2013-10-21 14:02:53 | XKE Data writes:

The record was updated:

2013-10-24 23:33:51 | XKE Data writes:

The record was updated:

2013-10-12 21:44:17 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 10/13
www.coys.co.uk/auction.php

Auction description:
Lot 136 - 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Flatfloor - Chassis 40
Estimate: No Reserve
Registration Number: TBA
Chassis Number: 860040

Significantly, Chassis 860040 is the 40th right hand drive fixed-head coupe to roll off the Jaguar production line and is one of the earliest examples in existence today. Originally registered in July 1961, the car was delivered new in right- hand drive to the UK.

Purchased by the current vendor's estate in 1969, this matching numbers, (including cylinder head) 3.8 flat floor was driven to the family home in France in early 1974. It was this year (1974) that the vendor decided to repaint the car in aubergine from its original grey.

Laid up since July 1974, chassis 860040 has remained undisturbed in dry storage, underneath a dust sheet car cover until Coys specialists discovered the car in France last month. The family's mechanic reported that the car was last started around 5 years ago. We are informed that the engine has been recently turned over.

The wonderful "time warp" interior is finished in blue and the correct aluminium dash board is in very good order, along with the steering wheel which is original. The leather seats display a wonderful patina offering a feeling of complete originality. The jack and spare wheel are original and present.

Bodily the car seems to be very solid, having been stored in such a dry climate all these years. The doors shut wonderfully and the bonnet gap is excellent.

Chassis 860040 offers its new custodian a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most original early E-Types available anywhere in the world. Arguably the most significant Jaguar discovery this decade, and offered at No Reserve, buyers should not miss an opportunity to own a unique piece of Jaguar history and surely to be the star of any Jaguar collection.

Interested parties should note that no paperwork has yet been found by the vendor's estate for this Lot. It is offered on a bill of sale.

2013-10-26 16:27:52 | pauls writes:

Sold for £77,000 plus commission

2013-10-27 07:39:36 | Anonymous writes:

Despite claims it was registered in July 1961, Porter says even 860033 only went down the line in January 1962 at which point there were modified brake cylinders, revised petrol pipe, electric rev counter with modified movement, modified throttle slave shafts and modified gearbox selectors. By then 1,659 cars had rolled out of the factory so this one would have been shortly after that, say the 1,700th!. So 860040 was the 246th FHC built if that is any consolation to the new owner. In fact the first production FHC (1 VHP) was not dispatched until late August 1961.

2013-10-28 15:40:08 | Anonymous writes:

Anonymous is right. The body number and engine number say it all, I don't believe this car is a 1961.

2013-10-28 19:40:55 | davidbarnett writes:

Interesting that the Heritage Certificate issued for the Fixed head Coupe 860053 states it was built on the 24th of November 1961

2013-10-29 18:48:53 | pauls writes:

And 860029 was built 15 Nov. '61.

2013-12-04 15:32:54 | Quentin writes:

And 860049 was dispatched on the 23rd of Nov '61 so 860040 is a Nov 1961 car. Likely that Coys catalogue auction description was wrong. Also has many early and undisturbed features including fibreglass glovebox, three screw heater box, Cheney clamps, original screen and one original head lamp glass with horizontal Triplex mark. A very unmolested car with 50k original miles. Definitely not a 1962 build.

2014-02-27 18:06:34 | Dean writes:

Funny, always ' anonymous ' experts knocking other peoples cars.
I own 860052 my car was built in November 1961 and delivered to Sir William Lyons daughter Mary's father-in-law in December 1961 so if my car was built and delivered in 1961 then this one - which is earlier - must have been. (I have e-mails confirming this from the family).
Well done to the person who put his money where his mouth is and decided to save another very early example of 'The most beautiful car in the world' To all you knockers and experts, save up and one day you might own one and will stop worrying about sending messages that are not even signed with your name - Why?

2014-03-03 12:40:44 | Michael DeBacker writes:

The "title" year may be what is causing a lot of the confusion, in California a car sold in late July 1961 would have been titled a 1962 year model.

2016-09-19 16:05:37 | Lucy writes:

Some of the information above is awry. I was part owner the car for a while & it was stored in my garage in Ealing up to 1987 or 88.
When we first acquired the vehicle the body work was not good so after we had some fun with it we decided to tidy it up. We ordered 2 new bonnet wings/side panels, they ware delivered an inch or so too short & we subsequently were told that the first models were just that bit longer & correct ones were sent. I personally chose the colour, & it was me who stuck the front numbers on crooked! I can give further info if wished by the new owner. Unfortunately I cannot find any photos.

2019-08-09 15:35:11 | Mark writes:

To the current owner of this car, I am interested in purchasing it.

thanks