LOST IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE: 10TH E-TYPE 4.2 EVER BUILT RESTORED TO FORMER GLORY

LOST IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE: 10TH E-TYPE 4.2 EVER BUILT RESTORED TO FORMER GLORY

The 10th E-type Series 1 4.2 to ever roll off the Jaguar production line has now undergone a full nut and bolt restoration at the hands of one of Britain’s leading E-type specialists. E-Type UK discovered what is believed to be the 10th Jaguar E-type Series 1 4.2 RHD FHC ever built, lost in the shrubbery of a Gloucestershire estate. The team has now delivered the fully-restored motoring icon to its proud new owner.

After this incredible matching numbers 1964 E-type Series 1 4.2 RHD FHC was unceremoniously dragged from the forest undergrowth, a total re-build commenced at the workshops of E-Type UK. With much of the car having sat open to the elements for the best part of three decades, the entirety of the vehicle’s body was unsalvageable. However, this very special Jaguar was discovered with completely original, matching numbers running gear and suspension units - maintaining its incredibly significant identity. E-Type UK felt duty-bound to uphold the great history of this iconic sports car and went about the complex task of putting it on the road once again.

The mission ahead was momentous; everything aside from the original logbook, running-gear and IRS had to be sourced or hand-crafted. So, while the team searched for a period-correct floor pan and front and rear bulkheads, the in-house body shop set about the panels, assembling them using a specialist body alignment jig. The roof and tailgate also needed to be sourced, and carefully attached to a new set of specially fabricated inner and outer C post panels.

With the body shell and iconic 60’s lines and gaps perfected, this incredibly significant E-type was handed on to the paint team for a stunning coat of Opalescent Silver Grey. To achieve the perfect finish the car was subjected to 60 hours of polishing - the only way to truly appreciate the quality of the new paint finish. The interior has also been updated, with completely new electronics, dashboard, black leather seats, dials and pedal box – all sourced or hand-crafted by the in-house team.

As would be expected, most of the engine components were unusable, but some parts were salvaged in the hope of keeping as much of the car’s wonderful character as possible. The original cam covers and cylinder head have been painstakingly machine-polished – certainly to a higher quality than the car left the Coventry factory some half a century ago. The powertrain has also been fitted with an uprated stainless-steel sports exhaust with tubular manifolds, creating a beautiful 4.2-litre symphony from beneath the iconic sweeping bonnet.

With the extent of work required to make this classic drive once more and the number of components needing replacement, it gave its new custodian the freedom to upgrade certain aspects of the car to suit modern-day driving. An upgraded fast road specification with high-lift cams, a balanced and lightened crank and a 5-speed gearbox make this 60’s icon a marvel for modern roads. Now running and driving, what may be the 10th Series 1 E-type 4.2 RHD FHC off the production line has not only been brought back to life, but is now looking and performing better than ever.

E-Type UK Founder, Marcus Holland commented: “We are incredibly proud and privileged to have been given the opportunity to complete a full restoration of the 10thJaguar E-type Series 1 4.2 RHD FHC to come off the production line. This historic sportscar certainly came with its own unique challenges, bringing out the best from our in-house team through the extent and quality of the work required. We have seen and completed a number of ‘Bush-Find’ restorations, but this must be one of the most significant E-Type UK has ever undertaken. Learning of its wonderful history, and being able to restore another Jaguar classic to its former glory has been a pleasure. It is now back on Britain’s roads, upholding the incredible legacy of the E-type and ready to be enjoyed for the first time in over thirty years.”