2024-06-14 15:08:12 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1963-jaguar-e-type-series-1-38-ots-gyzXYn

Seller's description:

1963 Jaguar E-Type

Colour Blue

Odometer 1,460 Miles

Engine size 3800

Auction DetailsSeller Type Private

Town Altrincham, Cheshire, United Kingdom

1,460 miles since £25,000 professional restoration 

Upgraded to RHD OTS with original 3.8 engine and 5spd gearbox 

Beautifully finished in Opalescent light blue with dark blue trim 

Thick history file documenting restoration and maintenance 

Usefully MOT’d to May 2025 with no advisories

First registered 1963 overseas

Chassis records confirm this was a factory FHC built very early in 1963 - it was car 17 off the line that year

‘R’ prefix engine number indicates matching numbers car

The ‘R’ prefix was changed to ‘RA’ from February/March 1963 

Chassis number indicates that this was one of the last R prefix cars 

One of 1,717 LHD FHC Series 1 3.8s built in 1963 

DVLA records show first UK registration on 21st October 1970 

The same records also use the date of 1st June 2009 which likely relates to when this car was re-registered as a OTS following completion 

Two registered keepers since arriving in the UK 

Restored and converted by Hutsons in 2009 when the speedo was recalibrated and zero’d 

Photographic and invoice records of work shown in history file and photos 

The £25,000 of work included conversion to OTS, respray, fitment of 5spd gearbox and attention to other areas

MOT records confirm the displayed mileage of 1,460 miles since completion 

Regularly MOT’d since conversion although this is not a legal requirement 

Various workshop manuals and books included 

MOT to 17th May 2025 with 1,447 miles showing on test and no advisories

No advisories on any MOT test since 2009 

The Condition  

Finished in Opalescent Silver Blue which may be the original factory colour 

Restored in 2009 with 1,460 miles since hence the very good condition 

Paintwork presents very well with only minor marks visible in photographs 

Very good bodywork with clean, straight panel fit particularly to doors and bonnet 

Chrome wire wheels in good order with space saver lightweight spare wheel 

Underside in good order with very good finish and no structural advisories on MOT

Supplied with optional hard top according to seller

Blue fabric roof in very good condition with clear screen and matching tonneau 

Chromework in good order across car with factory-correct front and rear bumpers 

Retrimmed interior with blue carpets, blue velour seat trim and black leather seat facings

Largely factory correct interior including bucket seats, aluminium console and toggle switches

Original dials and layout - converted to RHD - but with later and more reliable Racetech oil gauge 

Small three-spoke, leather-rimmed Moto Lita wheel showing some wear to rim 

The quality of the Hutsons' work in 2009 is obvious as you inspect the photographs of this beautiful early E-Type. The bodywork presents well with excellent panel fit across the doors and bonnet in particular, and the paint is finished to a very high standard. 

It has been well specified. The light blue metallic paintwork is complemented by a blue fabric roof - we are told there is also a matching hard top - and a retrimmed interior in blue and black. The sparing use since completion - less than 1,500 miles - means the car remains in much the same condition as it was when it was completed, only a couple of minor areas indicating use and enjoyment. 

The Mechanics 

3.8litre R-prefix XK engine which appears to be factory original 

Upgraded to triple twin-choke Weber carburettors 

Later and desirable 5spd gearbox 

Driven less than 1,500 miles since completion 

No reported running or driving issues

Jaguar continuously developed the E-Type through its life. Enthusiasts tend to be split into two types: those that prefer purity and those that wish to continue the theme begun by the factory. 

This car fits the latter category. It is one of the last factory cars fitted with the correct R-prefix 3.8litre XK engine but has been carefully evolved from standard. Most notably this includes triple Webers and a 5spd gearbox, the latter being a popular choice for those who enjoy long-distance, high-speed driving. 

This car has been used very sparingly since a comprehensive £45,000 restoration in 2009 that covered bodywork and mechanicals. The condition of the engine bay reflects that work and limited use. It comes to the buyer in good order with no known issues.