HISTORY

The Jaguar E-Type is widely regarded as one of the most iconic sports cars ever produced. Introduced in 1961, it stunned the world with its combination of advanced engineering, breathtaking performance and timeless design. With its monocoque construction, independent rear suspension and powerful straight-six engine, the E-Type offered race-derived technology at a price that undercut many of its rivals. Famously described by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car ever made”, the E-Type quickly became a symbol of the 1960s and remains one of the most desirable classic Jaguars today.

This particular example benefits from the expertise of one of the most respected names in the classic Jaguar world: Beacham. The company first captured international attention in the late 1980s, when, from its base in Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, it began producing comprehensively restored, re-engineered and subtly updated Jaguar Mark 2 saloons that set new benchmarks for quality.

Under the direction of Dr Greg Beacham, the company’s activities later expanded to include high-level restorations and upgrades of models such as the Jaguar XK150, Aston Martin DB4, as well as various Rolls-Royce and Bentley models, alongside the legendary E-Type.

OUR CAR 

This car is a Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8, chassis number 880073. Importantly, it is not a modified Beacham reinterpretation, but rather a meticulously restored example rebuilt to its original factory specification. The nut-and-bolt restoration was completed approximately nine years ago, and the car still presents as fresh and precise as it did when it left the Beacham workshops, a clear testament to the craftsmanship involved and the quality of materials used throughout the two-and-a-half-year restoration process.

An enormous amount of work was undertaken, with particular attention paid to the fabrication of new body panels and the front subframe, as well as a comprehensive rebuild of the front and rear suspension. Known weaknesses of the E-Type were carefully addressed, with upgraded Cooper Craft brakes and a bespoke radiator fitted to improve braking performance and cooling. The 3.8-litre straight-six engine was rebuilt to original factory specification using numerous new components, while the matching-numbers four-speed Moss manual gearbox was also fully overhauled. A complete stainless-steel exhaust system was custom fabricated and installed. The body was then finished in classic British Racing Green, enhanced by a subtle metallic base.

The interior was trimmed in red, including the seats, door cards and carpets, all executed using high-grade leather and carpeting. The dashboard and all gauges were fully refurbished. To complement the exterior colour, a new green mohair hood and matching tonneau cover were fitted. Fifteen-inch chrome wire wheels complete the exterior, and to accommodate the wider wheels and tyres, the inner edges of the wheel arch seams were carefully flattened to prevent tyre scrub. For improved safety, more modern seat belts have also been discreetly installed.

With the cost of this restoration approaching six figures nearly a decade ago, and with E-Type values having risen significantly since then, replicating this level of work today starting from a donor vehicle would inevitably require a substantially greater investment.

Available by Veloce Classic and Sports Cars LTD

Car located in London UK  

PRICE :POA