Jaguar E-Type RHD (1961)

The Jaguar E-Type is a British automobile legend, manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975. A combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing ensured the car was an instant legend. In period, a Ferrari cost three times more and supplied less horse power which established the marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. The model became a great success for Jaguar; at its release Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made". The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½".

The car we offer is the ultimate collectors E-Type, with, in our opinion, the very best and most desirable specification - a Series 1 RHD, Flat Floor example with the desirable Outside Bonnet Catches. The car was completed by Jaguar on the 10th July 1961, finished in Cream with a Red interior and Black hardtop. It was supplied to Gilman & Co in Hong Kong and was used in a Marlboro Cigarette advert before being purchased by Jon Fong in 1962, who was an actor and appeared in many 50s and 60s films. It was used in one of his many films and for that purpose was hastily painted bright Gold whilst in Hong Kong. When the car was six years old, Jon Fong moved to California in order to be closer to Hollywood. The car went with him and was virtually unused from then until his passing in 2010.

In 2011 the car was purchased by David Cottingham with, remarkably, only 8,350 miles covered from new. It was dismantled for a totally comprehensive restoration, during which time the car was returned to its original colour combination. It is hard to imagine a better condition, lower mileage or more original early E-Type in existence. When the car was stripped there was no corrosion, as it had spent the vast majority of its life in warm, dry climates. It was noted that the floors and the front and rear bulkheads showed absolutely no corrosion and completely shiny steel was presented when the paint was removed. All of the internals showed minimal wear and displayed bright and shiny steel components, including crank, cam shafts, conrods, timing gears and even the tray in the base of the sump. Having been shielded by a thick layer of gold paint, the car has been amazingly well preserved and every important component on the car is the original including the body and fittings, factory hardtop, rare early bucket seats, gauges, dashboard, engine, gearbox, rear axle, carburettors and wheels. Even the steering wheel is original and was not re-wooded, serving as an indicator of how well preserved the car was. The engine wear was minimal, as this was a 60 year old engine which had never been taken apart - something David Cottingham had not seen before in his 50 years of restoring Jaguars. This originality, the exceptional level of restoration, low mileage, virtually 1 owner history and stunning condition of this rare, early E-Type make it almost certainly a completely unique and extraordinary part of motoring history.

See an article recently published about this car on page 67: http://ourmagazines.co.uk/ySuPj

NOTE: Private registration number not included in sale.