Lot details
Registration No: HKH861C
Chassis No: 1E10161

- A notably early E-Type S1 4.2 Roadster that has recently emerged from an extensive restoration to 'concours' standard

- Original bodyshell (with tag), engine and gearbox etc

- Bodywork restored and repainted by Stallion Motors of Nottingham (who also refurbished many of Frank Sytner's cars)

- Mechanical fettling and reassembly by XK Engineering of Coventry who found it to be among the quickest road going E-Types they have encountered

- Refinished in its original and stunning livery of Opalescent Maroon

- A seriously nice E-Type 4.2 Roadster that is worthy of close inspection

The most desirable E-Types for many are the Series One 4.2 litre cars because of their sweeter shifting all-synchromesh gearboxes, more comfortable interiors, torquier engines and improved brakes. The Series Two cars were further developed still but lack the iconic beauty of their earlier siblings. Looking for a Series One 4.2 litre Roadster, the vendor was drawn to chassis 1E10161 for several reasons. A notably early example (the 161st LHD car made) still wearing its original paint and trim, the two-seater had apparently been off the road for nearly forty years when he bought it in August 2015. Not only was it a `matching numbers' car but there also seemed a good chance that its low recorded mileage of 67,500 miles was genuine. Fortunate enough to have owned a number of important cars over the years, the seller entrusted chassis 1E10161 to Stallion Motor Body Specialists of Beeston, Nottingham for a comprehensive bodywork restoration. Bead blasted and stripped to bare metal, the bodyshell was fitted with a new back panel, bonnet, floors, lower quarters, door shells and inner / outer sills before being repainted in its original hue of Opalescent Maroon. Looking at the resulting fit and finish it is easy to see why Frank Sytner and others have used Stallion to refurbish various `blue chip' Ferraris.

With the engine stripped and the rear suspension and differential rejuvenated, the task of finalising the Jaguar's renovation was given to renowned marque specialist XK Engineering of Coventry. The list of components installed runs to four pages in the accompanying history file and shows that they attended to the E-Type's clutch, gearbox, engine, electrics, brakes, wheels / tyres and cooling / fuel systems etc. Greg at XK Engineering who did much of the work told us that chassis 1E10161 is among the fastest Series One road cars he has encountered. Derby Plating made the brightwork gleam once more at a cost of £2,592, while GB Classic Trim of Nuneaton charged £13,000 to fully re-trim the interior in Biscuit-coloured Jaguar Nappa leather with matching Jaguar Heritage carpets and Hardura door casings etc. The dash top and dash facia were recovered in Black with the same colour being used for the mohair hood and hood envelope. Starting readily upon inspection and behaving well during our photography session, chassis 1E10161 has now been UK road registered as `HKH 861C' and completed a mere 40 or so shakedown miles. Only being offered for sale to help fund a new restaurant venture, the vendor has informed us that he will pay for this stunning E-Type to be converted back to left-hand drive by XK Engineering should a new owner so wish (within certain time constraints). A great opportunity to acquire a notably early Series One 4.2 litre Roadster in a great colour combination for a substantial discount.