2017-05-27 17:05:03 | alan collins writes:

I own this car at the moment and would like some history if possible. I have owned it for 20 years.

2017-09-11 19:46:54 | Howard Watts writes:

I have known Alan Collins personally for 41 years, he is a highly respected and trusted Jaguar authority. When he offered me the opportunity to purchase his Jaguar E type semi light weight fixed head coupe JJK 195, I had to say yes.

Thank you Alan

Kind regards

Howard Watts

5th September 2017

2026-09-12 10:42:21 | Harry Stevens writes:

An article on the history and restoration of the car is published on the owner's website. Abbreviated article below.

www.howardwatts.co.uk/articles/spitfire-e-type/

1961 Jaguar E Type FHC chassis number 860035 Semi lightweight flat floor. The Spitfire E Type!

This is chassis number 860035, supplied new to Willets of Eastbourne on 4 December 1961 and still wearing its original number plate JJK195. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s this well known E Type was used for club racing, modified to semi-lightweight spec, including alloy bonnet and doors, as well as the striking Perspex rear screen to replace the opening rear door. It became known as 'the Spitfire car' as the second owner was a retired Spitfire pilot who fitted various dials from Spitfire planes including clock, oil temperature gauge, interior light, alloy rudder pedals as foot braces and a Spitfire tail light as a reversing light.

I came across the car at a Jaguar specialist workshop. It had been painstakingly rebuilt over the previous 26 years to recreate the first CUT7, raced by Dick Protheroe. It had been stripped internally and in the engine bay is a brass plaque on the nearside engine frame from Dick Protheroe's garage, County Motors. It was about 40% complete with the bodywork finished and painted; the remaining parts packed in crates and carefully stored. I have the photographic records, programmes and trophies of Peter Archer who raced 860035 through the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The car was initially raced with standard bodywork, adapted with air scoops. Later it was substantially modified with extended wheel arches and lowered suspension. With the help of a number of specialists I have returned the car to its former glory as a highly modified road car , capable of road and race use.