One to Buy: ex-A.P Burt & Sons 1962 Jaguar E-type 3.8 FHC
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Three years after Jaguar had debuted the all-conquering tube framed C-type, the Coventry firm released arguably the most advanced sports racing car of its day. Based around a state-of-art magnesium alloy monocoque tub, the D-type went on to eclipse its predecessor thanks to a hat-trick of Le Mans victories between 1955 and ‘57.
Inspired by the radical D-type, Jaguar elected to follow a similar construction method when it came to creating a successor for the esteemed XK line scheduled for replacement in early 1961. Accordingly, under stunning wind cheating coachwork, the E-type incorporated a steel central monocoque to which subframes were attached at either end.
Thanks to an advanced specification, elegant lines, sensational performance and competitive pricing, the E-type proved a massive commercial success.
In total, a little under 15,500 examples of the first generation 3.8-litre ‘XKE’ were constructed between 1961 and ‘64, a superb example of which will be going under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Woodcote Park auction in Epsom, Surrey, on July 8th.
A matching numbers right-hand drive Fixed Head Coupe completed on March 15th 1962, chassis 860294 was configured in handsome Opalescent Dark Blue with Grey upholstery. Dispatched to Henlys of London, the car was registered to its first owner, A.P. Burt & Sons Ltd. at the Severn Paper Mills in Portishead, Bristol, on April 18th.
Chassis 860294 passed to its second owner, Ronald Tedley of Failand, Somerset, on May 21st 1965, with whom it remained for another couple of years. Since then, the E-type has remained in continuous British ownership.
Having undergone a superb restoration in recent years, chassis 860294 heads to auction in outstanding condition throughout. Importantly, the car is accompanied by the original owner’s handbook, buff logbook from 1962, a replacement logbook issued in 1974, MOT certificates dating back to 1971 and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certification.
