Name: Alex Stewart
Car: 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1
How long have you owned it:Â 5 years
Previous car:Â Sold a Porsche Turbo (997) and bought a Land Rover Defender…… and this!
What made you buy it: Â 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. Â Turns out this car was first registered in Scotland. Â It is the 71st right hand drive coupe and certainly one of the first Scottish cars. Â Trying to find out who first owned it….
Any modifications: Â Loads, this car splits opinion! Â 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) Â 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. Â I had never driven an “old” one but I am told many were very scary – always fast cars but…… Â For late 1950’s/early 1960’s design I am amazed by performance and glad it pulls up strongly and straight. Â
Future plans for the car: Â Keep it!! Â Love driving it. Â The noise!Â
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…
