Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8 Coupe

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This 1962 Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8 Coupé was built on 10th May 1962 and supplied to DA Pierpoint of North Chorley, Sussex. The car later moved up to the Bristol and Bath area before being immured for 18 years, during which time the engine suffered some severe frost damage.

The car was finally rescued by a professional restorer who carried out a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration for the most choosy of customers – himself. The car was finally completed in 2008 but an unforeseen change of circumstances caused him to put the car up for sale.

There is a large folder of invoices for parts fitted to the car and a photographic history of the restoration. The car received new Martin Robey body panels, new wiring, brakes, electrics, and trim. The opportunity was taken to fit a large Webasto sunroof to take advantage of the sunny days that make driving a 3.8 E-Type even more enjoyable.

The restoration was carried out to a particularly high standard and the car received a stainless steel exhaust system, cavity injection and a thorough rust-proofing as a matter of course.

The engine was replaced, initially, with a MkX Jaguar unit, but the current owner sourced a genuine E-Type 3.8 litre engine that has now been fitted to the car. It should be noted that the registration document still shows the MkX engine and it will be a simple formality for the new owner to notify the DVLA along with change of ownership. The new engine number – R9788 – is very close to that which was fitted originally and is correct for the car.

It was fully rebuilt, fitted with Mahle pistons, a new clutch and dynamically balanced. It has completed only 2,000 miles since the rebuild and is little more than run-in. The car still has its original Moss gearbox and the only deviations from standard are front Coopercraft disc brakes, Kenlowe electric fan and Classicfabs straight-through tail pipes which “add to the glory of the 3.8 sound, without being too intrusive”. The original pipes will be supplied with the car, just in case the new owner thinks otherwise.

This Series 1 3.8 E-Type has been the subject of a lengthy and meticulous restoration and still looks fabulous ten years later. The current owner – who bought the car from the restorer – has cherished it during his ownership but admits that the car is not concours, preferring to describe it as being “showroom condition”. There are a couple of very minor points that may need attention but the car is still a stunner.

The vendor is not a trophy hunter, but has twice won Best in Show awards with the car which has been featured on the E-Type Club stand at Silverstone and appears in one of Phillip Porter’s specialist books. It has also been used by Autoglym to demonstrate their products at another major classic car event.

5038 JN is one of only 1,798 Series 1 E-Types produced in right-hand drive form. That it is still a stunner ten years after its restoration says a lot for the standard of the work carried out and the care and attention of the current owner. So why is it for sale? Well, the vendor bought an XK140 recently and his wife has “suggested” that “at his age” perhaps two classic Jaguars might just be a bit too much. We hope she appreciates the sacrifice he is making!