1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster

1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster
Registration no. 918 UYO (see text)
Chassis no. 850471 (see text)
Engine no. ZB1168-8 (see text)
• Professionally rebuilt between 2015 and 2019
• All-synchromesh '4.2' gearbox
• Present ownership since 2020
• 3,308 miles covered this ownership

Our vendor describes this original right-hand drive E-Type Roadster as an excellent useable example: not a 'show queen' but rebuilt not only to look good, but equally importantly to be used. Rebuilt in the five years up to 2019, it incorporates many new Jaguar panels (rear wings, doors, boot floor). All the major components were rebuilt or reconditioned, very often with new parts, including the engine, gearbox, rear axle and differential (with the correct UK 3.07:1 ratio), braking system and suspension. The interior and hood were refurbished and new Jaguar spoked wheels and spinners fitted. It should be noted that, as sometimes the case during E-type restoration it was deemed that the original engine main frame (with the chassis number stamping '850471') needed to be replaced during the rebuild (see photograph on file of the original frame/number). While this 1962 car (built just one year after the E-Type's launch at the Geneva Salon) does not have matching numbers, the engine is a correct and rebuilt 3.8-litre XK unit from circa 1963.

In order to achieve the desired usability, the car was rebuilt with a reconditioned all-synchromesh gearbox from a 4.2-litre E-Type rather than the Series 1's standard Moss 'box. It also has seats from a 4.2-litre model, which are more comfortable than the thinner and smaller seats typically found in Series 1s.

The car was rebuilt by a father-and-son team in the New Forest, who restore only E-Types. It was rebuilt over five years for the son to use; however, family complications resulted in the need to sell the car, hence the vendor's ownership since 2020 and the reason why there are few rebuild invoices. While in the current ownership the E-Type has benefited from further works, with around £4,000 spent, and has been serviced twice, on the last occasion just before a summer touring trip around Northern France where it was much admired. In total the vendor has taken the car from an indicated 9,383 miles to 12,691 miles, a total of 3,308 miles.

Finished in the beautifully contrasting colours of Gunmetal Grey with red leather interior, the car has two sets of keys and comes complete with spare wheel, jack, and a few spares. Accompanying paperwork includes the restorer's correspondence and detailed build summary; JDHT Certificate; current MoT (although not required); and a V5C registration document. It should be noted that the registration '646 DRY' is being retained by the vendor and a new period registration number (the previous registration was '918 UYO', which may be retrievable) has been applied for and needs to be fitted before the car can be driven on the road.

In summary, an early original RHD S1 roadster set up to be used frequently and awaiting many more adventures in the years to come with its new custodian.