Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8 FHC

Launched in March 1961 the E-Type took the world by storm. William Lyons’ ability to design a car which looked just right was by then already legendary, however with the E-Type he surpassed even himself. It was not just the looks that made everyone sit up though. Autocar and Motor tested an early E-Type at 149mph – a truly extraordinary achievement for a road car in 1961. The first cars used the 3.8 litre engine from the XK 150S in a new chassis which carried torsion bar front suspension with an independent coil set up at the rear. It was one of the first cars to use discs brakes all round which was entirely necessary given its remarkable performance. 

The Series 1 was upgraded to 4.2 litres in 1964 and a stretched 2+2 added to the range in 1966. 9” was added to the chassis length, with longer doors to aid getting in and out. It was also available with an automatic gearbox.

Distributed through Henlys Ltd, this RHD Fixed Head Coupe 3.8 litre example was originally supplied to a Mr. Toombs of Norton in Gloucestershire via dealers’ Kingscote and Stephens in Gloucester in June 1962. The vendor purchased it from the well respected Jaguar specialist Woodmanton Classics in 2005, since when it has had modest usage due to work commitments overseas. The vendor has however undertaken a series of sensible upgrades to make the car as usable as possible.

The most significant of these has been the fitment of an E-Type FABS 5-speed gearbox, a conversion using an all new 5-speed box made from billet aluminium. This unit requires no modification to the vehicle at all, even the gear stick being in the same position as the original. The new slick change is said to have transformed the driving experience. At the same time the clutch pressure and drive plates were replaced.  The vendor has retained the original Moss box which is included in the sale. In addition a Classic-FABS stainless exhaust including manifold has been fitted which sounds sensational as well as liberating a few more horsepower. New 6 ½J wire wheels with 205 section rear tyres and 185 section fronts (to keep steering weight down) along with 4-pot front calipers also make up the specification. More recently the front suspension has been overhauled with new ball joints and track rod ends, whilst the engine uses a Luminition ignition system and a Kenlowe fan. Inside the period radio has been modified to receive FM stations and has an MP3 input.

Complete with its Heritage Certificate confirming its build dates, this prime example will have a fresh MOT at the time of sale, has been kept in a de-humidified garage and during a brief run out sounded and performed beautifully. It also has very good panel fit, a sure sign that any work that has been undertaken in the past has been done to a high standard.

The Series 1 E-Type, with its small mouth, headlight covers and “flick” switches is by far the most appealing of the breed, the FHC being the purest of them all.  The earlier 3.8 litre engine is generally regarded as the most responsive, free-revving engine of the type and this one certainly lives up to expectations. The vendor is only selling to fund his daughter's wedding!   Please don't spoil the girl's day - bid enthusiastically.