2014-09-05 15:16:24 | Harry Stevens writes:

Private advertisement listed on Classic Cars For Sale UK website runs 'Rare series 1.5. 1968. 4.2 litre 1E2103. Matching numbers. Nice registration JHG800G. Lots of history and documents, invoices dating back to early 80's. Fitted with period radio converted to FM and with iPOD connection. Factory fitted hazard warning lights. 102,000 miles. £120,000 miles. Worcester'.

2015-04-16 11:43:07 | Harry Stevens writes:

Car to be sold at Brightwells of Leominster Classic Car Auction on 13 May 2015. Superbly presented, one of only 319 made in RHD; matching numbers, fully restored, S1 looks with S2 practicality. Guide £93,000 - £100,000.

This particular car is as good as E types get, being a Series 1.5 model which retained the classic looks of the original Series 1 (apart from the exposed headlights) with the many improvements of the Series 2 thrown in: better cooling with twin fans, more comfortable reclining seats and an all syncro gearbox. Only 6,725 Series 1.5 models were produced of which 2,801 were roadsters and only 319 in RHD, making this a rare beast.

As the accompanying heritage certificate confirms, it was despatched on 21 June 1968 to Parkers Limited of Bolton and first registered on 1 August 1968. Since then it has had just five owners, being acquired by the vendor from Racing Green Cars in the summer of 2006 after he had read the 'Ads on Test' feature in the July 2006 issue of Classic Cars magazine.

'It drives faultlessly. The engine is a gem, spearing the E type along any road you point it at. It sits stable and firmly planted at high speed, something you don't find with all E types, and the Coopercraft brakes offer safe stopping. It revs incredibly swiftly, perfectly balanced and zings through the rev range. The four speed manual box changes gear crisply. No clonks or driveline wear evident. Excellent bodywork, straight and rot free'.

Since this report was written the car has only covered some 7,300 miles, being regularly serviced and diligently maintained, including having a new clutch fitted less than 800 miles ago. The extensive history file indicates that the car was treated to a full body off restoration in 2001/02 at Southern Classics at a cost of over £8,000; a full engine rebuild to unleaded spec by VSE at a cost of over £3,000; a gearbox rebuild; Coopercraft brake upgrade; new suspension; big bore stainless steel exhaust system; full interior re-trim, a new set of chrome wire wheels and Pirelli P4000 tyres plus numerous other improvements.

The current indicated mileage of 103,187 is believed to be the genuine distance covered from new, the car has only covered 25,000 miles since the engine rebuild in 2002. The vendor confirms the engine is original making this a matching numbers example. The car drives beautifully and certainly performed magnificently when we were treated to a spirited test drive. This E type ticks all the boxes and is ready for the new owner to enjoy.