1962 | Jaguar E-Type 3.8

This first class, fully rebuilt matching numbers Flat Floor Jaguar E-Type Series One 3.8 FHC was built by Jaguar Cars Limited, Coventry on the 4th January 1962. The car was USA bound, then dispatched from Jaguar Cars, New York to be supplied new to a C E Cuplier by Olmette Motors, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. By 1987 the E-Type had made its way to Florida and ten years later in rather tired, original condition made its way back to the UK.

The E-Type was sourced by E-Type guru and restorer Duncan Wilson of D&M Wilson Castleford for its most recent owner and was then subject of a long term complete, full nut and bolt restoration that was completed in early 2018. The E-Type was completely rebuilt from the ground up by a true E-Type expert, the shell was taken back to bare metal and rebuilt to show class standard with a spectacular body colour underside. The original 3.8 engine was rebuilt, the gearbox stripped down and checked and found to be in excellent order, and all the mechanical components were replaced or overhauled. Stainless steel fixings were used throughout and on completion this early Flat Floor Coupe was taken to another Jaguar specialist for valuation who placed in writing that this type of car in this condition is unique and would be hard to replace, placing a value on the car of £180,000.

Since restoration the E-Type has covered just 700 miles and was driven over to us on a fine weather day from Leeds. 981 UYX is a magnificent example, its clear its been rebuilt by a Jaguar expert, the bodyshell is first class with excellent gaps, and the car has been beautifully painted inside and out. The chrome work is all beautiful and all trims and rubbers as new. The re-trim is of a very high standard with all the lovely early E-Type features in place, and the engine bay exceptional. The car drives superbly, the engine oil pressure is excellent, the Moss gearbox is lovely to use and with all rebuilt mechanicals, the E-Type feels tight and superbly put together. With upgrades to the brakes and an aluminium radiator the E-Type is very usable, and has just been fitted with a brand new set of tyres recognising how fastidious its owner has been.

This is a very special car, and a restoration to this standard today would be approaching £200,000. Having covered just 700 miles since rebuild the car still feels like a fresh restoration and seven years on it looks just as it did on the day of completion, truly exceptional.