1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster - "Boycie's E-Type"

The Series III was the final incarnation of the iconic Jaguar E-Type. Launched in 1971, it was offered with a silky smooth 5.3-litre, V12 engine and in the guise of either a 2+2 Coupé or a Roadster. Offered with a longer wheelbase, larger and better brakes, and power steering, all as standard, it was a great swansong for one of the 20th. Century's greatest cars.

This wonderful example, UYP 695M, was delivered new to Henleys of London on the 11th. of October 1973, resplendent in Old English White, with a blue leather interior, matching carpets, automatic gearbox, and black PVC hood. UYP 695M's first and only registered keeper, a successful businessman residing in Mumbles, Swansea used it as a 'boulevardier', cruising along the Welsh Riviera with the top down. Putting some 79,000 miles on the odometer during his tenure, another businessman of less than salubrious stature also put some miles on the car. In the Spring of 1981, the car was lent to the BBC for the filming of a new comedy programme, entitled Only Fools and Horses for use in the second ever episode "Go West Young Man". It was thus that UYP 694M was to enter British television history as "Boycie's E-Type".

After doing a deal with Boycie (John Challis) over a dodgy Ford Cortina Convertible, Del Boy offers to store UYP 694M for a week in his garage out of sight as Boycie had bought the E-Type as a birthday gift for his "bit on the side". Del Boy (David Jason) and Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) decide to go out on the tiles to "find a couple of sorts", naturally in Boycie's E-Type. On their way home Rodney accidentally throws a cigar pack, on which is written the phone numbers of the girls they met earlier, out of the window, and when Del hits the brakes to get out and recover it, another car smashes into the back of the Jaguar. Of course, no damage was caused to the car, merely a staged accident for television purposes. It is fitting that UYP 694M, the swansong of an icon was to star in the first series of the greatest British comedy of all time.

This famous E-Type is presented today in largely original condition. The black PVC hood was replaced with a blue mohair hood and matching tonneau and the original steel wheels were replaced in the 1980s with chrome wire wheels fitted to splined hubs and Jaguar spinners, the receipts for which are in the history file. The leather seats are in remarkable condition, showing lovely patina with minimal wear to the driver's seat bolster, and are a credit to the maintenance and care that the car has received by its fastidious owner. Supplied with 16 previous MOTs, two sets of original keys, tool roll, jack and the 'knock off' hammer for the spinners. The history file contains a large amount of paperwork including service bills, handbook and workshop manual.

The car has received a light recommission after being stored in a heated garage between 2006 and 2016. New shock absorbers, battery, SU fuel pump, Stromberg carburettor kits, track rod ends, top and bottom ball joints, brake pads, hoses and seals, bonnet and hood seals were fitted. UYP 694M was treated to a full service that included new plugs and, of course, oil and filter changes to the gearbox, differential and the engine. The bumpers have been re-chromed and the paintwork has been polished and sealed with a hard wearing ceramic coating. The mohair hood has a three-inch tear just behind the driver's door that has been stitched, however, this consignor advised the vendor to present the car "as is" and allow the successful purchaser to either replace the hood with period correct PVC or a complementing blue mohair hood. Replacement floor mats, in blue, are on order and will be presented with the originals.

To conclude, therefore, it is one of the joys of the auction world to be able to offer a car that is rather special, in every way. Presented to auction with a Swansea V5C, MOT until May 2017 with no advisories, and the distinction of having been featured on one of the best-loved television comedies of all time. A great conversation topic at any classic car show, dinner party or showroom. When contacted by Silverstone Auctions John Challis remarked, paraphrasing his original line from the episode, and alluding to the recent British success at the Rio Olympics "It's only E-Type Jaguars and Adam Peaty that makes me proud to be British these days."