One of the first few specimens of the Jaguar E-Type has been discovered to be in pieces in France and would be brought back to life by renowned restorers, Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (CMC).
Bearing the Chassis No. 875256, it is one of earlier units to come with a 3.8-litre engine, left hand drive, in open two-seater configuration as well as outside bonnet lock models with all matching numbers.
Said to have been delivered to the Belgium Motor Company dealership in Brussel back in 1961, it was sold to one ‘Societe de Civel Immeubles en Afrique’ – probably some rich aristocrat; we simply dig up anything that name or person. It subsequently reappeared in France in 2015 and records seem to indicate that it was imported from Luxembourg in 1975.
Although in parts, the car is very complete and was bought by the previous owner for restoration. French restorers were tasked to work on the car but shortly after the said owner took it away for safe-keeping in his garage said to be in Grigny, the southern suburbs of Paris.
“Chassis No. 875256 is literally in boxes in our workshops awaiting a much needed nut and bolt restoration. It will be a challenging project but all the factory parts are there and our skilled fabricators and technicians will do all they can to save as much as the original car as possible. It will roll out of our workshops just like it left Browns Lane in 1961.” said Chairman of CMC, David Barzilay.
“We are currently delving through the car’s history files to find out more about its life. These early E-Types are sought after by collectors and investors alike, and the fact that they keep on resurfacing after years in the dark is still amazing.”, he further stated.
CMC is well-known for having a hand in restoring some of the most historic E-Types, including Lofty England’s Chassis No. 4, the Lindner-Nöcker Lightweight and 1VHP, the first RHD Coupe off the production line and the first of only four outside bonnet lock cars.
Last year and after 2,956hrs, they completed the restoration of yet another 1961 E-Type also found in France in a very sorry state.
Cover Photo Credit: http://brandonlimphotography.com/
