1967 Jaguar E Type Series 1

With only two owners from new and never restored or painted, ‘SLM 127F’ has been described as “quite probably the most original E Type in existence”, which sounds hyperbolic but may well be true.

Because this 1967 E Type was only used for five years before Dr Peter Le Couteur its first owner parked it in his warm and well-ventilated garage. He was worried by rising fuel costs you see, and hoped they’d soon fall enabling him to use his beloved Jaguar once more.

However, with only 36,000 miles on the odometer and still in an immaculate and original condition, it ended up there until his passing in 2013.

But it hadn’t been forgotten because the seller, who first saw the E Type when he was just twelve years old, had been badgering him to sell it for years. Constantly rebuffed while he was alive, the late Doctor’s will insisted he was given first refusal and on the 15th of May 2014 his lifelong dream was realised.

Still unrestored and only lightly recommissioned, this is a genuine barn-find E Type that offers its next owner an unrepeatable opportunity to own what may well be the most original example of its type anywhere in the world.

The Opalescent Silver Sand coachwork has oxidized, leaving it with what the seller describes as “a velvet sheen” to the finish. The bonnet louvres have ‘foxed’ and oxidized too, but the overall finish is the sort of beautiful patina that only comes with time.

The seller tells us that it “has never been restored and never pulled apart, and all the panels are original and unsullied.” Of course, it has the odd mark most noticeably near the fuel filler and on the bonnet. There is also the odd spot of light surface rust here and there but these all add to, rather than detract from, the car’s considerable charm.

Even more impressive than the paintwork are the shutlines, which belie the oft-repeated salesman’s claim that poor panel alignment is “how they left the factory, sir!” – and doors that not only shut with a rare precision but actually stay shut, too…

And, for the E Type enthusiasts among you, this 1½ Series car is stuffed full of interesting features like the front and rear bumper rubbers, which are not only in place but neatly curled around and beneath the sharp ends of the bumper blades – and the front ones have even retained their D-shaped clips that hold them.

The headlamp aperture embellishers fit as well now as they did when they were fitted at the factory, and they sandwich the plastic trims between them and the bonnet.

The door and window seals are the originals, as are the numberplates. The heated rear window still bears the TRIPLEX transfer that tells passersby that Dr Le Couteur paid extra for this new-fangled accessory. And the windscreen retains its original white-on-black Jaguar ‘Growler’ sticker in the offside bottom corner.

The car also still sits on its original chromed wire wheels, wheels that have retained their so-called ‘curly hubs’. These differ from the modern reproduction items in that they have a distinct and noticeably sharper dish to them than the shallow-dished ones that are advertised as replacements today.

The hub spinners are also original to the car and they show little, if any, evidence of having been bashed off in the usual ham-fisted way but then as the seller points out, with only five years of use under their belts why would they?

The wheels are fitted with a matching set of Blockley 185R15 tyres and it is a testiment to the brand that they look and handle so well, the original Dunlops having long expired.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

You may not appreciate the car’s matt finish (although such a finish is highly prized in the rat rod community…) nor the odd dink it wears. If so then this isn’t the car for you as it would be a tragedy to have it restored.

(Of course, if you buy it you can do what you like with it but if you do repaint it then expect a large crowd of pitchfork-carrying Jaguar enthusiasts at your door one night. Possibly led by us.)

Far better, in our humble opinion, to continue to preserve it. To show it off every now and then. Maybe to go to the pub in it in the summer. Enjoy it by all means but enjoy it gently and sympathetically please because we may not see its like again.

The only work done to the interior was to remove the front seats and dashboard to give access to fit new stainless-steel bulkhead coolant pipes.

This means that apart from the scuffing and colour loss to the driver’s seat and central armrest that’s inevitable in such a low-slung sportscar, the interior is still in an excellent condition – and an original one at that, which is just as important.

The leather is still supple. The headlining is taut and undamaged. The lettering on the controls and instruments is still bright white. The dashboard is free of cracks and sun damage. Every door seal and clip is original and in place.

The carpets are also good and lifting them shows dry soundproofing material and solid metal floors. As we’ll mention later, the E Type has never seen the attention of a welder’s torch.

The original radio and speakers are still fitted, and the boot floor trim and rear door card are both in a very good condition indeed.

Speaking of the boot, it not only contains the original jack but also plays host to the original Hardura tool roll and the unused toolkit that includes the grease pump that is still protected by the original paper and rubber band.

Still not impressed? How about the fact that the tyre pressure gauge is still in its original cellophane wrapper. Bet you’ve never seen that before, have you?

Obviously, lifting the spare wire wheel and Dunlop tyre out shows nothing but solid, well-protected metal underneath.

After lying unused for 42 years the E Type inevitably needed recommissioning. But, even here, care was taken to do the minimum to get it running well again – and to preserve that patina at all costs.

Investigations revealed a seized clutch and engine but the engineers at WinSpeed were careful to put these issues right in the most sympathetic way and with no external dressing or detailing whatsoever.

The mechanical work comprised:

• A new fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel lines front to back along with a new fuel filter. The SU carbs were rebuilt with a full service kit.
• The original brake calipers were sent away to be refurbished. They were then refitted with new pads but the original discs. New copper and rubber brakes pipes and hoses were fitted throughout along with the refurbished original master cylinder and servo.
• A new air tank and air pipes along with new stainless-steel pipes across bulkhead were fitted behind the dash.
• The whole of the rear suspension was removed from the car and the differential sent away for new seals etc to be installed. The differential carrier was powder-coated and the axle then refitted with new dampers and rubber mounts along with the original springs.
• The entire front suspension was stripped, and anything made of rubber was replaced. It was greased and re-assembled and the original wheels were refitted with new tyres and inner tubes.
• The prop shaft was serviced and the gearbox striped and fitted with new seals and a new clutch plate, cover, and slave cylinder.
• The pistons were stuck, so it was sent away to Connaught Competition Engines in Sittingbourne. It fully stripped it down before rebuilding it with a +20 thou overbore, new pistons and rings, valve seats and valves, new shells, and the original camshafts.
• A hi-torque starter was fitted, and the alternator was serviced.
• A full stainless-steel exhaust system was fitted.
• The original radiator was reused, and the system was updated with a new Revotec fan and shroud along with a new digital thermostat.
• Upgraded steering rack mounts were installed along with new boots and the original track control arms and ends.

The seller tells us that the Jaguar “is completely useable and drives as one would expect.” As the video shows, it starts and runs well and does so while making all the right noises and none of the wrong.

As for the underside, it’s never been welded as the recommissioning revealed nothing of any concern once the mechanical components had been refreshed.

NB: The odometer reads 33,000 miles and the service history booklet indicates the car was fitted with a new speedometer at 3,500 miles, giving a total of 36,000 miles in all.

Oh, and the same booklet records the car’s maintenance as follows:

• 28.01.1968 and 1,100 miles – service by PLC
• 05.05.1968 and 3,800 miles – service by PLC
• 28.07.1968 and 6,167 miles – service by PLC
• 04.01.1969 and 10,043 miles – service by PLC
• 27.04.1969 and 12,849 miles – service by PLC
• 02.08.1969 and 15,877 miles – service by PLC
• 21.12.1969 and 19,800 miles – service by PLC
• 18.04.1970 and 22,400 miles – service by PLC
• 19.08.1970 and 24,400 miles – service by PLC
• 20.06.1971 and 28,400 miles – service by PLC
• 21.02.1972 and 27,791 miles – service by PLC
• 24.09.1972 and 30,025 miles – service by PLC

The Jaguar doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies…

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the history file includes a Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate confirming its factory specification and engine and chassis numbers.

The file also includes the original and undamaged brown plastic envelope that contains the book pack and all the car’s original paperwork.

We’re probably as guilty as everyone else of over-using the term ‘time warp”.

This is a lesson that has now been learned because this example shows what a genuine time warp car looks like.

Probably an unrepeatable opportunity to get your hands on an E Type that displays an unrivalled degree of originality, our estimate is in the region of
£45,000 and £55,000, which feels like a very reasonable sum for such a rare and interesting example.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.