1968 JAGUAR E-TYPE

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 on Saturday the 14th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type throughout its life and the first results of this programme of improvements were introduced in 1964 when the newly enlarged 4.2-litre XK engine was installed. Maximum power remained unchanged at 265bhp, however torque was usefully increased which, combined with the arrival of a fully synchronised Moss gearbox and more consistent fuel flow from the twin SU petrol pumps, contributed greatly to smooth progress.

The Series 2 of 1968 was a further quantum leap with an improved cooling system and better Girling brakes addressing those less than endearing Series I characteristics of getting too hot and not being able to stop. The Series 2 also introduced several design changes, largely due to US Federal legislation and the most noted exterior features are the open headlights, a larger grille opening, re-positioned and larger front indicators and rear lights below the bumpers. The 4.2-litre XK straight-six now featured ribbed cam-covers, whilst inside there were better seats with headrests, new switchgear and the ignition switch was now on the steering column.

It is incredibly rare to find any classic motorcar that has a chassis number ending in '01', mainly due to the fact that early production examples were factory prototypes that were either used for crash-testing, destroyed as a matter of policy, or later suffered, in the case of most sporting British heritage cars, race damage. Far thinking manufacturers with deep pockets often kept first production examples or sold them to good customers, with these cars moving from one important collection to another, and therefore seldom available on the open market. By 1968 Jaguar had perfected the E-Type to such an extent that the first right-hand drive fixed head coupe was supplied, no doubt to an important customer, as chassis number #1R20001 and finished in Light Blue with Grey leather.

Distributed by W. L. Thompson of Hull on 25th October 1968, the Jaguar was later sold at auction on 28th May 2006 to our vendor’s late father. The car was described as having a then, "recent (April 2006) comprehensive cosmetic refurbishment that involved a total bodywork strip down, re-spray in original pale blue and rebuild with new rubber seals throughout.” Some 5,000 miles later the car would benefit from an element of recommissioning having been largely unused since the last MOT was issued in November 2022 (without advisories). With an odometer reading of 79,163 miles today, the older restoration would perhaps benefit from a refresh whilst the interior appears to be mostly original.

With the accompanying Heritage Certificate stating: “This was the first E-Type Series 2 Fixed Head Coupe with right-hand drive” this historically important motorcar is worthy of any collection. Keenly estimated, particularly when compared with the 2023 £1,000,000 auction estimate for Chassis #860001, the very first right-hand-drive E-Type Fixed Head Coupe, and the £911,250 achieved in the same year for Chassis #850004, the first ever E-Type sold.

Undoubtedly significant in terms of its position within the timeline of the legendary E-Type, we welcome your inspection of #1R20001 at our forthcoming NEC Sale.