VIN: Jaguar E-type 3.8 FHC Prototype chassis 885002
History of chassis 885002
As denoted by its ‘885’ VIN prefix, chassis 885002 was a left-hand drive E-type FHC. It was completed in mid 1960 as the second ‘proper’ E-type FHC.
Together with the original FHC prototype (885001) and a pair of left-hand drive OTS Roadsters (chassis 850001 and 850002), these four cars served as Jaguar’s test and development mules after the experimental E1 A and Pop Rivet Special.
Chassis 885002 was configured in the handsome colour scheme of Opalescent Gunmetal with Black upholstery. During its time with Jaguar’s experimental department, Norman Dewis hit a top speed of 143mph at the MIRA facility in Warwickshire.
Among chassis 885002’s unusual features were no front bumper overriders and a front intake that lacked the horizontal chrome trim bar.
Jaguar registered the car 9600 HP on February 10th 1961.
On March 14th 1961, Bob Berry departed on an overnight trip to Geneva with chassis 885002 ahead of the E-type’s public launch. Upon arrival he took the car to the showroom of Swiss Jaguar distributor, Georges Filipinetti, where it underwent a quick wash and polish before heading to the Restauarnt Parc des Eaux Vives where Jaguar boss Williams Lyons presented the new model to the throngs of assembled journalists.
A matching Opalescent Gunmetal left-hand drive FHC was on static display inside the restaurant (chassis 885005) while chassis 885002 was outside. With photo opportunities satisfied, Bob Berry then gave the assembled members of the press rides up a pre-made hillclimb course. Demand proved so strong that Lyons ordered Norman Dewis to make an overnight trip with a British Racing Green OTS Roadster (chassis 850003). He arrived just as chassis 885005 went on display in the Palais des Expositions.
Upon its return from Geneva, chassis 885002 continued its role as a promotional car and at some point was converted from left to right-hand drive. It was sold off in 1962 and, having been through the hands of several UK owners, was purchased by Jaguar historian Philip Porter in 1977.
Because non of the other aforementioned prototypes survived, chassis 885002 remains the oldest E-type in existence.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Jaguar Heritage Trust - https://www.jaguarheritage.com/
