1963 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-Litre Series I Roadster

Registration no. NRH 717A Chassis no. 879471

Odometer Reading: TBA
MoT Expiry: Exempt

*Featured in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E"
*Extensively up-rated
*Delivered new to the USA
*Restored and converted to right-hand drive in the 1990s
*Present ownership since 2011

Delivered to Jaguar Cars, New York in May 1963, this E-Type roadster was imported from the USA to the UK in 1991 by classic car dealer Simon Robinson of Darlington. The Jaguar was then restored and converted to right-hand drive, and shortly thereafter was sold to a Mr Frederick Jones of Sunderland (in September 1991).

In July 1997 the E-Type was purchased by Mr Justin Noxon, who commissioned a major restoration by Newlands Motors, classic car specialists of Forest Row, Sussex at a cost of over £17,000. At this time the engine was rebuilt, an unleaded conversion was carried out and 'hot' camshafts fitted. The car was also subject to a gearbox rebuild; the radiator was re-cored and Kenlowe fan was fitted. The car was rewired; suspension and braking system refurbished with up-rated brakes (XJ6 front callipers and Coopercraft rear); and a roll bar and race harnesses installed.

Next owner Jonathan Kidd acquired the E-Type in May 2001. Major works and modifications undertaken during Mr Kidd's ownership are as follows: clutch and fuel pump replaced; flywheel balanced and new pedals; new D-Type style wheels; negative earth conversion; new starter motor; suspension completely refurbished with adjustable shock absorbers; new 80-amp alternator; body re-sprayed; speedometer repaired and re-calibrated; heater replaced; new Kenlowe fan and voltage stabiliser; braking system completely refurbished; clutch slave cylinder replaced; new exhaust system; rear sub-frame renewed and refurbished; rev counter repaired and re-calibrated; roll bar modified to be detachable; and inertia-reel seat belts fitted.

Mr Kidd having passed away, the car was acquired by Mr Andrew Biggs of Dorset in December 2009. The current vendor purchased the E-Type at Bonhams' Goodwood Festival of Speed sale in July 2011 (Lot 448). A week later the car passed its MoT test with no problems and on 23rd July was driven to Silverstone to participate in the E-Type's 50th anniversary celebrations. Since then the E-Type has been much enjoyed both at home and abroad, visiting venues such as the Goodwood Revival, Le Mans, Monaco Historic, Shelsley Walsh, Circuit de Reims, etc. Significant works carried out during the vendor's ownership include uprating the gearbox to a 4 speed 4.2 unit; fitting a new convertible hood along with refurbishing the whole interior.

A very fast and well-maintained E-Type with up-rated engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension, 'NRH 717A' is ready to be used and enjoyed. The car also notably featured in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E"(photos within the cars file) Offered with a V5C document; the vendor's personal log of all events attended and works carried out; and service history since the Newlands Motors rebuild in the late 1990s.