The Ex-David Ham

1963 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-Litre 'Series 1' Coupé

Registration no. 223 HJJ Chassis no. 861396

Footnotes

Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (XKE in the USA) caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. While, inevitably, the car's stupendous straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines, there was a lot more to the E-Type beneath the skin.

The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint: firstly, because it weighed around 500lb less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.

Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward sub-frame that supported the engine. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight. Only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable four-speed Moss gearbox it retained.

Despite the E-Type's gorgeous appearance, taller drivers could find its interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor modifications) early in 1962. But of all the versions of Jaguar's long-lived and much-loved sports car, it is the very early 'flat floor' 3.8-litre cars built prior to February 1962 which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable. Today, the E-Types graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time.

Manufactured on 11th December 1963, this right-hand drive coupé was sold via distributor Henlys of London to the dealership KDM & Cherrington Ltd of London W1. Its first private owner was Mr N Bailey of London NW1. Between 1969 and 1972, the Jaguar had four owners, all in the Hertfordshire area, and in the late 1970s was sold in a derelict state to Mr Brian Jones of Dunstable. The car was still in a derelict state when it was bought in the mid-1990s by the late David Ham, the long-time Jaguar enthusiast and collector, who was also a highly accomplished racer of a Lister-Jaguar throughout the 1950s.

The E-Type was then kept in storage for a number of years before being completely restored between 2006 and 2013 (it is understood that the engine had been rebuilt by a previous owner). Works carried out included fully restoring the body with new panels as necessary; re-spray by Retford Auto Finishers; interior re-trim by Aldridge Trimming; new wiring loom; and the installation of a Kenlowe electric cooling fan. Restoration invoices are on file and the car also comes with a (copy) old-style logbook and a V5C Registration Certificate.

In September 2017 the late David Ham's estate offered this E-Type for sale at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival Meeting auction (Lot 242) where it was purchased by the current vendor. Described by the latter as in generally very good condition, '223 HJJ' represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an example of the iconic Jaguar E-Type in its earliest and purest form.