2026-09-27 15:25:02 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1965-jaguar-e-type-series-i-42-fixed-head-coupe-r ...

1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Fixed-Head Coupé RHD

Matching numbers and colours (Opalescent Maroon/Beige leather) confirmed by JDHT certificate

Exceedingly well-preserved California car with all original panels and wire wheels

Single UK registered keeper who imported the car personally in 1989/90: dry-stored and used sparingly throughout

10+ year comprehensive restoration performed encompassing paintwork, interior, and trim: holding up impeccably ~25 years on

Original 4.2-litre XK engine rebuilt in 2023, including rebuilding the carburettors and fitting hardened valve seats: still running in with ~500 miles covered

Sympathetic upgrades include Coopercraft brakes, revised differential ratios for UK roads, high-torque starter, stainless steel exhaust, and thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan

Undersealed and subframe injected with corrosion inhibitor

Substantial history file from UK import onwards

Offered in supremely usable order, with scope to elevate to concours level

this Series I FHC, a California car, dispatched on 26th May 1965 to one Dr Gerald O. McMichal of Palos Verdes. Our vendor imported the Jaguar in 1989/90. It was in running, driving condition at the time and highly original with matching numbers, preserved by the Californian sunshine. However, the vendor wanted to return the car to its absolute best, embarking upon a painstaking restoration that took 10+ years to complete and has been followed by judicious maintenance ever since.

The restoration and subsequent work covered practically every aspect of the vehicle. The bodywork was refinished in its original scheme, the interior was retrimmed in its original colour, and the engine has been rebuilt to its original specifications. There are a smattering of discreet and sensible upgrades, and the car has, of course, undergone a left-hand drive to right-hand drive conversion, but in all other respects, it adheres as closely as possible to how it would have been when it left Browns Lane in 1965. The original wheels were retained, as were much of the exterior trim, the fuel tank, the steering wheel, and much more. This work was performed approximately 25 years ago, and as the photographs attest, it has held up incredibly well - a credit to its fastidious owner.

The E-Type has been used sparingly throughout the vendor's near-40-year tenure, venturing out on dry days and covering modest mileage, predominantly local to the vendor's home, always using premium petrol. The underside has been protected with underseal, as per factory spec, and the front subframe tubing has been wax-injected to ensure its continued preservation. The most recent major work was the engine rebuild completed in 2023. It now starts readily, ticks over very contentedly, and sounds wonderfully crisp through its stainless steel exhausts. The motor is still in its running-in period, with around 500 miles covered.

Our vendor describes the E-Type as highly usable. The older restoration has mellowed ever so slightly over time, and the car presents all the better as a result. It would likely take little to elevate this Jaguar to show-winning standard, should the next custodian wish.

For those seeking a well-sorted early E-Type, this Series I 4.2 Fixed-Head Coupé has everything going for it. It's no wonder the owner has cherished it for nearly 4 decades. 

The History and Paperwork

One registered keeper since UK registration: imported by our vendor in 1989/90

Extensive history file includes a significant collection of MOT certificates and invoices for parts/labour (further invoices reportedly accompany the car besides those photographed)

JGHT heritage certificate present, confirming matching numbers and colours

Road tax and MOT exempt

3,140 miles (indicated)

~500 miles covered since engine rebuild

Restored over 10+ years and continually improved since

Vehicle information:

Chassis Number (VIN): 1E31133

Engine Number: 7E4216-9

Body Number: 4E21867

Gearbox Number: EJ3272

Registration: ABW 150C

Exterior Colour: Opalescent Maroon

Interior Trim: Beige

Date of Manufacture: May 18, 1965

Original Distributor: Jaguar Cars, New York, USA

Chronological service and restoration history (summary of invoices):

07/22 – 08/22 – 62,396 miles – JF Gburek Motor Engineer & Risborough Service Centre

Carried out comprehensive engine rebuild including standard-size cylinder bore prep, new oil pump, water pump, timing chains/tensioners, big/small end bearing shells, pistons, rings, valves, and gaskets

Skimmed cylinder head, welded water galleries, and pressure tested

Overhauled standard crankshaft and fitted new head studs and lock tabs

Rebuilt triple SU carburettors with new diaphragms, gaskets, and filters

Overhauled brake system with Lockheed brake servo, Coopercraft brake upgrade, and fresh lines/fluid

Fitted high-torque starter motor, new alternator, sports coil, and ignition components

Fitted four new Vredestein 185 VR15 tyres and inner tubes

Carried out engine oil and filter change

03/13 – David Manners Ltd

Supplied high-torque starter motor (C37948HT)

08/12 – 62,396 miles – Risborough Service Centre

Carried out engine oil and filter change

08/04 – M & C Wilkinson Ltd

Supplied replacement chrome horn push button, tool kit roll, bonnet hinge covers, and screw set

06/03 – 07/03 – SNG Barratt

Supplied wiper arms, blades, sill chrome strips, sill seals, pedal rubbers, brake servo repair kit, and battery clamp kit

09/00 – FB Components

Supplied replacement front seat backrest foams

08/00 – Phil Eaton Auto Electrician & T&M Motor Co Ltd

Installed bonnet headlamp wiring looms, fan wiring harness, horn relay, Kenlowe fan loom, and custom battery cables

Fitted new double horns and replaced flasher relay

Finalised stage payments for ongoing mechanical restoration works

08/00 – FB Components

Supplied side finisher clips, headlight seals, and trim screws

07/99 – M.C. Autos & Phil Eaton Auto Electrician

Fitted gearbox baffle plate, heat shields, throttle linkage, and exhaust mountings

Stripped and cleaned heater blower assembly

Extended stop lamp wiring, overhauled dashboard wiring harness, and fitted Kenlowe fan loom

06/99 – M.C. Automotive

Carried out body and mechanical refurbishment work on E-Type coupe

05/99 – Ken Jenkins Jaguar Specialist

Overhauled rear axle, fitting replacement Koni rear shock absorbers and radius arm bushes

09/94 – M. & C. Wilkinson

Converted steering configuration from Left-Hand Drive (LHD) to Right-Hand Drive (RHD) using an exchange steering rack

01/92 – Barry Hankinson Jaguar Trim Specialist

Supplied light beige interior trim kit, Ambla vinyl materials, and chrome hinge covers

01/92 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares

Supplied replacement rear window seals, insert seals, door seals, and fluid bottle brackets

11/91 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares

Supplied replacement sill seals, 'A' & 'B' post seals, quarter light seals, and luggage fur rubbers

10/91 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares

Supplied front suspension spring seats, wishbone bushes, centre stabiliser bushes, and torsion bar seals

10/91 – Phoenix Engineering

Supplied headlamp scoop rubbers and overrider captive nuts

08/91 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares

Supplied replacement overrider seals, headlamp screws, side/stop light lenses, fuel hoses, brake hose set, and light badges

07/91 – Barry Hankinson Jaguar Trim Specialist

Supplied black vinyl hooding material

06/91 – Colin Webb Jaguar Spares

Supplied brake master cylinder repair kit, clutch master cylinder kit, slave cylinder kit, and servo repair kit

09/90 – Nuneaton Brake & Clutch / ML Sales

Supplied main wiring harness looms (JL103, JL107, JL123, JL124, JL131), brake pads, engine mountings, and exterior rubbers

03/90 – The Axle Centre (Bristol)

Rebuilt final drive differential with ratio change (13/43) for UK road use and fitted new inner drive shafts/bearings

12/89 – Ken Jenkins Jaguar Specialist

Overhauled front brake callipers, fitting new brake pads, retainers, seals, and supports

1989 – Vehicle Import

Purchased in California, USA, by a UK owner and imported to the United Kingdom

The Condition

Bodywork and interior restoration complete ~25 years ago

Original panels retained

Windscreen replaced; glass otherwise reported to be original

Cellulose paintwork applied following extensive preparation, then protected by two coats of lacquer

Good door fit which can be studied in the photographs

Recent new Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres

New bumpers fitted during restoration; exterior trim otherwise reported to be original

Original chrome wire wheels: the vendor reports no loose spokes

Original wood-rimmed steering wheel

Original radio accompanies the car: the vendor opted not to refit a radio or speakers

Armrests removed during interior retrim and not replaced (many owners prefer to exclude them due to space constraints)

Vehicle undersealed (as Jaguar did originally) and subframe injected with corrosion inhibitor

The E-Type was stripped down in its entirety, revealing the original body shell and front subframe in enviable order, requiring no repair work or heavy application of body filler, unlike so many of these cars. Following extensive preparation with numerous coats of primer, cellulose Opalescent Maroon paint was applied, followed by two coats of lacquer. Much of the original trim was repurposed and so exhibits a gentle patina. The bumpers were replaced, but the wire wheels are reportedly original. The fact that the respray was completed so long ago shows just how solid this car is. 

Indeed, West Coast weather did wonders for the bodywork, although the leather interior fared less favourably under the baking sunshine and required a comprehensive retrim in period-correct beige leather. As the photographs show, the interior surfaces have aged very gently, reflecting minimal use and dry storage out of direct sunlight. The switchgear and instrumentation all present very well, and it's refreshing to see an original steering wheel, rather than the oft-spotted smaller sports replacements. 

The Mechanics 

4.2-litre DOHC XK straight-six

Four-speed full-synchro manual gearbox

Matching numbers across engine, gearbox, rear axle, front subframe and chassis plate

Running in with ~500 miles covered: will require an oil service before higher RPMs/speeds can be explored

Shows good oil pressure in line with the specialists' expectations

Original fuel tank retained; did not require replacement

Gearbox serviced; assessed as not requiring a rebuild, selecting ratios smoothly

Cylinder head fitted with hardened valve seats compensating for unleaded fuel: the vendor has always used high-octane petrol

Engine rebuild:

Engine block prepared with standard-size cylinder bores and standard crankshaft preserved

Cylinder head skimmed, water galleries welded, and pressure tested

Fitted new pistons, piston rings, valves, timing chains, and timing chain tensioners

Installed new oil pump, water pump, and big and small end bearing shells

Replaced cylinder head studs, lock tabs, and all engine gaskets

Rebuilt triple SU carburettors with new diaphragms, gaskets, and fuel filters

Upgraded electrical and cooling ancillaries with a high-torque starter motor, new alternator, sports coil, and new water hoses

Upgrades:

Coopercraft brakes front and rear

Stainless steel exhaust system

High-torque starter motor

Electric cooling fan (thermostatically controlled)

Differential rebuilt with ratios revised for UK roads

Other mechanical work:

Replacement wiring loom installed

New brake servo

New alternator

New coil

Battery usable, but reported as old

The venerable XK engine helped Jaguar win Le Mans five times. It's tough, so mechanically tired examples can often keep going when they ought to have received internal attention. Not so this car, which had its original 4.2-litre engine comprehensively rebuilt just ~500 miles ago. The vendor says it starts easily when cold and hot, settles into a steady, mechanically quiet idle, and revs freely at the slightest touch of the throttle. The all-synchromesh gearbox feels delightfully smooth and tight, selecting ratios without untoward noises, including reverse, which is so often the first to grind. We're told the E-Type drives very well and has performed as expected during its running in period after the engine rebuild. 

While covering relatively low miles throughout their ownership, the vendor has always expected this car to be usable at a moment's notice and has maintained it accordingly. They never intended it to be a concours restoration destined only to grace well-coiffed lawns. It's reported to be as good to drive as it is to look at. What more could one possibly want from an early E-Type?

2026-09-28 09:52:34 | CaptRD writes:

Highest bid £60,000 Sold

Auction ended: 28 September, 12:10