Old English White, Open Two Seater, Jaguar E Type - is there a better trilogy when it comes to a Jaguar from the late '60s? This car is remarkable, and has a lot of history confirming the originality.
The Heritage certificate reveals that BDJ 420H rolled out of the factory on August 13, 1969, destined for Henlys of Manchester, and soon after was snapped up by Mr. J. L. Samuels.
Fast forward to 1976, when a Norwegian named Einar Aarnes fell for its charm and spirited it away to Norway. The Jaguar prowled the roads until 1980, clocking just over 60,000 miles before hibernating in dry storage. It wasn't until 2016 that this feline beauty re-emerged in the UK.
Ian Manson, a Jaguar aficionado and former E-Type owner, seized the opportunity to acquire and rejuvenate this classic. Despite its well-preserved state, Ian embarked on a meticulous 2,000-hour nut-and-bolt restoration, transforming every component with precision. His dedication was immortalized in a detailed photo album and featured in seven issues of Jaguar Enthusiast magazine under "For the Love of an E-Type".
This car, an intriguing blend of early engine power and later design finesse, embodies the best of both worlds. Imagine the likes of Steve McQueen or Brigitte Bardot behind the wheel during its heyday.
The comprehensive history file includes workshop manuals, documents from its Norwegian adventure, and extensive restoration records. Once restored, Ian decided to part with the Jaguar. It quickly became a prized possession in a client's Jaguar and Bentley collection, though changing circumstances have led to its return to the market.
This Series 2 OTS Jaguar, arguably one of the finest restorations, stands as a testament to dedicated engineering and timeless elegance.