Registration No: BLW 768B
Chassis No: 861682
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 1,799 RHD examples made
• Exceptional history file dating back to the original purchase invoice
• A home market car with matching chassis, engine block and gearbox numbers

One of the great motoring icons of the last century, Jaguar`s E-type is a car that has always inspired loyalty and devotion. Born out of the fabulous D-type racer, the newcomer soon acquired a strong competition heritage of its own (as witnessed by Briggs Cunningham and Roy Salvadori`s strong drive to 4th overall in the 1962 Le Mans 24-hours). Faster and mnore glamorous than virtually all its production rivals, it put many so called `sportscars` to shame at its 1961 Geneva Motorshow launch. Certainly few could live with its reputed 150mph top speed or the savage acceleration that allowed it to touch 60mph in less than 7 seconds. In an age when decent family saloon could call upon its engine for 65bhp, the E-type`s 3781cc, DOHC, straight six claimed an additional 200bhp. While Ferrari`s lauded 250GT SWB and 250 GTO made do with live rear axles, the E-type utilised a sophisticated independent rear set up with inboard rear disc brakes. Rack and pinion steering enabled the driver to make the most of the monocoque chassis excellent road holding and handling, putting it light years ahead of American designs like the Corvette.

Finished in the desirable combination of Opalescent Silver Grey with Red leather upholstery, chassis 861682 was supplied new by Henlys of London to Robert Holton Esq on 23^rd July 1964 for the princely sum of £1,955 10s 2d. The Jaguar’s accompanying paperwork dates back to the original purchase invoice. It also encompasses the initial green logbook and 12 months’ manufacturer’s guarantee plus a bill showing the seatbelts and Golde Continental Sunroof that it retains today were installed by Henlys during August 1964. Mr Holton kept the E-Type until April 1978 with a MOT certificate issued the same month quoting an odometer reading of 11,505 miles. Briefly belonging to John Panton Esq, the Fixed Head Coupe was bought by RAF officer M.R.L. Philiips in December 1978 for £2,000. Documentation accumulated during Mr Phillips’ tenure includes correspondence with Smiths Instruments relating to a speedometer repair in 1981. The MOT certificate issued during July that year gives the mileage as 00008, a figure which had risen to 11,308 twelve months later suggesting daily usage.

Acquired by Peter Lunardi Esq of Elgin during 1983, the Jaguar enjoyed a far quieter life prior to being thoroughly restored at the decade’s end. The work was overseen by the local Sherriffmill Motor Company but also involved the assistance of E-Type specialist Martin Robey and the Milton Bros. bodyshop. Owned by Gary A. Scott Esq. prior to being sold to Gordon Henderson Esq. - proprietor of the Laichmoray Hotel - during 1999, the Fixed Head Coupe had another £10,000 lavished on it over the next nine years by R.M. & J. Smith of Crewe, Martin Robey and BAS. Passing to local garagiste Neil Miller in 2008 and Graham Bull of Camberley Marine & Sports Cars some three years later, the Jaguar was then purchased by Guy Manners a senior manager at Estee Lauder Cosmetics who lavished some £20,000 on it including an engine overhaul at an indicated 50,718 miles (the latter being completed some five years and 2,000 miles ago). Owned by the proprietor of a historic racing team thereafter, ‘BLW 768B’ appealed to the vendor because of its history file which is apparently the best he has ever seen. A long-term E-Type enthusiast through whose collection almost every conceivable variant has passed from external bonnet locks cars onwards, he could not resist adding his mark to the car’s refurbishment history via a respray, new dash top and re-coloured seats etc.

Pleasingly retaining its original, ‘matching numbers’ engine cylinder block, the Fixed Head Coupe started readily and ran well during our recent photography session. Although, it looks period the Motorola 114 radio has been reworked with modern internals. A notably late, ‘home market, Moss ‘box Series 1 car with an amazing history file which has been well maintained throughout its life, ‘BLW 768B’ has much to recommend it.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737