1966 Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 FHC Manual (LHD)

Remarks

Shipped to Jaguar Cars, New York 13/01/67, this final year registered E-Type was reportedly purchased new by a wealthy Connecticut resident with a 4-acre estate & stored in an underground garage with his 11 other British and Italian exotic sports cars of the time. His regular 'snowbird' transport down to Florida, there is a maintenance sticker still affixed to the driver's B-post showing it was serviced on 04/05/1973 at 41,550 miles in Winter Park. For whatever reason, this car was reportedly driven in and 'walled up' a year later with 4 feet of newspaper around it & hidden from view. until a local Jaguar racer and enthusiast became aware of its existence in 2012. He began 'stalking' the car - befriending the owner's widow. photographing inside and regularly checking in. Between 2012 and 2014, the property housing it did fall further into disrepair and a compulsory purchase order was made. It was at this point that '4039' broke cover for the first time in 4 decades, but unspeakably within a short time had been targeted by local youths who attacked the glass and at least one of the rear wings with what is believed to have been a baseball bat (these dents have been unattended to, lending support to the back story), they even rolled the spare wheel downhill into the lake, although this was happily recovered later and is presented with the car today... On inspection, the whitewall spare tyre matches the 2 rears - all 3 being original Dunlop SP Sport’s as per factory spec, possibly adding further credence to the car's superb low mileage. In 2016, our rescuer managed to buy the car he'd visited at night (throwing tarpaulins over to try & protect from the rain and snow) during its 18 months outside, from the family. Saddened by the deterioration of what he described as the beautifully patina'd trim, it was trailered it back to his 'shop', with the intention being a sympathetic front to back 'survivor' class restoration. Which didn't happen as business expanded, and money and space was needed. Enter the current custodian in Dec 2017, his 'over the odds, on the spot' purchase arriving in the UK via California 4 months later, sadly minus the 'stacks of paperwork' confirmed as being sent with the car on its journey by road 3000 miles west. Business commitments and far too many cars see this glamour puss being offered to market amid the E-Type 60th Celebrations for only the second time in its 54-year history. Mechanically, on arrival no. 6 piston was stuck from standing (the common 'cold spot'), so was left to soak in penetrant for 3 months, before being removed with a lovely smooth 'plonk' in August 2018 (a video of which does exist). The plan was a full strip down, check/ assessment and refurb wherever necessary to make into a turn-key, reliable daily fine weather driver - but only progressed as far as removal of all pistons for inspection (it goes without saying that the engine turns freely), timing chain/ pulleys and some ancillaries (all supplied with car). The engine compartment is extremely original with lots of factory hoses, hose clamps, Lucas battery helmet ends and so on. The body and underside could be described as overall excellent considering. It is just about completely rust free, although has of course suffered some minor dings over the years, as well the aforementioned dents. Panel fit is very nice, including the nose, which shows no evidence of accident damage. There is some very minor rust-through on the bottom of both doors, drivers sill & plus some minor bubbling low down on both sides. Floor pans appear original and look perfectly fine, as does the boot floor. There is very little in the way of bodywork or sheet metal repairs required, and what is will be straightforward. Seats will require a retrim, but door cards may well 'go again' to retain as much originality as possible. The dashboard facia/ gauges/ switches all look excellent. Correct, green factory tinted door, rear quarterlight and tailgate glass were sourced as a used, genuine 'set', both quarterlights have since been fitted in their hinging chrome surrounds. Catches for same are present. At the front is a pair of original Lucas headlamps, while along with the spare wheel and tyre in the rear is the original lifting jack and bag Any trim items removed have been bagged and labelled. All parts pertaining but not currently installed do fit into a single accompanying box. With such low miles and ownership, as a matching number Series 1 - and a 4.2 in such a beautiful colour to boot, this car would be the most perfect candidate for a high-end Concours restoration. Alternatively, and again because of its solid/ straight body and originality, it could be got running/ recommissioned and even sensibly upgraded to be made into a fantastic fast road/ period driver. A LHD to RHD conversion may also be deemed appropriate, with many reputable specialists offering such a relatively simple swap. Surely the finest original, unrestored, lowest mileage Series 1 available, and with such a fascinating story behind it. Certificate of Title, all relevant NOVA and import paperwork present, to be supplied to a new owner, together with the Heritage cert and written confirmation from JDHC that there were only 74 x S1 4.2 manual FHC's ever made in this colour combination. This car is no. 66 of the 74.