In the depths of Northern Scotland, a great discovery was made.
Last seen after being dispatched to Edinburgh, the whereabouts of this 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 roadster have remained a mystery for many years. Chassis #62, one of the first 92 right-hand models to roll off the production line, is considered by collectors to be the “Holy Grail” of E-Types.
But following its discovery in the small parish of Deskford, Moray, the prized Jaguar is set to be auctioned off by Silverstone Auctions on 30 and 31 July.
“This is a really exciting discovery. Not only was this car believed to be lost, it is one of the most sought after E-Type examples attainable,” said Silverstone Auctions managing director, Nick Whale.
As one of the early models sent to Jaguar dealerships in July 1961 as a demonstrator, it was forbidden that the car be sold until September of the same year, when it would eventually be found a new home.
Nearly 55 years after its sale and registration, the car re-appeared in good condition, having been maintained and restored by its five owners over the years. Finished in red with a black interior, it has kept a few of its original features, such as its revered “flat floor” and thicker screen chrome mouldings.
Chassis #62 is estimated to fetch somewhere between £140 000 and £170 000 (R2,7-million and R3,2-million), complete with a history file containing details of the car’s life dating back to 1975.
“This is possibly the definitive Jaguar connoisseur’s dream collectible,” Whale added. “This lovely E-Type is in fabulous yet not over-restored condition and deserves no less than to be offered for sale at the world famous Silverstone Classics.”