The Jaguar E-Type is a British automobile legend, manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975. A combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing ensured the car was an instant legend. In period, a Ferrari cost three times more and supplied less horse power which established the marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. The model became a great success for Jaguar; at its release Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made". The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½".
Despite completion at the factory on the 15th December 1961, this Jaguar E-type 3.8-litre would not be despatched until 7th March 1962. One of the earliest examples completed, this is the 320th right-hand drive road ‘open, two-seater’. Originally finished in Imperial Maroon over Tan, this flat-floor was registered '494 YTB' which it retains to this day.
From the accompanying Buff logbook and factory information sheet, the car was originally sent via Parker’s of Bolton to agents E. Rimmer of Chorley, Lancs, but lasted a mere 6 days on their forecourt before selling its first owner, R. Burgess of Prestbury, Cheshire. The logbook with the car notes that it remained for most of its early life in Cheshire, changing hands first in 1965, with several more sales until 1970.
In August 1984, it was inspected by Strange, Strange and Lee Automobile Assessors of Stoke-on-Trent for a prospective client who was interested in purchasing the Jaguar. At that time, their report notes that the total mileage to date had been just over 14,000 and that this had been accounted for by a succession of fastidious owners. Whether the mileage was true or not is difficult to know, however, they do record that it was still in its original colour scheme, and MoT certificates on file confirm this reading.
Five years later, in 1989 the car came into the ownership of Mill Lane Engineering, and was acquired as a sound basis on which to complete one of their exceptional restorations. It was purchased shortly after by a Jaguar enthusiast, who also had an XK150 restored by the company and was the subject of a ground up re-build at Mill Lane between 1989-1992.
A comprehensive file with the car details the full process of the work carried out from its purchase in April 1989 for £19,500, through every aspect of the restoration work to its eventual completion. Each invoice throughout this period comes with the car and the total cost of the rebuild, carried out over 1,600 hours invested and at a time when labour charges were a fraction of today's figures, is a considerable £160,000.
Well cared for by a serious of fastidious owners and residing within a small collection in the past few years, the car has seen sparing use. Offered for sale accompanied by its history folio including original log book and invoices, this example is ready to be used and enjoyed in the coming months.
