1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2-Litre Coupé

Correspondence from Jaguar dated 24th April 1965 confirms that this 1965 Series I, 4.2-litre, RHD, FHC, manual gearbox car was originally finished in Opalescent Silver Blue with a dark blue leather interior and was supplied new by Henlys London before being registered as ELY 173C.

Its early history is unclear but a replacement logbook shows that it was purchased on 12th March 1970 by Stephens Motors of Ilford before changing hands a number of times during the 1970s and 1980s. It appears to have been restored/recommissioned in the mid-1980s with a colour change to British Racing Green which was completed by 1987. As we have its first MOT slip on file from the same year showing just 11 miles, suggesting that the car’s odometer had been zeroed during its restoration but, pleasingly, the important numbers remain matching.

The Jaguar was acquired by Colin Ring in the early 1990s and we understand it was restored once again by him in the mid-1990s (a full body-off restoration so presumably more professional this time as the work has lasted well). Colin kept the E-Type until 7th July 2006 when it was acquired by our vendor. Cherished and always dry stored, he has enjoyed it since then and the history file contains invoices for servicing and maintenance, older MOTs and tax discs etc. It has benefited from some sensible upgrades such as Zeus twin-pot brakes and Lumination 1,2,3 electronic ignition.

As with any classic, there are always little niggles that get put off and put off again, however our vendor decided to bite the bullet last year and commit to a full survey by respected Jaguar specialist, WinSpeed of Guilford. Their report was rather lengthy (copy in the file) but all the issues were relatively minor. They were subsequently tasked with carrying out the work last May (2023) and within the file is a six-page invoice amounting to over £10,000. There is a further invoice on file from S.N.G. Barret for service consumables.

ELY 173C may have had a colourful and interesting past but since Colin Ring’s restoration in the mid-1990s and joint 34 years caring ownership between him and our vendor, this venerable Fixed Head Coupé has been absolutely cherished. A glance at our images will confirm that this elegant Jaguar would be welcome anywhere. With just 3,842 miles on the odometer, classically presented in gleaming BRG and tan, matching numbers and lots of recent history, this attractive Jaguar will reward your close inspection. As my Grandad would say, 'a proper old girl'.