2026-02-11 17:54:26 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 2/26

www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/jaguar/1965-jaguar-e-type-fhc-s1/

Auction description:

Model E-Type FHC (S1) Transmission 4-Speed Manual Reg. Date 01-08-1965 CC 4200 Mileage 1,748 Colour White Interior Colour Red Interior Trim Leather Chassis # 1E20785 Engine # 7E45109 Matching #s Yes Restored Partially MOT Exempt Yes Road Tax Exempt Yes HPi Clear Yes - all clear Former Keepers 3 Tyre Brand Pirelli LHD or RHD RHD Visited Yes Sale Type Private Owned 9 years, 4 months Key Feature Exciting Project Vehicle Registration BHC 999C Driver’s Side Right

The car is a factory original UK market RHD Series 1 FHC, manufactured in June 1965 and first registered in Eastbourne in the same month. Paul obtained the car in 2016, having been largely unused since the mid-80s.

It comes with a current V5 and a heritage certificate.

There is a large number of spares, which can be viewed in the paperwork gallery.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

Engine and Gearbox

This car has the advantage that the engine has been sympathetically woken up from its slumber following a careful process, so as not to cause any internal damage. It will now run run with easy start and fuel bowls filled but will need a full carburettor and fuel system rebuild to run extensively. 35-40 PSI on cranking is a positive result, as is 130 PSI compression on a cold engine, and no obvious clouds of smoke or mechanical noise. Paul has also done another video of the cold engine with compression of 148 PSI.

The car will need a replacement exhaust system.

The engine looks complete aside from the battery and the wiring loom.

The gearbox was not tested.

Suspension and Brakes

The car rolls and steers freely but we can't guarantee every suspension and braking part is there, but is fundamentally complete.

The car comes with a pair of unfitted OEM front brake discs.

The Drive

It has not run under its own power for years but the positive engine compression results and freely cranking engine bodes well.

Electrics and Other

All strong indications that it is in fundamentally good health and a strong case for straightforward restoration to whatever level you choose. Paul told us the car will need a complete wiring loom as the original (except for the dash) is removed to facilitate repairs.

Wheels and Tyres

The Pirelli tyres are likely to date from the 1980s, they do show some cracking in the walls but do hold air. The satin wire wheels are pitted but appear to be salvageable.

Bodywork

The car is best described as a 'barnfind' that has the advantage of having had the lion's share of the body shell restored already, and is not a huge amount of work away from being able to be repainted. The renovation work to the structure includes a new complete main floor with seat cross members, seat fixing rails, underfloor longitudinals and footwell panels. There are new inner and outer sills and heel board, boot floor, inner and rear wheelhouse inner panels.

The new exterior panels include a new rear number plate panel centre, new rear number plate panel sides and new rear floor sides / rear quarter lower panels. There are also new rear axle upper and rear panels, new B post shut panels and a repaired rear quarter. The inner and outer rear wing panels have been repaired. The rear wheel arch inner structures have been completely rebuilt with a combination of mainly replacement and some repaired panels.

It has a replacement OEM bonnet assembly, including a new front lower valance. It needs some minor localised repairs and realignment, and the lamp closing panels need attention. In addition, the door shut faces, upper and lower A pillars need tidying up, and the tailgate needs some localised repairs and alignment. All doors open and close without problems.

Paul has supplied new RH / LH front sill closing plates, new air cleaner and battery fixing panels, new left front mudguard panel, new RH / LH door outer skin panels and new rear quarter light seal carriers, which all need to be fitted and aligned.

The images in history show the extent of the completed underbody restoration before the exterior was storage primed.

The rear structure and underbody has been restored to a good standard with mainly complete pressings as original. Panels replaced include compete rear wheel arch inner structure, rear wheel arch closing panels and rear chassis legs.

Paint

The exterior of the car has been finished in white primer.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen and hatch glass are in good shape with tired seals. It appears that the car requires a passenger door glass and possibly the passenger door striker, but Paul has told us he hasn’t gone through all of the boxes.

Some of the trim are original pieces as perfect candidates for re-chroming, with existing items showing their age. The windscreen upper and lower finishers have yet to be found. A few items such as new rear lenses, indicators and its original headlamps are included in the spares box.

Paul told its most trim items have been temporarily refitted for completeness only.

Seats and Carpets

The red leather seats are candidate for a refurb but they are good enough for reuse as-is being beautiful originals.

The car is not fitted with any carpeting - a few of the original items are amongst the box of spares, but a complete new set would be the best option.

The boot lining is in decent shape, if a little grubby.

Dashboard

The dashboard is complete with a decent set of dials and switches, showing signs of age in places. The facia is free of damage.

Of course, the controls were not tested for functionality.

The headlining needs a clean and remounting, but appears to be free of significant damage.

The door cards are complete, door handles and window winders are included (boxed).

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in line with the age and restoration status of the car.