Very, very early Series 1

[kensharp]

Just had a chat with an old friend who bought his first etype back in the early eighties. He tells me it was an early S1 coupe, the third off the production line. It was the flat floor, which confirms it's age to some extent, but the interesting fact he parted with was that it had a switch built in which disconnected all the electrics, similar to a racer. He assures me it was factory fitted which makes me wonder if it has a history. This took place in Durban S.A. and I actually helped him drive it home from further up the north coast. It proved to be something of a rust bucket and he eventually exchanged it for a roadster. Anyone got any ideas?

[Heuer]

If it was RHD it is now here: http://www.classic-motor-cars.co.uk/res ... ssis-no-3/ Looks to have never left the UK however.

If it was LHD there is more info here: http://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?car=885003 Looks like that car never left the US after it was shipped there.

Maybe your friend's car was the third imported into South Africa?

[kensharp]

Just had another chat with him and he is sure it was No.3. It was RHD and he describes the switch which disconnected the electrics as being in the far left near where the grab handle was. There are quite a few e-types in SA and most are RHD. Is it not possible it was shipped back to the UK in recent years?

[Heuer]

According to XKEdata it was owned by a Malcolm Coulter of Cheadle, Cheshire reg no HSS 575 in the mid 1980's. It was delivered new in Opalescent Dark Blue with red interior registered 3 XSG to Capt. C.A. Ramsay who raced it. It had period racing modifications carried out by Jaguar Competitions department (maybe the cut out switch?). Now has 70,000 miles on the clock. Any of that ring any bells with your friend? If so contact CMC who will put you in touch with the current owner who would be delighted to talk.

More info: http://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?car=860003

[kensharp]

He now seems to be having second thoughts about the No.3. He thinks it may have been No.8. I've checked the data base and No.8 was delivered to SA so it is probably the one.He did confirm that shortly after he exchanged it there was an advertisement in the press from someone over from UK wanting to buy E-types in any condition. It was probably shipped back to UK at that time and is now a beautiful example in Carmen Red. It would be nice to know the early history though as it would seem it was modified by the Competitions Department for racing.