Description

1966 Jaguar E-Type S1 2+2

Massive history file; restored in the 1990s; significant recent expenditure; paintwork not the best but fighting fit mechanically; driven 70 miles to the sale

Built in 1966, this factory RHD E-Type Series One 2+2 was extensively restored in South Africa between 1989 and 1998 as documented by a vast number of invoices, faxes and technical drawings on file. Originally an automatic, it was converted to manual using a rebuilt gearbox from a Mk2 3.8 with the speedo and rev counter rebuilt and recalibrated to suit.
It would take hours to comb through all the bills on file but it seems pretty clear that virtually every nut and bolt on the car was removed and replaced as necessary – brass window channels; fire wall grommets; bonnet lock catches; battery tray; dipstick; coil bracket; sun visor clips; clutch kit; wiring loom – you name it and they replaced it, often drawing the parts for good measure too. The owner ran his own engineering business specialising in nuts, bolts and fasteners so this level of detail must have been second nature to him.
The original engine (7E51320-9) had suffered piston slap from overheating so a replacement engine was fitted instead, fully reconditioned with new pistons etc. The suspension was completely rebuilt with uprated competition spec torsion bars and Bilstein shock absorbers. The brake system was all renewed and the prop shaft and back axle were rebuilt with new u joints, diff bearings, seals etc. The bodywork was restored as necessary and repainted from red to black. On the inside it had new seat foams, top quality navy hide seat covers, new headlining, new carpets, refurbished steering wheel etc.
In January 2003 the E-Type was spotted for sale at Frost Brothers of Knysna by a British doctor who was holidaying in the Western Cape, photos showing it gleaming in their showroom alongside other classic cars. He bought it and had it shipped back to the UK, sending it to Robin Lackford Motor Engineering of Horsham in March 2003 for a thorough checkover and for any faults to be rectified, as detailed in a 6-page report on file.
This included setting up all the suspension properly with many new parts; replacing the steering rack and column; fitting a new radiator; rebuilding the carbs; fitting many new pipes and hoses; brakes overhauled; new seat belts; 5 new tyres plus a host of other minor jobs, the bill for this lot coming to £7,670. A Tracker theft recovery system and an immobiliser were also fitted at around the same time, an old MOT showing that the indicated mileage at this point was 16,004. It seems that the car was then used only briefly, clocking up just over 1,000 miles before being put on SORN in 2006.
In late 2018/early 2019 the doctor sent it to E-Type UK in Tonbridge for a thorough recommissioning which included new vented brake discs all round; reconditioned calipers; a new fuel tank; fitment of 123 electronic ignition; new rear subframe mountings; a new stainless steel exhaust system plus a thorough service and various other jobs, the bills for this lot coming to some £15,000.
Now showing 18,300 miles on the clock, it flew through its MOT shortly before the auction with no advisories recorded and was driven some 70 miles to the sale on a swelteringly hot day (31 deg C, to be precise) with no problems whatsoever. As you can see in the photos, the car looks to be good and solid with a particularly nice interior but the paint is now 30 years old and has lost its lustre here and there.
Starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site, with good 40psi oil pressure when warm, it is ready for a new owner to enjoy and has room for all the family too.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com