1963 | Jaguar E-Type 3.8

Originally sold new in Australia as detailed by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate and subsequently owned by a corporate gentleman who worked for Foster's, it was subsequently purchased by a Japanese individual who planned to undertake a full restoration. He exported the car to the far East and stripped the car promptly going bankrupt in the process. The next owner acquired the car back in the UK (in pieces) whereupon it stayed for about six years before another sale could be put together. The vendor then purchased car back in 2018 for a strong £75,000 and since invested over £142,000 in its restoration, (full details of which can be seen below) a lengthy process which took over five years to undertake with the odometer reading 60,446 at that point.

The first serious step forward was when the car was delivered to Tudor &Black in Suffolk, outstanding Jaguar specialists who take pride in producing concours quality restorations with the upmost attention to detail. In October 2018, the car was fully inspected, assessed and then structured restoration was begun. Not only were they going to fully recommission the vehicle but simultaneously restore it to near-concours condition.

Given that it was an early and therefore important example, there was a need that this was done with more regard to quality than most. Full consideration was given to paintwork, body/door and panel fit, engine performance, brakes, suspension with the correct 15” wheels, knock-off spinners and Blockley tyres fitted. It was also decided that as many of the car's original components were to be re-used in order to maintain the period integrity of the car.

In keeping with that philosophy, a colour-change back to its original colour of Old English White coachwork over red Oxblood hide was obviously undertaken to match the original 1963 factory specification. Firstly, a full strip-down of the vehicle was undertaken and an assessment made of each component. The entire body &doors were taken back down to bare metal, correct panel fitment and straightening protocols followed by a full £30,000 Rolls-Royce paint treatment.

The entire interior trim was removed and replaced with new hide in the original colour at a cost of £15,000. The engine, although made to run on arrival at Tudor &Black, was found to be noisy when warm so it was subsequently removed and thoroughly overhauled. As a result, the engine was given a full top-end rebuild with particular attention given to cams, followers and tappet clearances. Prior to reassembly and careful refitting, the noise problem was solved and the engine ran smoothly and pulled strongly as a result.

The gearbox and rear axle were also rebuilt prior to the car's final assembly and, after dismantling the front suspension, this was found to have been badly put together. It was therefore dismantled, overhauled and sent away for the correct nickel-plating as expected. Amongst many other items, it was also found that fuel lines had been incorrectly used in the braking system, all of these were thus changed and tested before any other works were carried out. Under the bonnet, you will find the correct and original fully matching-numbers, naturally aspirated 3.8-litre, straight-six engine fed by triple SU carburettors now delivering around 265bhp to the rear wheels via a Moss four-speed manual transmission.

A set of the correct period-sized wheels and tyres were then fitted to match the desired appearance of a near-concours car but which can still be used on a regular basis. A brand new, period Jaguar steering wheel was also fitted to complement the finished interior giving the proper driving feel and all the Smiths dashboard clocks were also all checked to ensure proper functioning.

With over 700 hours spent in labour alone totalling £52,500 and with supplementary parts including wheels, plating, minor chroming, hoses and even a push-button wireless all totalled an additional £10,000. Alongside the obvious clearly immaculate presentation, there are also included a number of additional sought-after upgrades including an aluminium radiator and header tank, a sports ignition coil and a full stainless-steel exhaust and triple-laced wire wheels. In addition, AEM 9 comes with a Production Record Trace Certificate from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, the V5C, original owner's handbooks, a documentation folder including photos and paperwork covering the restoration, and a substantial collection of pre-restoration documents supporting the car's history all laid out in a smart lever arch file all alongside numerous additional documentation including the original sales brochure.

The finished car received over £142,000 of careful, mindful attention producing an example which reflects its significance in the todays pantheons of important early Series I E-Type Jaguars as an original UK specification fixedhead coupe and certainly one that can sit comfortably in any discerning collection. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille

Lot details
Year: 1963
Make: Jaguar
Model: E-Type Series I Fixedhead Coupe (3.8 litre)
Registration: AEM 9
Chassis No: 861279
Odometer: 60,446


* Full nut and bolt restoration by Tudor &Black

* Original Old English White coachwork over Ox-blood leather interior

* Numerous upgrades including aluminium radiator and header tank