1962 Jaguar E Type

Here’s one for the dreamers among you: A 1962 Series One Jaguar E Type fixed-head coupé for restoration – and if you’ve ever worried about the problems inherent in dismantling a sixty-year-old car then fear not because this one’s already in pieces, which saves you the job of having to free all those heavily rusted nuts and bolts. 

The body is also mounted on a rotisserie, and the ease with which that allows 360-degree access cannot be underestimated. It got some other body tools with it too, plus lots of new body panels and seals.

That’s the good news. 

The bad news is that while it does come with lots of components and parts, it isn’t complete. We know it lacks an interior but there may be – there probably is – other stuff missing.

And yet, while you will need to still source a few bits and bobs, this also means you’ll have complete control over the specification and quality of the finished car - and if you’re fastidious that control will be priceless.

What can we say about the body other that what you see is what you get? 

With plenty of new panels and the bare monocoque on full display, assessing its condition is a doddle, especially because you can swing it through a full arc courtesy of the ever-useful rotisserie.

The new panels you see are included and most, if not all, still have the stickers on them so identifying some of the smaller and more obscure ones should be easy.

Speaking of which, the seller’s father has made a start on removing the rust and corroded sections and it looks to be well braced against movement, which should make replacing the panels easier than it would otherwise have been.

Originally finished in Opalescent Dark Blue, you’ll be free to go off in whatever direction your fancy takes you once the body is back together.

NB: The chassis plate “might” be available.

As for the interior, there isn’t any. Still, few classic cars have a better supply chain than the E Type, so the finish you end up with will depend on your personal taste and the depth of your pockets.

Liberating, isn’t it?

The 3.8-litre engine is in pieces and we are told that it is “not complete”. You’ll be able to make your own assessment as to what you’ll need to source as we’ve photographed everything that’s included in the sale.

The rear subframe, axle and suspension look to be all there though, although a prudent bidder would want to inspect the car to verify this before bidding.

There’s a gearbox too, plus plenty of other components. Exactly what, we can’t say but cataloguing them would be great fun and hugely satisfying.

The E Type comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate detailing its specification when it left the factory on the 14th of September 1962. Bound for the United States, it landed in New York for distribution by Jaguar Cars there.

This certificate will be invaluable in getting the car registered and a V5 issued.

The paperwork also contains confirmation that any relevant VAT and duty has been paid along with a couple of titles from its time in the USA.

There are also a few invoices for parts purchased. Please see the listing for the full details.

Let’s face it, we’ve all dreamed of buying a box of bits and restoring it to our dream specification, haven’t we? 

And why not? After all, the romantic in many of us loves the idea of breathing new life into an old car - and it doesn’t get much better than an early S1 Jaguar E Type, does it?

Which is what the seller’s father thought when he bought it to restore, something he sadly isn’t in a position to finish.

With much of the hard work already done, it even comes with some of the tooling you’re going to need – and if you’ve never restored a car on a rotisserie then you’re in for a treat because it makes everything so much easier, especially when it’s been properly braced and measured like this one. 

Even better, its condition means it’s going to be cheap. 

Very cheap. 

Like £10,000-15,000 cheap – and it’s being offered with no reserve, so it’s going to sell from the very first bid no matter how derisory that might be.

Worth thinking about, isn’t it?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Chelmsford, Essex. Viewings are strictly by appointment. 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’.