1970 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series II Fixedhead Coupe

Some cars need no introduction and the Jaguar E-Type is no exception. The Series II Jaguar E-Types produced from 1969 to 1971 can be identified by their open headlights, no longer with glass covers, a wrap-around rear bumper with the tail lights now underneath, and the larger front indicators were similarly repositioned below the slightly heavier front bumpers. The cooling was much improved helped by the enlarged 'mouth'. Series II cars also feature twin electric fans and uprated brakes.

The engine is easily identified visually by the change from smooth polished cam covers to a ribbed appearance yet the original triple SU carburettors remain. The interior and dashboard were also redesigned, with steel flick switches being substituted by rocker switches to meet U.S regulations. It can be said that the late Series II was the pinnacle of design and engineering, and a fitting swansong to the E-Type silhouette so beloved by Enzo Ferrari and the rest of the world.

This delightful, Wedgewood Blue, Series II Fixedhead Coupe was delivered new to Henleys of Manchester on the 30th April 1970. The Heritage Certificate lists the original dealer as Braid Bros. of Colwyn Bay, who, as was common practice back then, registered the car in their own name on the 5th May 1970, and just two days later on the 7th sold the car to a Mr. Terence Owen who owned a TV shop across the road from the Braid Bros. showroom.

On the 2nd August 1972, the car was sold to a Mr. Peter Owen (no relation), a Llandudno undertaker, and one surmises that the car wasn't used on house calls to the recently bereaved. Mr. Owen moved house and therefore stands as the third and fourth entry on the Green Logbook, the original of which is supplied in the history file. On the 12th September 1973, a Mr. Arthur Turner of Chorley, Lancashire bought the car and he, in turn, passed it on to a Miss Caroline Heaney of Preston, Lancashire on the 12th September 1976. Miss Heaney subsequently transferred the E-Type to Mr. Graeme Noonan who resided at the same address on the 1st January 1979.

A Mr. John Kelsall of Sale, Greater Manchester bought the car on the 23rd June 1981 and undertook a program of extensive restoration works lasting until 4th March 2002 when he sold the car to Mr. David Piggott of Stoke-on-Trent, who bought it as a retirement gift to himself. It is thanks to Mr. Piggott, our vendor's cousin, that this history file is so detailed. The file contains thirty previous MOTs, most tax discs from 1978 to 2015 and, incredibly, receipts and invoices dating from 1973 that show thousands being spent throughout the 1970s, '80s, '90s and the 2000s. This consignor has not often seen such a well-researched and detailed history file, that has been put together with such meticulous attention to detail.

When our vendor, upon his retirement, pleaded with his cousin Mr. Piggott, to sell him the car, he gratefully took ownership on the 8th August 2007, bringing the car back to to Wales for the first time since 1973. At 33,192 miles the car was fitted with a new speedometer, currently reading 40,418, and therefore the total mileage so far is 73,610. The car was treated to a stainless steel exhaust system and the rear suspension (IRS) was rebuilt in early 2013 followed by an engine rebuild in early 2014, and this consignor has witnessed the car's steady oil pressure. Recent new parts fitted include a set of wire wheels and tyres. In 2015 the cylinder head was converted to run on lead-free petrol and the car is kept in a dehumidified garage. The local mechanic who has maintained and serviced the car over the years has checked and confirmed that the engine number matches that of the Heritage Certificate, although at the time of writing the gearbox numbers have not been verified.

Our vendor, who is only selling due to his advancing years, wishes to stress that the car is in a good usable condition but far from Concours. Barney the Welsh Border Terrier often accompanies our vendor and his wife to local classic car shows, sitting on his own cushion in between them. We haven't told Barney that the car is for sale yet. To this consignor's eye, there are a few dings to the bodywork, no outward signs of rust and the seats show forty-six years of patina. The Britax sunroof is in good condition, closing and opening smoothly, and the engine has a tapping noise at low revs which may be down to a timing chain issue although we cannot confirm this.

To summarise, therefore, it is rare to see such a great useable example of the definitive British sports car in good condition with an incredible history file. Presented to auction with its original registration number, Swansea V5, tool roll, jack, a fresh MoT (with no advisories) and a regretful nod from the vendor.