1963 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 FHC

The most beautiful car ever made? An easy statement to argue as it is so subjective, but when buttered by an automotive guru such as Enzo Ferrari, it becomes much harder to argue really, and well, just look at it! We all know the FHC is the pinnacle, especially in 3.8, manual and British Racing Green, a combination that’s impossible to beat. It is also a very good value stepping stone and a more affordable entry into what could possibly be the most iconic car ever designed and manufactured of all time.

 

This particular example is finished in a stunning and rare original colour combination. But with all areas of the car having received love over the course of the years, it doesn’t just look great, it drives it too. Hop in and the completely original interior takes you back to a time when aesthetics ruled over all, the iconic Smiths gauges giving you the “Goodwood Revival” feeling, THAT steering wheel dominating what is already a beautiful interior. So original, patinated, but retaining all of its stories and fun it has clocked up over the years, which we really appreciate.

 

Peering over the elongated and curvy bonnet, it is obvious you are sat in a very special place and not all E-Types give you this privileged feeling, this one is special… Flick the key and she starts first turn. Having had engine work, an upgraded 5 speed dogleg gearbox, Coopercraft brakes, refurbished suspension and a cylinder head rebuild and upgrade, it really does make for a true driver’s car, as well as one for the aesthetes.

 

On the road, the car behaves exactly as you’d hope, linear power delivery from the silky-smooth, double overhead cam straight six, complimented by a wonderful exhaust note from the full stainless-steel system, and with upgraded Cooper Craft brakes, the car even slows down like a modern car too. A car that is adored and appreciated anywhere it goes.

First registered on the 14th November 1963 from Jaguar dealer, Nortons of Cardiff, Wales, 991 FKG Spent some of its early life in Havant, Hampshire before moving to the Isle of Wight in 1973. Little mileage was added whilst in the possession of the Compton family who passed the car between them, racking up 3 registered family owners! It just shows how much the family adored it and wished to keep hold of it.

 

Jaguar issued the accompanying heritage certificate in August 2000, after which the 991 FKG was purchased and brought to East Sussex, where it has resided ever since, a 25-year ownership and labour of love.

 

According to the MOT certificates 991 FKG was painted blue in 1995 when the mileage was 63,040. Between 1995 and 2003 991 FKG had travelled only 5,305 miles. During that time the colour was quite rightly brought back to the original ODG. Along with a new fuel tank and sills fitted.

 

Upgrades since 2005 include but are not limited to the following:

 

• Coopercraft front brakes, pads and discs.
• Rear Dunlop piston assemblies replaced with Stainless-Steel High-pressure units.
• Rear Subframe total refurbishment. Diff seals, UJ’s, Callipers, upgraded handbrake linkage. new shock absorbers.
• Upgraded fuel pump.
• 5 speed gearbox fitted.
• 123 Electronic distributor system fitted.
• The engine (RA 3997-9) also had work carried out and during its cylinder head refresh it had; lead free seats, new guides, new valves, recut seats, reface head, polished and gas-flowed.
• Full stainless exhaust fitted including the all-important headers too.
• Triple SUs recently refurbished with new rubbers throughout.

 

The car remains a great driving car, that looks fabulous, with bright chrome, a very tidy interior and a well-polished engine bay. There are small areas that could sue improvement, hence the very reasonable rate at which the car is being advertised. In 2021 the car was given a valuation of £120k, which is where the best series 1 cars deserve to be, with a little time and effort, this car could again be up there with them. A great value car, to be used and enjoyed as it is, or used and improved, to add to its value.

 

Supplied with a box full of spares, Jaguar maintenance booklets, the original buff log-book and a raft of history, there’s not a lot not to like with this beautiful motor car.

 

NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS:  7

TRANSMISSION: 5 speed manual

Engine: 3.8L DOHC inline six

Power: 265 Hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque: 384 Nm / 283.22 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds

Top Speed:  150 mph

PRICE: £67,495.00 – ONO

 

(the original 4 speed Moss box is totally rebuilt & available by separate negotiation)