Name: Alex Stewart
Car: 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1
How long have you owned it: 5 years
Previous car: Sold a Porsche Turbo (997) and bought a Land Rover Defender…… and this!
What made you buy it: Always loved the look of the car BUT didn’t want a project, wanted one that was thoroughly sorted…this one is.
Anything you wish you had known before buying: Had looked at them for years so no real surprises. Turns out this car was first registered in Scotland. It is the 71st right hand drive coupe and certainly one of the first Scottish cars. Trying to find out who first owned it….
Any modifications: Loads, this car splits opinion! It was upgraded early in its life onto triple Webers – apparently a comparatively common performance upgrade in the 1960’s – with the 3.8 litre engine, think “sort of” D -Type tune. The engine was rebuilt by Rob Beere racing ( famous Jaguar race engine engineer) so is “comfortably” pushing out over 300 bhp.
Eagle has re-engineered suspension, brakes etc – everything works!
To many it looks standard but it isn’t. I had never driven an “old” one but I am told many were very scary – always fast cars but…… For late 1950’s/early 1960’s design I am amazed by performance and glad it pulls up strongly and straight.
Future plans for the car: Keep it!! Love driving it. The noise!
What road trips has it been on: Quiet a few adventures. I drive it a lot. One of the stand out moments was following/leading the E-Type from the first “Italian Job” film – no it didn’t die in the making of the film! It is now owned by Philip Porter who has published many car books including many on E-Types and also owns the original Geneva motor show car. There was a Round Britain Coastal Drive in aid of Prostate cancer and I was asked if I could lead him from Dumfries to Largs and we only had X hours. What a drive! The cars were amazing.
Is it expensive to run: No not really. The car has appreciated and most parts are readily available. It’s a bit thirsty but I could always take the Webers back off….unlikely!
What’s next: I currently have four cars that are appreciating or holding value…..a first! I’m savouring the moment…
