1963 | Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Helm

HELM boasts decades of experience in the art of sourcing and restoring E-Types, but the run of 20 celebratory models represented its ultimate expression of the Malcolm Sayer-designed icon. Not a restoration but a 're-imagination' and unlike some rivals it retained the E-Type DNA. Not only did each car receive a complete nut and bolt build, the 3.8/4.2 XK engines were all uprated to 'fast road' specification, with fuel injection, cold start system and electronic ECU. To go with the extra grunt, there was a new alloy cooling system, and the rolling chassis receives modern vented brake discs all round with HELM's aircraft grade six-pot calipers up front, along with Avon ZZ rubber

The structure itself retained the steel reinforced monocoque shell but only approximately 30 per cent of the original base was used, with handmade aluminium bonnet and doors added, alongside new bespoke bumpers, to keep weight to a minimum and the artistry to another level. The cars received an adjustable suspension system with uprated components and electric speed-sensitive power assisted steering comes as standard. The HELM E-Type weighed in at approximately 1,200kg, around 35kg less than was quoted for the original 3.8. Luxury had not been overlooked, evident in the car's soft-close doors, and lavishly trimmed interior by master leatherworker, Bill Amberg, delivering the kind of leather trim you'd almost imagine cows would be happy to give up the ghost for, immortalised in the V&and Metropolitan Museum of Art…. Quite the boast! Complemented by HELM's staggered fitment of bespoke stainless steel wire wheels, ensuring each car looks as amazing as it drives. There are plenty of ways a customer could add their own touch to each car, although HELM's founder and automotive engineer said the firm's ambition was to celebrate the Sayer original.

This is the first HELM E-Type, number one of six built and was revealed on 24th March 2021, it's the very car that posed for multiple magazine and promotional shoots, shows, and even GQ Magazine featured the HELM in June 2021. The price started at £420,000 and now stands at £447,000 for the base car before options such as parking sensors, his and hers umbrellas, Ohlins suspension, uprated audio equipment etc. are fitted. If built to order today with bespoke luggage, it would cost in excess of £520,000 plus a 12-month wait, if that sounds like a lot, don't forget that the best, simply restored, E-Types can exchange hands for more than £250,000, then bear in mind that each of the HELM builds take over 3,800-man hours to produce.

This car has covered a mere 2,400 miles, much of that honing to the setup and engine dynamics with closed sessions at Silverstone which were utilised to create the ultimate E-Type driving experience for a road car and the top motoring journalists giving glowing road tests and reviews which can be found online and listed below. The colour is Opalescent Silver metallic, a Jaguar colour but finished far better than any car from the Jaguar factory with over 20 litres of paint used for each car. Trimmed in burnt orange leather by Bill Amberg and with the matching luggage set present, this trim alone is stated to cost circa £70,000 in leather and labour. Also, a wonder for such a classic are the soft close aluminium doors which 'make sense' but take hours of fitting and fettling.

The brightwork is no usual chromework, it is triple nickel plated with iridium HELM logos and the engine is a 300bhp 3.8 litre fast road incarnation with electronic fuel injection coupled to a five-speed gearbox with a 3.07 ratio LSD. The cooling system is significantly upgraded, air conditioning is present as it a Bluetooth sound system. The brakes are one of the more significant upgrades details of which can all be found in the specification supplied with the history file and online. The suspension is fully adjustable with poly busing and it's coupled to an electric speed sensitive power steering system. The exhaust is a hand crafted, hand polished stainless steel example and looks and sounds incredible.

We could continue to describe this example but would run out of superlatives, in essence this is an E-Type that is barely an E-Type, more a kin to what Sayer would design today with more modern engineering and materials but then there is the bespoke nature of a HELM, designed to be fully bespoke to the client and finished to the very highest degree. Viewing is highly recommended, thinking about an Eagle…think again and inspect this car… a true 60's car, rightfully a classic but so much more than a restoration. More details can be gained from the HELM website here; https://www.helm-motorcars.co.uk/helm-motorcar . Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Written media

Piston Heads

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-britishcars/jaguar-e-type-re-imagined-by-helm/43923

Top Gear
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/retro/helms-new-old-series-1-jaguar-e-type

Autocar
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/helm-reveals-first-20-meticulously-restored-jaguar-e-types

Hagerty
https://www.hagerty.com/media/driving/at-the-helm-of-the-ultimate-e-type/

GQ
https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/jaguar-helm-e-type

Video's

Mr JWW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VTAQHvblAc

Lot details
Year: 1963
Make: HELM
Model: E-Type Series I Coupe (3.8 litre)
Registration: AFM 832A
Chassis No: 888961
Odometer: 2,455


* Number one of six produced

* 3,800-man hours to complete

* Build estimated to cost £360,000 plus donor car

* Leatherwork by Bill Amberg including Bespoke luggage

* 300bhp fuel injected and tuned engine