1967 JAGUAR E-TYPE

After all the fuss and fanfare of the 1961 launch of Jaguar's original 3.8-litre E-Type had died down, the company quietly introduced the new 4.2-litre car in late 1964. It was more of an evolution than a new model, but was significantly improved with more torque, a user-friendly gearbox, better brakes, brighter headlights and at long last, reasonably comfortable seats. It remained in production until the arrival of the one-year-only Series I½ in late1967 followed by the Series 2 in 1968. With the benefit of hindsight, it's generally felt that late Series I cars with their covered headlights, slimline bumpers, 4.2-litre engine, all synchromesh gearbox and improved legroom are the ones to have, retaining the elegant, uncluttered, head-turning lines of the original 3.8s but so much more enjoyable to drive.

OBP 485E (#1E14613) is one of two late Series I Roadsters offered from the Collection. Both finished in Opalescent Dark Green (ODG) and in the same spectacular condition but, in this case, with a Tan leather interior. After rolling off the production line in left-hand drive on the 19th January 1967, it was distributed by Jaguar Cars New York to its first owner, J Bennett Bailey of Gloucester City, New Jersey. Returning to the UK in 2012 the first UK MOT shows a recorded mileage of 46,279. The history file contains a purchase receipt from Cleevewood Garage of Bristol to the new owner and the history file contains multiple invoices from Jaguar specialists and suppliers.

XKE Data shows images of the car in late 2015 post restoration, and information from Prindiville states: 'This car has gone through a full nut and bolt restoration, originally a US car imported in 2012, all bodywork and drive train restored, features a 4.2-litre straight-six with hardened valve seats to allow the car to run on modern petrol, electronic ignition for ease of start up, British differential ratio (3-7-1), Series 3 brakes, callipers and wheels, interior is how it left the factory, completely untouched apart from driver aid switches, finished in a light beige, right-hand drive.' Since then it appears that the interior has been fully retrimmed in a soft Light Tan leather and is simply superb.

The E-Type joined the Collection in 2024 and, whilst generally in excellent condition, the following work was conducted by Anthony's in-house workshop: the cylinder head was fully reconditioned and new timing chains fitted, all fuel and coolant hoses were replaced, the carburettors were rebuilt and polished and the under bonnet area prepared to the standard evident in our images. The suspension components were stripped and plated or painted as appropriate, the bodywork received any small paint corrections that were required and new wire wheels were fitted with new Blockley tyres. Since completion, the car has only covered a further 67 miles, mainly on road test and the total indicated mileage, since restoration, when photographed was 529.

A superb opportunity to acquire a striking late Series I in a stylish colour combination with just over 500 miles since a substantial restoration and less than 70 since a fastidious refresh.