A stunning 1965 E-Type Jaguar 4.2 Coupe supplied new to screenwriter and TV producer Brian Clemens OBE is set to star in a role of its own when it comes up for auction.
Clemens penned 60s and 70s crime serials such as The Avengers, The Persuaders and The Professionals and his beloved E-Type Jaguar with his personal registration 140MPH actually appeared in one of his cult shows.
One of only 1,600 right hand models made
One of only 1,600 right hand drive models made, the black E-Type Jaguar, as it was in the day, was a familiar sight at Elstree Studios where The Avengers was shot, and it appeared with John Steed (played by Patrick Macnee) and Emma Peel (Diana Rigg) in the episode ‘Something Nasty in the Nursery’ during Series Five.
It was no surprise that Steed and his various leading ladies shared Clemens’ love for fast cars, as did the stars of his other shows, Bodie and Doyle, played by Lewis Collins and Martin Shaw in The Professionals, and Tony Curtis and Roger Moore, in The Persuaders.
Clemens later registered his plate, 140 MPH, to a series of Ferraris and by 1975 the E-Type Jag belonged to Peter Thompson of West Byfleet. Passing to Edward Richard Tucker of Port Talbot in 1981, the fixed-head coupe was now rather dilapidated.
Still finished in its original livery with matching black leather upholstery, a photo album accompanying the E-Type shows it being stripped and treated to a protracted restoration.
E-Type Jaguar was laid-up for 20 years in 1997
Repaired and repainted red, the E-Type Jaguar returned looking pristine from the body shop in 1992.
Fitted once again with its original engine two years later, the fixed head coupe undertook a brief ten mile drive in 1997 before being laid-up for around 20 years.
Re-trimmed and re-registered as `HVK 764C’ prior to entering its current ownership, the two-seater has since been entrusted to specialist restorers XK Engineering Ltd of Coventry.
As well as a thorough engine overhaul — reground crankshaft, refurbished cylinder head, new bearings, new pistons and liners — the E-Type Jaguar benefited from a new radiator, thermostat, water pump, fuel tank sender, heater pipe, steering rack, engine mounts and four new tyres. The alternator, wiring and brakes were also overhauled.
E-Type Jaguar is the “epitome of 1960s cool”
The E-Type is going up for auction with H and H and the company’s sale notes explain: “An E-Type Jaguar that has appeared in The Avengers is surely the epitome of 1960s cool.
“Certainly, the buyer of chassis 1E20876 will never want for dinner party conversation or a pub boast.”
The Jaguar is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, restoration photo album and sundry invoices. Presale estimate is £65,000-£85,000.
Some people regard the E-Type Jaguar as the most beautiful car in the world. Forever Cars tells the story of one man who has owned and cherished his for more than 40 years.
The H and H auction will take place at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on Wednesday, October 16.
Your classic car doesn’t have to be a screen idol to deserve great protection. Adrian Flux has classic car specialists who will move heaven and earth to find the very best deal for you and your pride and joy.
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