Lost 10th E-Type 4.2 restored to former glory

E-Type UK completes nut and bolt restoration of Jaguar E-type Series 1 4.2 RHD FHC, brought back to life by specialist restoration team.
The 10th E-type Series 1 4.2 to ever roll off the Jaguar production line has now undergone a full nut and bolt restoration at the hands of one of Britain’s leading E-type specialists. E-Type UK discovered what is believed to be the 10th Jaguar E-type Series 1 4.2 RHD FHC ever built, lost in the shrubbery of a Gloucestershire estate. The team has now delivered the fully-restored motoring icon to its proud new owner.

After this incredible matching numbers 1964 E-type Series 1 4.2 RHD FHC was unceremoniously dragged from the forest undergrowth, a total re-build commenced at the workshops of E-Type UK. With much of the car having sat open to the elements for the best part of three decades, the entirety of the vehicle’s body was unsalvageable. However, this very special Jaguar was discovered with completely original, matching numbers running gear and suspension units – maintaining its incredibly significant identity. E-Type UK felt duty-bound to uphold the great history of this iconic sportscar, and went about the complex task of putting it on the road once again.

The mission ahead was momentous; everything aside from the original log book, running-gear and IRS had to be sourced or hand-crafted. So, while the team searched for a period-correct floor pan and front and rear bulkheads, the in-house body shop set about the panels, assembling them using a specialist body alignment jig. The roof and tailgate also needed to be sourced, and carefully attached to a new set of specially fabricated inner and outer C post panels.

With the body shell and iconic ’60s lines and gaps perfected, this incredibly significant E-type was handed on to the paint team for a stunning coat of Opalescent Silver Grey. To achieve the perfect finish the car was subjected to 60 hours of polishing – the only way to truly appreciate the quality of the new paint finish. The interior has also been updated, with completely new electronics, dashboard, black leather seats, dials and pedal box – all sourced or hand-crafted by the in-house team.

As would be expected, most of the engine components were unusable, but some parts were salvaged in the hope of keeping as much of the car’s wonderful character as possible. The original cam covers and cylinder head have been painstakingly machine-polished – certainly to a higher quality than the car left the Coventry factory some half a century ago.

The powertrain has also been fitted with an uprated stainless-steel sports exhaust with tubular manifolds, creating a beautiful 4.2-litre symphony from beneath the iconic sweeping bonnet.

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