1964 Jaguar E Type S1 FHC

If you’d like to know why this left-hand-drive Old English White E Type looks so stunning in both our photo gallery and video below, that’s because it’s still fairly fresh out of a full, bare-metal restoration.

We in fact sold the car to its current owner Dave Harvey in April of last year. It’s a factory-confirmed matching numbers example, and still sports its original Moss gearbox.

Since taking ownership, Dave has steadily enhanced what was already a lovely restored example. “I’ve spent in the region of £3K to £4K just ensuring that it’s absolutely spot on. New brake and clutch master cylinders have been fitted; the odd little bit of paint improved and almost £2K spent on new cam covers, as the old ones (despite being polished and looking good) leaked oil.

“Hand on heart, it needs absolutely nothing doing,” he says. “I’m selling as, if I’m honest, I’m getting a bit old now; at 70 years old, I did have the odd thought of ‘why am I still driving around in something like this’.”

Dave’s honest personal assessment means that the E-Type is now ready to find a new home. It’s not possible to state unequivocally that the mileage is correct but he’s been in communication with someone that knew the car in the ‘States, and it’s certainly thought to be.

The included V5 document indicates that the car was first registered on 01/01/1964 and that it has had one UK owner and one registered overseas. It had an MoT that expired on January 14 of this year, which listed one advisory: ‘wipers slow in operation’ and Dave will happily have it put through a new test if the next owner so wishes.

So how does one achieve bodily perfection? Well, 408 hours ought to do it. That’s the duration of time that the craftsmen at Bill’s Classic Car Restorers, Frankton, Rugby, put into this E Type’s rebirth back in 2019.

Works carried out included:

1. Removal and replacement of both inner and outer sills

2. Stripping back to bare metal, with necessary repairs carried out

3. A full repaint in Old English White

4. The refit of all bodywork

The result of all of this is one stunning re-born car. It’s difficult to find flaw with the exterior; the paintwork remains almost immaculate showing off the model’s sinuous curves beautifully. There’s a tiny mark on the nose (just to the left of the nearside chrome over rider) and another small graze just above but that’s the sum total revealed by our magnifying glass.

The chaps at the above restorers have done themselves proud in terms of both panel fit and general finish. The underside (more on that later) is presented in matching body colour for that factory fresh aesthetic – it is glorious.

The bright work gleams and fresh gaskets and rubbers have been fitted. Wire wheels present smartly, although it’s worth noting that the nearside front chrome ‘knock-off’ wheel spinner is a touch tarnished with one or two spots of surface corrosion. The next owner may wish to have it refreshed.

The cabin is trimmed in Red leather with matching door cards and carpets, and provides a stunning contrast to the exterior’s Old English White. Is this the best E Type colour combo? Well, there’s no doubt that it’s certainly one of them.

The leather hides remain in as new condition – ready for the next step in developing a patina. And what a pleasure that process will be. 25-30 years of driving nirvana ought to do it.

Matching red seatbelts are fitted. Whilst up top, the headlining is cream in colour and helps to lighten the interior ambience by offsetting all that lovely rouge.

The driver’s carpet has one or two oily marks on it, but could be cleaned (or replaced) to sharpen it up. The sill trims remain in very good condition with just one or two (very minor) scuffmarks on the driver’s side.

It’s definitely a place of pleasure.

The E Type was partially restored in the ‘States before being completed in the UK by an independent classic car specialist, and then sold to Dave via our auction.

Its legendary XK engine still fires first time and you never tire of the chassis shimmy evoked on blipping the throttle; it’s as if the big beast’s engine is stating ‘I’m too sexy for these underpinnings’.

“It really is a great car,” says Dave. “The engine is very strong and it doesn’t drop any oil. It’s spot on to drive.” We can confirm that appraisal; on the move, this car delivers the consummate E Type FHC experience; it’s poised, sporting and full of character. The gearbox shifts seamlessly, engine pulls with smooth, seamless and gruff delight, and the suspension is taut and on the button. Toss in brakes that pull it up nice and straight, and it’s a picture of rude health.

There’s nothing better than looking under a classic car and seeing corrosion-free, body-coloured metal. Add to that fresh-looking suspension components and running gear and an evocative full-length stainless steel exhaust system and it’s a thumbs-up picture of health.

Back up top, and popping that long bonnet reveals a tres tidy engine bay. It’s not quite concours perfection; there are one or two slightly rusty clips and the odd cracked securing rubber, but these can be easily improved upon.

You’ll find a number of parts invoices from the usual E Type suspects, including Martin Robey Sales Ltd and SNG Barratt, as well as other smaller specialist suppliers. It’s definitely worth a slow, meticulous perusal of these at your leisure.

There’s also a long list of vehicle parts dated 26 March 2020, which shows: invoice date; invoice number; part number; part description; quantity; and price total. It’s a relatively comprehensive restoration record. The only thing that could make it more so, is photographic evidence of the process…

Oh wait, here go; there are also a number of photographs of the E Type during the various later stages including the paint spraying and finishing processes. These provide detailed imagery of the exacting lengths gone to in order to get the car to its current stunning condition.

Another invoice details the body works, which was carried out by Bill’s Classic Car Restorers of Frankton, Rugby. Dated July 25 2019, it’s for a grand total of £15,912.00.

Finally, you’ll also find a Jaguar ‘E’ Type Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been restored to the highest of standards.

Happy 60th! Given that it’s 2021 that salutation is apt but the truth is that, whatever the year, ownership of a Jaguar E Type is a privilege and an honour.

And why own a crusty old example when you can have glorious (almost) perfection. Park this in your garage and you can guarantee surreptitious late night trips to the garage just to stare at its beauty.

The best bit about our wonderful hobby though, is that we also get to drive these beasts; and this example, in one of the Series 1 afficiandos’ most desirable guises (3.8-litre, Moss gearbox) goes as well as it looks.

As such, we think it’ll sell for somewhere in the region of £75,000 and £90,000. It’s worth remembering that that’s considerably less than you’d pay for a right-hooker in similar condition.

Someone else has completed the hard restoration work and current owner Dave has continued to improve the car, but it’s now time for the next owner to enjoy the fruits of their combined labours.

Inspection is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.