Abandoned E-type up for sale

An abandoned Jaguar has come up for sale. The 1962 E-type Series 1 Fixedhead Coupé will go under the hammer at Classic Car Auctions’ Restoration Show sale on 1-2 April at the Birmingham NEC.

Left for almost 20 years, this car is an early example of one of Jaguar’s best-known models. Chassis 282 is a a right-hand drive, manual example, it has had two registered owners from new and has a guide price of £38,000 to £44,000.

The car's first owner bought it on 4 April, 1962, and registered to his Birmingham address. Finished in desirable Dark Opalescent Blue with black trim, the E-type was proudly driven and owned for some 35 years by its first keeper.

The car changed hands and found its second owner on 1 November, 1997. Staying within the West Midlands area and now owned by a Jaguar enthusiast, the E-type was put into storage in a barn in preparation for remedial works. Sadly, plans to work on the car were never realised as the owner moved to the north of England, leaving the car untouched for almost 20 years.

Now brought out of the barn and into daylight once again, it is in original condition. Worn paintwork reveals a colour change to white with the original Opalescent Blue showing through in some areas, as well as evidence of a replacement red bonnet. Despite missing some glass and the radiator, most of the car is original, including the steering wheel and dashboard - all covered in a generous layer of dust and detritus. Despite decades of neglect, the E-type makes an ideal restoration candidate.

Harry Whale, classic car consigner at Classic Car Auctions, said, ‘These very early E-types are now highly collectible these days and this example will be a serious project, but one that could be very worthwhile.

‘Last year, Series I E-types experienced significant growth on the classic car market and we expect buyers to be queuing up for the chance to own an example just like, ready to give it the TLC it deserves.’

Included with the car are several parts which were removed and retained for the restoration process, as well as the Jaguar Heritage Certificate and current V5. To find out more about the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixedhead Coupé for sale visit classiccarauctions.co.uk.