An incredible 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 FHC owned by British motor sport legend Sir John Whitmore is on its way to auction at the September Sale coming for the first time from the prestigious Dallas Burston Polo Club on September 29th.
Sir John Whitmore was a successful racing driver in the ’50s and ’60s, competing at Le Mans three times and winning the BSCC in 1961 in his first year in the series. Whitmore also won the 1965 ETCC in a Lotus Cortina by finishing first in class in eight of the nine races.
“It’s a great honor to offer a true motor sport great’s car at the September Sale,” says Joe Watts, classic car specialist at Silverstone Auctions. “The sale of the car has become even more poignant since Sir John’s death in April last year. Even without Sir John’s involvement, this E-Type is fantastic and one of the most sympathetic combinations of ease of use upgrades and originality we have ever had the pleasure to offer for auction.”
The Series 1 was purchased by Sir John, in 1965, from Henlys Ltd of London. Originally finished in Opalescent Golden Sand with a Red leather interior, the E-Type is now finished in a gorgeous shade of Carmen Red. Estimated at £90,000 to £110,000, the car has just returned from a complete glass out professional repaint and body restoration.
Powered by a 4.2 liter, straight-six, the E-Type’s speed and grace would have been no stranger to Whitmore. With a 0 to 60 MPH time of just 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 150 MPH, the E-Type is a quick car even by today’s standards. After a head gasket failure in 2012, the E-Type was taken in for a number of outstanding jobs including a full top end engine rebuild (prompted by the head gasket), some trim repairs, a new headlining, new exhaust and brackets. The total sum of the work reached £12,000.
Following the recent professional repaint and new chrome trim pieces, the E-Type presents to an impeccable standard and retains its original leather interior. To ensure the car drives just as well as it looks, a number of mechanical upgrades have been introduced, including a power steering rack, Spax adjustable shock absorbers and Coopercraft disc brakes. The original parts are included in the sale should the buyer wish to return the car to its original factory specification.
“Not often do classics with this level of heritage come to market making this an ideal opportunity to own a car that belonged to one of British motor sport’s all-time greats. The level of detail and care in this car’s rebuild shows the true passion for this beautiful iconic Jaguar and the respect for Sir John Whitmore himself,” concludes Simon.
For more information about the 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 FHC formerly owned by Sir John Whitmore and the full September Sale catalogue please visit: www.silverstoneauctions.com.
