1964 JAGUAR E-TYPE S1 3.8 FHC

Next year marks 60 years since the E-type made its famous debut in Geneva and this early example represents the sports car as it would have been seen by an understandably stunned audience. Being one of 7827 3.8-litre fixed-head coupés built before the XK’s engine displacement was increased to 4.2 litres, it lacks the refinement of the later Series 1, but for those looking for an E-type in its rawest form that’s all part of the appeal.

This E-type began its life in left-hand drive, being distributed to Jaguar Cars New York in early 1964. 50 years later, it returned to the UK as a still matching numbers car. It was then subject to an 18-month restoration, being stripped to bare metal with new floors fitted. It was also resprayed in Carmen Red with a completely retrimmed black leather interior. That’s not all; it was also converted into a righter hooker, treated to a new stainless steel exhaust, four-pot brakes, new wire wheels and fresh wiring looms. In all, Silverstone estimates in excess of £40,000 has been spent on this E-type’s transformation.

The throttle is light and the engine responds excitedly to even small inputs. The steering is heavy at low speeds and the agricultural Moss gearbox requires a combination of patience and skill between changes. These things pale into insignificance though once on the move. Acceleration is sharp and there’s zero play in the steering. The real surprise though is the ride; communicative without being overly taut, it provides exactly the right amount of feedback.

There have already been various announcements of events that will celebrate this seminal British sports car’s milestone anniversary, including a gathering at Classic Motor Cars’ headquarters in August; we’d wager this is just the kind of E-type they’re hoping to welcome.

ENGINE 3781cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 265bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 260lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 151mph 0-60MPH 6.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 15-20mpg GEARBOX RWD, four-speed manual

There are few visual cues that this is a Twin Cam Escort; badges on the grille and front wings are kept subtle.

The Malcolm Sayer-penned E-type really is pretty from any angle, while the rear hatch adds a great deal of practicality.

Triple-carb XK engine in 3.8-litre guise is the same as that which achieved 150mph on tests nearly 60 years ago.

This inside of this E-type features fresh leather bucket seats, plus new centre console and headlining.