1962 | Jaguar E-Type 3.8

This outstanding Jaguar E-Type is a car with true provenance that is often so hard to find. This is 1 of just 28 Series One 3.8 FHC’s built in Opalescent Silver Grey with Blue upholstery. Not only is this is a Home Market UK car in its original colour scheme, it retains matching numbers and is a low ownership car. Whilst there are always many E-Type’s on the market, there are very few available like this, and finding an another original Opalescent Silver Grey car with this provenance will prove very difficult. This is a rare, special car with impressive provenance, and we are equally as pleased to confirm this is an incredible driving car that has in recent years had in the region of £40,000 taking the car to a wonderful standard. BVH 724A was manufactured on the 1st August 1962 and distributed from Henlys, Manchester. The E-Type was then supplied new by Ashley Smithy, Cheshire to its first owner Massey & Quinn Ltd. By 1993 the E-Type was in need of work and was partially dismantled ahead of restoration. With little progress the Jaguar was placed in storage in 1995 where is stayed for 21 years. In 2016, the E-Type was put back on the road with a major re-commissioning program with a Jaguar specialist. Whilst the initial plan was to restore the car, it was found to be in incredibly sound, largely original order so a more sympathetic re-comissioning program was carried out to put the car back on the road.

In 2017 the E-Type came into the hands of its most recent owner who has taken the car to the next level. Approaching £40,000 has been spent on major mechanical work and refurbishing the entire under bonnet area, bulk head and space frame. The bulk head and frame were all stripped to bare metal and completely re-painted ahead of a full front engine mechanical rebuild. The work was carried out by E-Type specialists Castle Classics, and the engine and cylinder head completely stripped and rebuilt by Tester Racing Engines. The engine rebuild included acid dipping, new bearings, piston tensioners, guides, oil pump upgrade to rear lip seal, spin on oil filter, fast road head to include 1 7/8 inlet valves, light porting and updated road camshafts. A new finned sump was also fitted (the original smooth finish sump is also with the car). The carbs were fully rebuilt, the original Moss gearbox overhauled by Hardy engineering and new ancillaries included a Fosseway fan and all new silicone hoses, a new correct 3.8 finned Marston radiator, high torque starter motor, Fosseway dynator, 123 ignition, brand new manifolds, Gaz adjustable dampers, Zeus front brakes and a straight through exhaust system that provides an incredible rorty sound. Further work included new Pirelli tyres, full LED internal and external lighting, re-painted wire wheels, a Superspoke removable steering wheel and brand new seat belts.

Since the program of work the E-Type has covered very low mileage having only had occasional summer use. We are delighted to report that the car is quite simply sensational on the road. The car is quick, the rebuilt 3.8 engine is fabulous with excellent oil pressure and it feels perfectly set up, idling perfectly and offering subline performance from its fit, subtly performance upgraded engine. The Moss box is a delight to use, the car handles as brakes superbly and sounds incredible with an exhaust note that really is additive to listen too. The car is mechanically outstanding and feels such a usable car. The underside of the E-Type is structurally outstanding, the engine bay having had refurbishment is of a show standard level yet the car retains an original feel with its lovely patinated interior. The headlining, dash top and carpets have been replaced but the car does retain a very original feel. The bodywork is lovely and straight, the older paint finish has a lovely gleam, the paintwork has a deep finish being an older re-paint it isn't without some very minor blemishes. This feels a much more preserved car, rather than restored car and it has retained its charm. It's ideal for driving, using and enjoying.

This high quality E-Type comes with a comprehensive file to include invoices and photo records of the recent work, copies of the original buff logbook, some MOT's, Heritage Certifcate, owners manual and Jaguar wallet. Various spares comes with the car, as does its original tool kit. BVH 724A is a fantastic car, it will be hard to find another example that drives this well, and with its wonderful provenance this really is a true collectors car that has had huge expenditure in the right places to ensure this is the perfect drivers E-Type