Jaguar E-Type Series I FHC (1962)

At its reveal at the Geneva motorshow in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused quite a stir, a beautiful 150mph car available at half the price of an Aston Martin. 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 E-Type as an icon not just of 1960s motoring but of British culture. 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". For collectors today, the earlier cars are the most desirable.

This example offered by DK Engineering is a superb Series 1 3.8 Fixed head coupe in Indigo Blue over grey hide, complete with the desirable aluminium dashboard and bucket seats. This factory RHD car was originally supplied new by Henlys Limited in Opalescent grey in April 1962 to a Mr Good of Brentwood - it would appear that it has been registered as "253 DYT" from new.

Remarkably this car has received two bare metal restorations to date, the most recent being completed in 2012, at which point it was refinished in Indigo Blue, the colour famously used by Rob Walker on his racing cars often piloted by Sir Stirling Moss. Used sparingly over the past 25 years, confirmed by a wealth of MOTs, the car now has travelled just over 7,000 miles since 1993 and less than 4,000 miles since its most recent 2012 restoration. Testament to its condition it was chosen by Jaguar, to be exhibited in their showroom as part of the launch of the F-Type in 2015.

The cars impressive (two volume) history file contains amongst other things a handwritten note of purchase from its sale in circa 1968 as well as Jaguar Heritage Certificate. There are also some charming photos of the car in period, and thorough photographic documentation and invoices of different stages of the restorations and upgrades carried out during its life.

Today the car presents extremely well in its elegant dark blue paint sitting on competition triple laced wire wheels - having been used on a number of longer tours the car has been subtly upgraded to improve reliability, performance and usability in the modern day. These include the introduction of electronic ignition, upgraded Coopercraft brakes, upgraded shock absorbers, rear springs and reaction plate, Poly-bushed suspension all round, Kenlowe Cooling fan and an iPod connection. All of these upgrades are discreet and importantly, reversible.

Prior to sale the car has been inspected in DK's workshop and has received a most comprehensive major service to ensure the car is immediately ready to be used and enjoyed; this included amongst other things a new Crank Damper, Steering Rack, and replacement clutch master and slave cylinders.