Finessing the formula

RM Sotheby’s, London, UK 31 October

SOME OF US get more excited by early and pre-production vehicles than we should. The appeal of paying a premium for these often well-used cars is lost on some, but owning and driving a car that has historical significance – and in this case unique features – is a big draw.

This very significant ex-development and press demonstrator E-type, to be offered by RM Sotheby’s, is a great example of why. Not only was ‘6162 RW’ the tenth production E-type coupé off the line, but it was also used extensively for test and development purposes.

That means it was one of the vehicles driven by legendary test driver Norman Dewis, gaining several unique features in the process.

One of the major modifications was a splitlevel floor, lowered on the right-hand side but remaining as-built on the left. Modified seats to help taller drivers, repositioned pedals and a recessed rear bulkhead all contributed to an improved long-distance touring car. A revised set of gear ratios should have finished it off.

Chassis 860010 would also play an important role as a press car, tested in the early days for

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport by Belgian racing driver and journalist Paul Frère. Thanks to an engine prepared to competition standard, Frère reportedly hit 159mph on the autostrada.

Sold through Coombs of Guildford in 1963, it has remained in private ownership since. While it was restored by a marque specialist in 2008, care was taken to preserve the one-off modifications.

An extraordinary piece of E-type history, estimated at £395,000-495,000.