Unique ex-works Jaguar E-type for sale

It’s got the X factor

Jaguar produced more than 67,000 E-types between 1961 and 1975, but there is no other example quite like this one.

This unique car, the 10th production fixed-head coupé, has quite a tale to tell.

And it will write the next chapter in its illustrious history on 31 October 2020 when it goes under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s in London, where it could achieve £395-495,000.

Here’s its story.

Held back

The car you see here is chassis number 860010, which was completed on 27 September 1961 in this very fetching shade of Opalescent Dark Green, and registered 6162 RW.

Kept by its maker, it was used by journalists from around the world for road tests, and also by Jaguar for testing and development work.

Testing, testing…

It was in this latter role as a test car that it became a significant E-type.

None other than Jaguar’s legendary Test Development Engineer, the late Norman Dewis who passed away last year, drove this car.

Insider’s view

From this seat, Dewis helped Jaguar to develop refinements to the interior of the E-type which would later be rolled out to production models.

And through driving this car, Dewis also contributed to tweaks made to the car’s suspension.

Unique features

As a result of this important work, this E-type stands out because it has several unique features, tweaks made during the testing and development programme.

For example, it is fitted with seats to better accommodate tall passengers.

Floored?

Another difference unique to this Jaguar is that it has a lower driver’s-side floor, but the early standard E-type ‘flat-floor’ for the passenger.

The pedals are repositioned, too.

Revised reversing

You can also see that the reversing light is now sited between the exhaust pipes.

Plus this car has revised cockpit ventilation and a recessed rear bulkhead.

Getting a handle on it

Look closely and you will also see that there were changes to this Jaguar’s boot and door locks.

What’s more, this is one of the first E-types to be fitted with an internal bonnet release.

Engine expertise

Open that bonnet and yet more differences are apparent in this car, 6162 RW.

It has an aluminium oil pan, a modified rear crankshaft bearing seal, a gear ratio of 3.07:1 and new piston rings to reduce oil consumption.

Lights, camera, action!

This special E-type’s other role was as a test car, driven by journalists on road tests.

As such, it featured in magazines including Quattroroute, Auto Motor und Sport and Motoring News. It was in the February 1963 Quattroroute and the October 1962 edition of Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.

Media star

For that Auto Motor und Sport feature, a second star driver was added to this E-type’s enviable history.

The well-known Belgian racing driver and journalist Paul Frère drove it at Monza and was apparently very impressed with the Jaguar’s high-speed handling.

Seeing what it can do

Frère also took 6162 RW to 256kph on the autostrada between Rome and Ostia.

And underlining its high-speed prowess, in the 18 October 1962 issue of Motoring News, the magazine hit 160mph in 6162 RW, which was considerably more than other production E-types suggesting that Jaguar may have given the engine some special preparation.

Competition history

And there’s more.

Journalist Andrew Whyte contested the 1962 Tour de France in this car – and there are photos of it being driven on this event through the Pyrenees.

An elite trio

So in a relatively short time, 6162 RW made its mark on Jaguar and the evolution of its famous E-type.

And you may well remember two other examples that were also often used for development work and testing: there was a roadster registered 77 RW, and a fixed-head coupé with the numberplate 9600 HP.

These two were part of the model’s global debut at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show.

Time to move on

After just over two years, in November 1963 this car was sold by its maker to Coombs of Guildford in Surrey, England.

This was a dealership that frequently dealt in press and ex-demonstration Jaguars.

A decade’s devotion

We’re pleased to report that it then entered into long-term ownership.

It was sold to a chap called Bruce Buckley who lived in Hampshire, and who owned this E-type for 11 years.

Changing hands

Come 1975, Buckley sold the Opalescent Dark Green coupé to a gentleman called Michael Fulks who lived in Essex.

Later still, a request for information revealed the car had another owner, Roger Cook, and remained in Essex.

Unchanged melodies

At this point, Jaguar was able to confirm to this E-type’s lucky owner that it retained its original engine. And, of course, this unit is still installed in the car today.

Then around 12 years ago, the company then known as JD Classics was asked to complete a thorough restoration of this car. So comprehensive was the work that it took four years.

Back to best

No expense was spared during this work, the specialists carefully returning the car to its former glory.

However, it was important that they were respectful of its unique past, and retained all the special little differences that set it apart from production versions.

Prize winner

Eventually, the work was complete and 6162 RW travelled to Italy where it was entered at the 2012 Unique Special Ones concours in Florence – and it claimed a class win.

In 2013 it was enjoyed on the driving tour ahead of the world-famous Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, and in 2018 it was shown at British concours Salon Privé.

Collector’s item

Inside and out, RM Sotheby’s says the car remains in brilliant condition.

Well, since its last concours outing, it has been carefully stored alongside other cars in an owner’s special collection.

Diamond jubilee

This 3.8-litre fixed-head coupé, chassis number 860010, is a significant example of a much-loved classic car.

And 2021 being the 60th anniversary of the E-type only adds to its allure.

A piece of history

With it is well-documented and stand-out history, who knows what this car could achieve at auction.

RM Sotheby’s has given 6162 RW a pre-sale estimate of £395-495,000.

No tricks, just treats

This Jaguar E-type will undoubtedly be one of the star lots at RM Sotheby’s auction on 31 October 2020 in the British capital, held on the eve of the prestigious London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

To find out more about this sale, just click here.