, for fast road use or perhaps competition. Briggs Cunningham was a legendary American entrepreneur, Americas Cup skipper, racing driver and team owner whose distinctively coloured Cunningham CR cars appeared at Le mans on a regular basis. Finished in White with twin Blue Stripes his racing colours were later adopted by the US as the official  racing colours of America. His last drive at Le Mans was in 1963 in an E-Type, naturally finished in white and blue, and Skelton decided to finish this car in those colours as a tribute to the 'larger than life' character.

The restoration and improvements would be recorded in two large leather-bound folders which accompany the car detailing works from start to finish. Some of the modifications listed include; Roll cage, fuel cell, Accusump – for constant oil pressure, fire extinguisher, battery re-location with cut-off and some performance upgrades including uprated brakes, tuned suspension and custom exhaust. The bodywork was de-seamed and reprofiled and the car looks very impressive.

Offered directly from a private collection and thoroughly enjoyed since 2015 we are informed by our vendor that the car fires on-the-button and performs well. The E-Type has been consistently well maintained and although MOT exempt has been regularly tested for peace of mind, the current MOT expires on 9th December 2021. Recent work includes a fuel system overhaul, braking system overhaul and electronic ignition, with invoices on file.

In summary, this is a performance-focused, left-hand drive Series 1 fixed-head coupe which offers a rewarding driving experience and sounds like a competition Jaguar from the ‘60s. It could continue to be enjoyed on the road or perhaps, with some further development, used for hill-climbs or maybe even circuit racing.