1962 Jaguar E Type Series One 3.8 Coupe

A great left hand drive matching numbers example finished in its original fantastic colours of Opalescent Dark Blue with Red leather interior.

Originally despatched to Jaguar Cars in New York on the 26 November 1962 as noted in the JDHT Heritage Certificate, this E Type spent many years in California before returning to these shores in the early 1990’s. Following its return the car spent many years in storage before purchase by the last owner in 2017.

A full restoration programme was soon embarked upon, the aim being to return the car to how it was on the day it left Browns Lane albeit with some very subtle modifications to improve usability. To this end the body was sent to the renowned E Type specialists, Castle Classics. The body was chemically stripped on their behalf by SPL before being completely rebuilt to exacting standards as noted in a myriad of invoicing on file, also illustrated in pictures. Following this the illustrious Pit Lane were entrusted preparing and painting the body to the highest standards.

The engine was fully rebuilt to fast road specification and fully balanced and the Modd Box rebuilt by Hardy Engineering, the differential was rebuilt and the ratio changed to 3. 07 by AJS, a new clutch fitted and the master cylinder reconditioned with new slave cylinder. Weber carburettors are fitted in a new Rob Beere manifold with 2” free flow exhaust, 123 electronic distributor, new fuel tank and a Facet fuel pump with pressure regulator. In addition, a new aluminium radiator features with a Fosseway fan.

Front and rear suspension parts were either zinc plated or powder coated and fitted with poly bushes, the torsion bars, front and rear anti roll bars are all new and uprated with new springs and Gaz shocks all round.

BCC aluminium 4 pot callipers with vented discs were fitted to the front, the rear having uprated Zeus pistons. Green Stuff pads feature throughout and both master cylinders and servos overhauled with new brake lines.

A new wiring loom was fitted and converted to negative earth with alternator, LED lighting and overhauled instruments.

The interior was retrimmed in the correct materials from Aldridge Trimmers whilst all chrome components were replaced or refinished by Derby Plating – the best people. The brilliant period-looking Blaupunkt Frankfurt retro stereo has been fitted with hidden speakers. This unit features Bluetooth music streaming and DAB radio.

A recent service has been completed by Jaguar specialists to ensure it is ‘on the button’ and ready to enjoy.

There are many E Types about but few really good examples, this is one of them, the car looks right, has great detail and drives beautifully. In short, it lives up to the legend.

It comes with a substantial history file fully detailing its import and subsequent restoration all overseen by someone who knew what they were doing.