Description
WGC 230F is a car we know well, we last sold it to its recent owners in Hampshire back in 2020, and prior to that was with one of our long term regular customers in the South of France. This matching numbers E-Type was manufactured on the 25th September 1967 and left the factory in Opalescent Maroon with Black trim and whilst officially a Series 1 4. 2 FHC, it is within the Series 1. 5 chassis number series explaining its open headlight bonnet. The car started life in the USA, distributed by Jaguar Cars New York and was converted to RHD specification after arriving in the UK in 1989. The cars history is superbly documented, and we know from 1977 to 1988 the Jaguar was with one owner in the Bremerton area of Washington. During his eleven years of ownership he covered 20, 000 miles and spent thousands of dollars on regular servicing and general maintenance. A lovely notebook is with the car documenting a fuel/ mileage log, maintenance and lubrication throughout the late 1970’s and 1980’s. Major work within this period included an engine overhaul to include rebuilt cylinder head and new main bearings, rings and oil pump. There are records for new ball joints, wheel bearings, clutch slave and master cylinders and general servicing. In 1981 the E-Type was repainted and some re-chroming was carried out. The car was used on a regular basis throughout ownership and was sold in 1988, a year prior to being shipped over to the UK.
In 1989 the E-Type was brought into the UK in very solid condition, useable condition, The E-Type was converted to right hand drive and used regularly throughout the 1990's ahead of a comprehensive restoration between 2003 - 2006. From UK registration in October 1989 to 2003, the E-Type covered 14, 000 miles and was well maintained throughout this period with receipts adding to over £4000. Work included a lead free, rebuilt cylinder head by VSE, new shock absorbers, rebuilt differential and new brake servo. In 2003, still in good useable condition the E-Type was subject of a light restoration that included the body being stripped down and re-painted and built up with all new rubbers. The engine was stripped and rebuilt with new pistons, main and big end bearings, crankshaft regrind and new timing chains. The clutch was replaced, a new manifold and stainless steel exhaust fitted along with uprated 4 pot calipers, new discs, new steering rack and new ball joints. We have photographs of the work and receipts for over £6, 000 of parts from various Jaguar suppliers to the owner commissioning the work, a Scottish architect. Up to 2014 when we last supplied the car, it had covered 8500 miles since the work. Between 2014 and 2020 the E-Type covered a further 3000 miles on Southern French roads. The Jaguar was used for classic car events, rallies and even toured Andorra tackling mountain roads effortlessly. When back with us in 2020 it was prepared in our workshops at a cost of over £7000. The E-Type had a new clutch, engine mounts, cam cover gaskets, new steering rack, the triple carbs were rebuilt, a new heater valves, track rod ends, half shaft universal joints, a new set of tyres and a major service. As result of the E-Type has been a delight to own over the past four years, performing superbly on all occasions over 3000 miles. More recently a further £7000 has been spent on upgrading the rear axle and any other required maintenance, with an invoice on file detailing all aspects of the work.
Four years on since last seeing the car we can confirm it still has a very honest feel to it. The E-Type retains its original colour combination, and the upholstery appears very original with lots of patina - the recent owners have replaced the seat foams, the only noticeable change since last seeing the car. The bodyshell is excellent with lovely shut lines, panel gaps and the underside is exceptionally clean and smart. The paintwork has nicely aged with a deep finish and chrome work, including chrome wires is all very smart. There is no doubt, as proven over the past nine plus years we have known the car that this is an incredibly reliable, useable E-Type and we can confirm that on the road its very impressive and is outstanding to drive. The engine runs superbly with excellent oil pressure and is strong, fit and healthy offering fantastic performance. The all syncro gearbox offers lovely smooth gear changes and the steering, brakes and suspension are excellent. WGC 230F feels superb and is ideal for regular use and long distance touring. It has a history of being used regularly and is a correct, straight, tight driving example that should not disappoint. The E-Type comes with two large comprehensive files of history to include the early mileage log, invoices dating back to the 1970's, 1970's certificate of title, UK restoration invoices, maintenance invoices, photographs of the engine rebuild and bodywork, old logbooks, MOT's, tax discs and British Motoring Industry Heritage Trust certificate.
