2016-07-07 14:14:17 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 7/16
www.silverstoneauctions.com/1965-jaguar-e-type-4-2-s1-fhc

Auction description:
The Silverstone Classic Sale 2016 1965 Jaguar E-type 4.2 S1 FHC
Lot No.: 527
Registration: 773 KTA
Chassis Number: 1E 20402
Engine Number: 7E 3280-9
Number of cylinders: 6
CC: 4235
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Estimate (£): 75,000 - 85,000

The car offered here is a 1965 Jaguar E-type Series 1 4.2-litre fixed-head coupé. This right-hand drive, UK-car is a fully matching numbers example (supported by inspection, corresponding paperwork and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate). The car also comes with its original buff log-book and information sent by the DVLA, to support its history. Also, in its history file are numerous invoices for work carried out and MoT certificates going back to 1973.

It was manufactured on the 15th March 1965 and distributed by Henlys Ltd. of London on the 25th March 1965. The car was first registered on the 7th April 1965 with the private plate '773 KTA', acquired from Devonshire County Council. It proudly still wears that registration today, having never had any other assigned to it. The car was originally painted Opalescent Silver Blue with Navy French Blue interior; again, a combination it still sports today.

773 KTA has always resided in the UK and has benefitted from having diligent previous owners, all of which have maintained and improved the car significantly over the years. It's believed that the car was in regular use until around 1989 when unknown circumstances meant that it was dry stored for approximately 20 years. Following this period, it was sold to a prominent car collector who commissioned a full nut & bolt restoration by marque specialists, Lanes Cars of Callingwood.

This extensive work was completed in 2011 and was fully documented with a photographic record. It shows every stage of the works undertaken, including the complete refurbishment and rebuild of the body-shell which was taken back to bare metal. It addition, the engine was fully rebuilt including new pistons, con-rods, chains and valve guides, with the head suitably upgraded to run on unleaded fuel. The rear crank seal was upgraded, whilst the rear differential was fully rebuilt and the rear axle carrier was completely refurbished. Additional upgrades also included the fitting of an 'E Fabrication' 5-speed gear-box (whilst importantly retaining the original 4-speed gear-box with the car for preservation of matching numbers status), adjustable shock-absorbers, a larger cored radiator, an oil cooler, an electric fan, 'Cooper Craft' 4-pot callipers, a six branch stainless steel manifold and exhaust, competition chrome wire wheels, electronic ignition, seat-belts and air-conditioning. Also fitted is a life-time tracker device, merely requiring a change of name, and a discretely installed modern audio / sat-nav unit.

Following its completion, the collector used the newly restored car only sparingly, covering just a few hundred miles, before a move abroad meant it was sold to our vendor in 2013. Having always wanted a classic Jaguar, he appreciated what this particular car offered, however, he too has only used the car when time and health would allow, only covering an additional 350 dry miles approximately. Thus, since its full restoration, the car has covered just 647 miles whilst also being garaged to exacting standards. Regardless of not having driven the car that often, our vendor has greatly enjoyed his ownership and being part of its story, whilst deriving much satisfaction from fastidiously maintaining it. Not surprisingly, the car passed a MoT in May 2016 with ease.

773 KTA is a very special car. It offers a new owner the very best-of-both worlds - a Series 1 E-type with matching-numbers, a clear lineage of ownership and history - but also with a level of restoration and improvement that is hugely reassuring and confidence-inspiring. This car is ready to be fully enjoyed and appreciated.