Registration – PLU 796E

Chassis No. – 1E1796

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 57,923

Despite Sir William Lyons being an autocratic patron of Jaguar, he was also wise enough to give aerodynamicist extraordinaire, Malcom Sayer, a pretty free hand when it came to the E Type. The results, of course, have been speaking for themselves for decades. ‘PLU 796E’s’ chassis number of 1E1796 reveals it to be a superb and desirable example. The 1E prefix confirms it as a factory right hand drive, open two seater (OTS) model. Although Jaguar only recognised three distinct series of E Type, a transitional period between series 1 and 2 is sometimes referred to as “1.5.” These cars would often feature some elements of S2 specification, without much formality or structure, as production of the S1 ground to a halt and S2 production gained pace. There is no “official” chassis number designated as the start of the S1.5 but ‘PLU 796E’ is just 387 cars from the end of S1 production making it a highly likely candidate for S1.5 status. What is a matter of fact, however, is that ‘PLU 796E’ has been enjoyed by a mere three owners to date. The first retained ‘PLU 796E’ until 2011. The current owner acquired ‘PLU 796E’ in 2013 with around 56,000 miles recorded at that time. Less than 2,000 miles have been added since then, with it dry stored between uses. ‘PLU 796E’ benefitted from a nut and bolt restoration in the 1980’s undertaken by specialists, Southern Classics. Offered today with ample supporting paperwork, this is a truly desirable example of, surely, the most esteemed British sports car.

‘PLU 796E’ presents in classic British Racing Green which exudes a deep lustre from the Jaguar’s subtly flared wings and panels. Sayer’s unique blend of art and maths is writ large in the sublime form of ‘PLU 796E.’ Externally, at least, the key S1 attributes are all in evidence here – the fared in headlamp apertures, the small front grill, and diminutive rear lamps situated above the chromed bumpers. The tightly fitting fabric hood is finished in contrasting black. The “special occasion” interior of ‘PLU 796E’ is finished in complementary green leather with the bodywork, paintwork and interior all vendor rated as “good.”

With the Series 1 cars offered in 3.8-litre and 4.2-litre forms, ‘PLU 796E’ is fitted with the bigger iteration of the iconic XK, straight-six engine. This was originally quoted to produce 265bhp and 283 Ib-ft of torque. Many independent road tests of the time achieved a 150mph top speed and a 0-60mph time in the mid seven seconds. ‘PLU 796E’ benefits from the factory fitment of the most desirable four speed Moss manual transmission. The mechanical systems of ‘PLU 796E’ are all rated as “excellent.”

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