2011-03-20 11:16:15 | Jim writes:

This car can be seen being driven by Quentin Wilson in the 1997 BBC2 programme "The Car's The Star" here:
www.youtube.com/watch

2016-07-07 17:55:17 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 7/16
www.silverstoneauctions.com/jaguar-e-type-series-1-4-2-fhc

Auction description:
1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 FHC
Lot No.: 521
Registration: FEE 326D
Chassis Number: 1E 20933
Engine Number: 7E 57089
Number of cylinders: 6
CC: 4200cc
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Estimate (£): 50,000 - 60,000

Manufactured in 1965 and first registered in April 1966, this gorgeous, original, home market RHD Series 1 FHC is offered from long-term ownership having been cherished by our vendor since 1995.

The history of this particular E-Type is varied to say the least, and can be traced back to 1978 when a Mr. P. Shakeshaft of Surrey owned the car. In 1980 it appears that the car was being stored in a barn at the Cross Keys Pub in Llandfyllian, as security against a loan to his brother, however, in 1989 the property had to be demolished and the car was sold for the princely sum of £7,000 to a Mr. A Richards.

Having languished for almost a decade, the car by this stage was starting to look rather sorry for itself, and Mr. Richards commenced a comprehensive restoration, logging approximately 900 hours of work which appears to have been carried out at a meticulous level.

The bodywork was taken back to bare metal and any rusty bodywork was addressed, including extensive lead loading to return the car to its original standard of finish. The front chassis frame was also replaced at this time as were all the suspension joints and mountings.The mechanics of the car were, of course, attended to as well, the engine and differential underwent a rebuild, whilst the gearbox was checked and deemed in good order. A new bonnet was fitted and the wheels were replaced with brand new sparkling chrome wires. All the new parts were purchased from Martyn Robey.

Once this mechanical work had been completed, all the brightwork was refinished and its original Dark Green colour was replaced with many coats of Carmen Red using high specification Dupont paint applied with the 'Pressure-pot' system, as per the factory.

Mr. Richards would keep the car until 1995 when it was sold to our vendor, a director of Top Gear in its heyday throughout the 1990s. It was as a result of encouragement by presenter, Quentin Willson, which ultimately cemented his decision to buy an E-Type. After searching the length and breadth of the UK, our vendor finally settled on the car offered here and, of course, it was promptly featured in the show later that year with Jeremy Clarkson at the helm.

The car would become quite the TV star over the following years being used in "The Car's the Star" where (with some artistic license) it was seen to be approaching the famous 150mph top speed.

E-Type ownership has been infectious for our vendor and the car is seldom unused, being driven as intended whenever possible. The car occasionally also stretches its legs on track, being treated to Goodwood and Castle Combe track days along with the occasional blast up Prescott Hill Climb.

Of course, to be driven enthusiastically the car must be in excellent mechanical order and has, indeed, benefited over the years with uprated brakes, more efficient cooling, a new clutch, new wishbones, electronic ignition, and a wealth of other new parts.

Presented with a fascinating history file, this car is a very honest example indeed. Whilst it may not be a perfectly restored matching numbers example, nor finished in its original colour for that matter, this fantastic E-type more than makes up for itself in personality. A true driver's car and the embodiment of the Jaguar E-type, this car exudes the ethos of Jaguar, equally loved as it is used, we certainly hope the new owner can achieve as much enjoyment as our vendor has in his 21 years of ownership.

The Car can bee seen in the below episode of The Car's The Star at 6.07 - 6.47 minutes and again in part two at 0.55 -1.33 minutes