1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 FHC

Introduced in 3.8-litre form in May 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused a veritable sensation when it first appeared, with classic smooth lines, great looks and, at the time, an amazing top speed of 150 MPH.William Lyons had created one of the all-time most beautiful cars ever to be produced by Jaguar. The styling, together with 265 bhp and a huge weight saving of over 500lbs on its immediate predecessor (the XK 150), was a formidable combination.The first evolution was the introduction of the 4.2-litre engine, fully synchronised gearbox and greater legroom to accommodate six foot plus drivers. This model is often regarded as the ultimate driving E-type, and even now a well-sorted example is a sensational driving experience with a sense of occasion that's hard to replicate at any price in a classic car. Manufactured in 1965 and first registered in April 1966, this gorgeous, original, home market RHD Series 1 FHC is offered from long-term ownership having been cherished by our vendor since 1995. The history of this particular E-Type is varied to say the least, and can be traced back to 1978 when a Mr. P. Shakeshaft of Surrey owned the car. In 1980 it appears that the car was being stored in a barn at the Cross Keys Pub in Llandfyllian, as security against a loan to his brother, however, in 1989 the property had to be demolished and the car was sold for the princely sum of £7,000 to a Mr. A Richards. Having languished for almost a decade, the car by this stage was starting to look rather sorry for itself, and Mr. Richards commenced a comprehensive restoration, logging approximately 900 hours of work which appears to have been carried out at a meticulous level.The bodywork was taken back to bare metal and any rusty areas were addressed and lead-loaded as required. The front chassis frame was replaced as were all the suspension joints and mountings.The mechanics of the car were, of course, attended to at this time with the engine and differential being fully rebuilt, whilst the gearbox was checked and deemed in good order. A new bonnet was fitted and the wheels were replaced with brand new sparkling chrome wires. All the new parts were purchased from Martyn Robey. Once this mechanical work had been completed, all the brightwork was refinished and the car's original Dark Green colour was replaced with many coats of Carmen Red using high specification Dupont paint applied with the "Pressure-pot' system, as per the factory. Mr. Richards would keep the car until 1995 when it was sold to our vendor, a director of Top Gear in its heyday throughout the 1990s. It was as a result of encouragement by the presenter, Quentin Willson, which ultimately cemented his decision to buy an E-Type.After searching the length and breadth of the UK, our vendor finally settled on the car offered here and, of course, it was promptly featured in the show later that year with Jeremy Clarkson at the helm.The car would become quite the TV star over the following years being used in "The Car's the Star" where (with some artistic license) it was seen to be approaching the famous 150mph top speed. E-Type ownership has been infectious for our vendor and the car is seldom unused, being driven as intended whenever possible. It's occasionally allowed to stretch its legs, being treated to Goodwood and Castle Combe track days along with the odd blast up Prescott Hill. Of course, to be driven enthusiastically it needs to be in excellent mechanical order and has, indeed, benefited over the years with uprated brakes, more efficient cooling, a new clutch, new wishbones, electronic ignition, and a wealth of other new parts. Presented with a fascinating history file, this car is a very honest example indeed. Whilst it may not be a perfectly restored matching numbers example, nor finished in its original colour for that matter, this fantastic E-type is a true driver's car and embodies the essence of sporting Jaguars. Equally loved as it is used, we certainly hope the new owner can achieve as much enjoyment as our vendor has in his 21 years of ownership.

The car can be seen (below) in an episode of The Car's the Star at 6.07 - 6.47 minutes and again in part two at 0.55 -1.33 minutes.