2013-11-30 17:43:23 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction 8/13
www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2013-08-31/car/1964-jaguar-e-type-series-one ...

Auction description:
Lot 257 - 1964 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster (3.8 litre)
Registration AHC 90B
Chassis Number 850924
Engine Number RA7481-9
Estimate £75,000 - £90,000
Hammer Sold - £100,800

We are privileged to offer this exceptional original UK right hand drive Series One Roadster. The vendor first came into ownership of it some 44 years ago. Originally, it was sold by Willetts of Eastbourne Ltd. to Mr. Claude Cornwell for the princely sum of £1858 11s 5d, as stated on the original invoice. Five months later the car was sold to a Mr. John Houghton (near Peterborough) who used the car only in dry weather and to travel to race meetings.

The vendor recollects; "I bought the car from John Houghton with 17,000 miles on the clock in late 1969 whereby, for the next three years, I used the E-Type as everyday transport and drove it to Italy for a two week honeymoon in 1971. It used a gallon of oil by the time I passed Paris, but soon afterwards, with sustained high speed driving, the oil consumption dropped to 1,000 miles per pint. Due to having a growing family, I sold the car on the 7th March 1972 to a family friend, Donald Wright, in Peterborough whilst the car was still in immaculate condition. In December 1972 the car appeared on the front cover of the 'Jaguar Driver's Club' magazine, a copy of which resides in the file. Don had a shunt on the A1, near Newark, then, someone ran into the back of the car. The front end damage was not great, only requiring a new bonnet and 'A' frame with the rear being only minor panel damage. As the car was not worth a lot in those days, the insurance company wrote it off. Don, an engineer, bought the car from the insurers with the intention of restoring, but after stripping the E-Type car down and with only 47,600 miles on the clock, he sadly passed away. In February 1987, I bought the car from Don's widow and over a period of time restored the car to its current condition; a photographic record resides within the file".

The bodywork was stripped and painted in the original Gunmetal Grey. Mechanically, the engine, front and rear suspension have been rebuilt with all new fuel and brake lines. AHC 90B has upgraded Coopercraft brakes and a 'Watjag' cooling fan and shroud for more manageable engine temperature control. A full re-trim was carried out and it is interesting to note that the original hood frame is unmolested from new and works well; a rare fact indeed. The car was recently re-commissioned by John Arnold of Revival Motorsport, who is highly regarded in the Jaguar world; these works included a new fuel tank, fuel pump, a replacement of the major ignition components, engine and carburettor tune, suspension set up and a full service.

The history file contains several items of historic interest; the original bill of sale, running in guide, warranty certificate, sales and service facilities handbook, two continuation green log books and a large quantity of invoices. The car also comes supplied with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, a current UK V5 registration document, a valid MoT test certificate and current historic road fund licence.

This E-Type Series One Roadster starts and drives exceptionally well and the original combination of grey coachwork and red leather certainly makes for an attractive, head turning motor car. With a tempting estimate, this really does offer the ideal opportunity to enter Series One E-Type ownership.Registration