Jaguar E-Type S2 4.2 FHC (ex-Capt Cochrane)

History

Although die-hard E-Type aficionados will always claim that the Series 1 is the car to have, in the real world there is no doubt that the Series 2, launched in October 1968, is the better car to drive. Visually distinguished by its slightly higher, uncowled front headlights, wider front grille and different tail lights, it had twin fans for better cooling, an all-synchro gearbox, better seats, improved switchgear and slightly more room in the cabin.

First registered in January 1969, this particular car has been owned for the last 20 years by test pilot, Captain John Cochrane, who helped to develop Concorde and co-piloted the plane on its maiden flight with Brian Trubshaw in April 1969.

During this time the car is said to have been always kept in a heated garage and only used in the summer as the Captain lived mainly abroad for the rest of the year. A run of old MOTs going back to 1988 show a history of continuous light use, the mileage rising from 62,707 in 1988 to just over 66,000 today. It is said to drive very well and certainly fired up readily and ran smoothly on the occasion of our visit.

There are various bills in the history file showing routine maintenance and the car has recently been fitted with a new stainless steel exhaust, new battery and new chrome wire wheels and tyres. The interior, bodywork and structure are said to be in good condition throughout, although there are one or two areas on the bonnet where the paint has bubbled slightly.

Due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, this appears to be a good usable car with an interesting history at a very reasonable guide price.