Jaguar E-type found in hedge sells for £58k

A 1963 Jaguar E-type found under a hedge in Surrey has sold for £57,900 at Coys Spring Classic auction. The car, which was discovered in the village of Bisley, had 45k on the clock and was last on the road in 1969.

Valuer James Good said, ‘It is ideal for restoration and is extremely rare. It has a great history, including racing, which collectors love.’ The car’s first owner in May 1963 was Ivor Arbiter. Ivor owned Drum City and Sound City in London and was involved in 1960s music scene, designing the ‘drop T’ logo for The Beatles.

The car changed owners a couple of times between 1965 and 1967, when it moved to its last owner Frank Riches. Riches was a keen motorsport enthusiast and raced both the E-type and his MGTF at Oulton Park, Brands Hatch and Blackbushe between 1967 and 1969.

Good added, ‘This Series 1, 3.8 E-type is in original condition, with matching numbers and has never been restored. It retains all the features it carried in 1969 and is possibly one of the most original examples remaining today. The car needs a total restoration but it has all the ingredients to make a superb car – a true rarity.'

The E-type was sold with its original brown log book, V5 and V5C, its last MoT certificate, dated November 1968. Also included in the history file was the sales invoice to Frank Riches for £855 along with the Heritage Certificate confirming all the important details.