2014-07-24 15:57:00 | Paul Heath writes:

Last on road 1973. Still has original green log book. Mostly complete, correct R series engine but not the one it left the factory with. Will add engine number soon. Also has a factory hardtop. Awaiting Heritage certificate.

2014-07-27 12:22:15 | Paul writes:

The original logbook and kid plate shows this car leaving the factory with engine number R1661-8. I have now tracked this engine to a XK150 coupe, chassis number S837930DN.
Good to see it's still running.
Paul.

2014-07-28 04:49:30 | Paul writes:

Correction, gearbox number should read EB 762 JS.

2014-07-30 06:32:04 | Anonymous writes:

The car has correct R series engine which is number R2427-8.

2014-09-17 15:04:43 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 9/14
classiccars.brightwells.com/viewdetails.php

Auction description:
Lot number 121
Estimate £55,000 - £60,000
Description Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8 'flat floor' Roadster
Registration 737 WPC
Year 1961
Colour Yellow
Engine size 3,800 cc
Chassis No. 850107

This particularly early 'flat floor' model is the 106th RHD car to leave the production line and misses out on the super-rare external bonnet catches by just 10 cars. The vendor has known of its whereabouts for many years, the car hiding under a bench in a lock-up garage. Recently acquired and exhumed, the tax disc reveals that it was last used in 1973 when it was taken off the road for restoration. As with many such projects, the work was started but never completed, the car languishing unloved for over 30 years.

The recently acquired Heritage Certificate shows that it is a genuine RHD OTS which was manufactured on 7th September 1961. Chassis number 850107 was originally fitted with engine 1661-9, although this was changed at some time in its life, the current unit being a correct E-Type 3.8 litre engine but not the original fitted to the car. The vendor has, however, managed to track down the original engine which is currently fitted to an XK150, opening up the possibility that one day, the original unit could be reunited with the car.

Originally specified in Opalescent Blue with dark blue leather and blue hood, it was dispatched on 3rd October to Henlys of London and supplied to a Mr John Sear from Hove. The accompanying buff logbook shows that it was registered 737 WPC on 6th November 1961, this number remaining on the DVLA system. It is intriguing to note that it spent nearly a month in the factory prior to dispatch which seems strange at a time when customers were literally queuing up to get their hands on William Lyon's masterpiece - the reason for this is unclear and may merit further investigation.

Now requiring full restoration, this is a superb opportunity to acquire a very early E-Type, the 'arms-race' to own the lowest chassis number possible showing no signs of abating. Complete with an original works supplied hard top, this project is about as good as it gets and proves that there are still amazing finds to be had from lock-up garages around the country.

2014-09-26 03:43:45 | Anonymous writes:

Sold for £55,000 plus commission

2017-08-29 22:00:19 | pauls writes:

Car to return to auction 9/17
www.bonhams.com/auctions/24122/lot/228/

Auction description:
Lot 228
1961 Jaguar E-Type 'Series 1' 3.8-Litre 'Flat Floor' Roadster
£220,000 - 260,000
US$ 290,000 - 340,000
Goodwood Revival
9 Sep 2017, 13:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood

Registration no. 737 WPC
Chassis no. 850107
*The 107th right-hand drive roadster built
*Off the road for almost 40 years
*Fully restored in 2016/2017
*Only 200 miles since completion
*Beautiful condition

Chassis number '850107' is the 107th right-hand drive roadster to leave the production line. As such, it is one of the early so-called 'flat floor' cars, produced prior to the introduction of foot wells in February 1962. These early cars also manifest various other short-lived features.

The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate shows that '850107' is a genuine right-hand drive roadster manufactured on 7th September 1961. It was despatched on 3rd October 1961 to Henlys of London and sold new to a Mr John Sear of Hove, Sussex.

This car subsequently spent a substantial part of its life stored in a lock-up garage, the tax disc revealing that it was last used in 1973. It was then taken off the road for restoration, but, as with many such projects, the work was started but never completed, the car languishing untouched for over 40 years. The car is offered fresh from a two-year (2016/2017) full restoration by leading Jaguar specialist Lanes Engineering, and is now in original and correct factory specification apart from a change of colour scheme. The fact that this 'barn find' E-Type had been stored for so long meant that the restorer was able to use most of the original components, adding greatly to the car's interest and value. As such, it represents a very rare opportunity to own an authentic E-Type that has not needed countless new off-the-shelf components to restore it, unlike many of its fellows.

In the course of the rebuild, the car was completely dismantled and every part restored to its original condition before being re-assembled. The bodyshell was completely stripped back to bare metal and every part labelled and tested. Some of the smaller parts such as brackets, etc did need replacing. The original shell was repaired with new sills and rear chassis legs. New lights and lenses have been fitted, and seals are new throughout: doors, lights, etc. All brightwork, chrome, and glass is new.

All mechanical components: engine, gearbox, etc were fully dismantled and again the parts were tested. The engine was X-rayed for cracks or defects and none were found. As is the case with many early E-Types, it appears that the cylinder block has been replaced and stamped with the original number. New pistons, bearings, and timing chain were fitted and the cylinder head converted to run on modern unleaded fuel. The camshafts were cleaned and fully tested and found to be in excellent condition. The engine was then rebuilt using in-house specialists so the reconstruction could be managed closely at every stage. No corners were cut.

This car has been fitted with the best cooling upgrade available: a large cored radiator with an electric cooling fan to overcome the overheating that can affect early E-Types. The car also has a new exhaust system

The suspension was completely rebuilt using standard bushes and shock absorbers, all to modern standards. The rear axle carrier has been completely rebuilt, new bushes fitted, and the gearbox and differential overhauled, the latter receiving a new crown wheel and pinion. The original Dunlop bellows-type brake servo was retained, and new brake and fuel lines installed. As one would expect, the E-Type has a new wiring loom. Original specification 185/65 'skinny' tyres are fitted.

The dashboard components and dials have been fully refurbished or replaced where required. The interior is as it would have left the factory, with beautiful aluminium dashboard and leather to the original Jaguar specification in Old English Red, while the control pedals have been restored. A new period-style radio with USB/iPod attachment has been added, and a discreet aerial installed to avoid drilling into the body. A new hood is mounted on the original frame, which has been restored, powder coated, and rebuilt. The car has the original hard top, again fully restored.

The entire project took over two years to compete and no detail was spared. This is a wonderful example of the E-Type in its earliest incarnation, with the added cachet of a low chassis number. It is probably better now than when it left the factory.

2023-03-20 12:36:55 | Harry Stevens writes:

Sold by Twyford Moors Classic Cars of Havant in February 2023. Abbreviated seller's description below.

www.jagxk.com/showroom/jaguar-e-type/jaguar-e-type-ots-rhd-1961-flat-floor

This Series 1 Right Hand Drive E Type Roadster, chassis 850107 was completed on 7 September, dispatched on 3 October 1961 and sold to Mr John Sear of Hove, East Sussex. Little is known of this car's early life but it is documented that the car was taken off the road in 1973. By this time, it was repainted in two tone yellow and black and was in complete condition. It remained in storage until 2014 when it was unearthed and restored. Being a complete car, much originality was retained in the restoration which was carried out to a high standard by a well known Jaguar specialist.

Since the restoration the engine has been rebuilt and upgraded to high performance specification. The engine is an original R stamped 3.8 unit. The rebuild included Arrow billet crank, Carillo con-rods, Wisco pistons, fast road camshafts, high flow fuel pump, lightened flywheel and electronic ignition. The car was then tuned on a dyno and produced an impressive 253bhp with a flat torque curve. The car was also fitted with a dynator, high capacity radiator and electric cooling fan. We believe the cost of renovation and engine rebuild had to approach £300,000.

This early E Type, originally Opalescent Dark Blue with a Dark Blue interior, is beatifully presented in Black with a Red interior. It will attract attention at any show and drives exactly how you would want it to, nothing short of pure joy when sitting behind the wood rimmed steering wheel. The car comes with a heritage certificate and photographic record of the restoration.

Note: The original dataplate has been replaced and the engine number is stamped with the number of the replacement engine.