1965 Jaguar E-type Series l 4.2 FHC

The Jaguar E-type is an icon of British automotive history, and it isn't difficult to see why. Sensational looks, the ability to reach close to 150mph and all for half the price of an Aston or a Ferrari at the time. Jaguar's sports car was an instant sensation as its curvaceous good looks - equally good in roadster or fixed-head forms - were clearly related to the Le Mans-winning D-types of the 1950s, sculpted by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer.

Its structure was similar too, with a monocoque central tub and a tubular front section carrying the engine and front wheels. The E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor.

The E-type's engine was also shared with previous models, a 3.8-litre development of the well-regarded, straight-six XK unit with a claimed 265bhp. This fabulous engine, combined with the E-Type's 500lbs weight saving over the XK150 and its efficient shape, gave real performance gains. This speed and agility were harnessed by independent suspension at the front via wishbones and torsion bars, with the rear also being independently suspended by lower wishbones, fixed-length driveshafts and twin coil spring/damper units. This broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted on all four wheels with those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce unsprung weight. All these factors resulted in the E-type becoming the complete package.

The E-type soon became a regular in sports car racing, unsurprising as the first 20 cars off the line were allocated to customers who made clear their intention was to race their cars, and later became the basis for a very short run of works-built lightweight cars that were very successful and are now highly-prized.

Jaguar continued to develop the E-type throughout its life. The first results of this programme of improvements came in 1964 when the newly enlarged 4.2-litre XK engine was installed under the bonnet and, although maximum power remained unchanged at 265bhp, torque was usefully increased, improving driveability. Other improvements included the arrival of a fully synchronised Moss gearbox and twin SU petrol pumps. A Lucas alternator was adopted along with a change to the electrics, now with a negative earth, a pre-engaged starter was designed and a Lockheed vacuum servo replaced the Kelsey Haynes unit originally fitted. The seats were redesigned, being plusher and pleated, whilst an all-black instrument panel replaced the original aluminium one.

The car offered here is a 1965 Jaguar E-type Series 1 4.2-litre fixed head coupé. This right-hand drive, UK-car is a fully matching numbers example (supported by inspection, corresponding paperwork and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate). The car also comes with its original buff logbook and information sent by the DVLA, to support its history. Also, in its history file are numerous invoices for work carried out and MoT certificates going back to 1973.

It was manufactured on the 15th March 1965 and distributed by Henlys Ltd. of London on the 25th March 1965. The car was first registered on the 7th April 1965 with the private plate "773 KTA', acquired from Devonshire County Council. It proudly still wears that registration today, having never had any other assigned to it. The car was originally painted Opalescent Silver Blue with Navy French Blue interior; again, a combination it still sports today.

773 KTA has always resided in the UK and has benefitted from having diligent previous owners, all of which have maintained and improved the car significantly over the years. It's believed that the car was in regular use until around 1989 when unknown circumstances meant that it was dry stored for approximately 20 years. Following this period, it was sold to a prominent car collector who commissioned a full nut & bolt restoration by marque specialists, Lanes Cars of Collingwood.

This extensive work was completed in 2011 and was fully documented with a photographic record. It shows every stage of the works undertaken, including the complete refurbishment and rebuild of the bodyshell which was taken back to bare metal. It addition, the engine was fully rebuilt including new pistons, con-rods, chains and valve guides, with the head suitably upgraded to run on unleaded fuel. The rear crank seal was upgraded, whilst the rear differential was fully rebuilt and the rear axle carrier was completely refurbished. Additional upgrades also included the fitting of an 'E Fabrication' 5-speed gear-box (whilst importantly retaining the original 4-speed gearbox with the car for preservation of matching numbers status), adjustable shock absorbers, a larger cored radiator, an oil cooler, an electric fan, 'Cooper Craft' 4-pot callipers, a six branch stainless steel manifold and exhaust, competition chrome wire wheels, electronic ignition, seat-belts and air-conditioning. Also fitted is a lifetime tracker device, merely requiring a change of name and a discretely installed modern audio/sat-nav unit.

Following its completion, the collector used the newly restored car only sparingly, covering just a few hundred miles, before a move abroad meant it was sold to our vendor in 2013. Having always wanted a classic Jaguar, he appreciated what this particular car had to offer, however, he too has only used the car when time and health would allow, only covering an additional 350 dry miles approximately. Thus, since its full restoration, the car has covered just 647 miles whilst also being garaged to exacting standards. Regardless of not having driven the car that often, our vendor has greatly enjoyed his ownership and being part of its story, whilst deriving much satisfaction from fastidiously maintaining it. Not surprisingly, the car passed a MoT in May 2016 with ease.

773 KTA is a very special car. It offers a new owner the very 'best of both worlds' - a Series 1 E-type with matching-numbers, a clear lineage of ownership and history - but also with a level of restoration and improvement that is hugely reassuring and confidence-inspiring. This car is ready to be fully enjoyed and appreciated.