2023-08-08 11:54:58 | Harry Stevens writes:

Lot 181 at Brightwells of Leominster Auction Sale of Classic Cars and Motorcycles on 21 June 2023. Sold for £58,910. Abbreviated catalogue description below.

www.brightwells.com/timed-sale/5372/lot/631187

Undoubtedly a most pampered car, this beautiful E Type V12 roadster comes with a vast history file extending back to the 1980s. The Heritage Certificate confirms it was built in August 1973 and supplied new via Henlys of London finished in Silver with a Dark Blue interior. It was originally registered UGK590M. A print out of previous owners shows that it became RNB28, when owned by Richard Brown of Surrey, becoming XGC142M in 1979.

The next owner, Mr Manning of Purley, bought the car at a Coys auction in July 1989 when it had covered just under 50,000 miles, the catalogue stating that it had been a highly placed concours contender at club meetings over the last 4 years, the history file containing at least 3 JDC concours certificates from 1985-1987. It featured in the Classic and Sportscar calendar of 1986. Old MoTs, of which there are 22, imply the car was not used from 1989 to 1997.

Our vendor bought the car from Mr Manning for £37,500 in 2002 with 50,455 miles recorded. Before buying the car he had it inspected, the abbreviated conclusion states: 'This vehicle is quite superb, it has undergone some work to a high standard, but on the whole it is original. The structure is sound, cosmetics and interior are good and, mechanics usable. Some recommissioning is required as the vehicle has had little use'.

A member of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, our vendor has looked after the car meticulously, entrusting all work to CMC in Bridgnorth. There are hundreds of invoices on file. During his 20 year ownership our vendor used the car regularly, including tours of Europe, and it has now covered 70,267 miles. Sadly he became unwell and the car has been lying unused in a heated garage for the past 4 years, although it has been started and run regularly. The last MoT was issued in June 2019 at 69,643 miles.

Supplied with a factory hard top in good condition, the car comes with technical literature, original handbook, parts catalogue, maintenance chart, wiring diagram, sales brochure, two sets of keys and an agreed insurance valuation. A most attractive E Type with a large history file, it now needs an enthusiastic new owner.