Jag found rusting in barn sells for £41k – but it could be worth much more

A RARE 1965 Jaguar E-Type which was found rotting away in a barn has sold for £41,000 and could be worth a six-figure sum once restored.

The “Big Cat” had been left decaying for half a century and was covered in dust and cobwebs as well as rust.

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It’s estimated it could eventually sell for around £150,000 once it has been restored to its former glory.

Described as one of the most beautiful and stylish cars in the world in the swinging sixties, E-Types, nicknamed ‘Big Cats’, were so fashionable that the super-cool rich and famous almost fell over themselves trying to buy one after they were unveiled at a 1961 motor show.

Stars like Steve McQueen, George Best, Sir Jackie Stewart, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Mick Jagger, Bruce McLaren, The Duke of Kent, Charlton Heston, Peter Sellers, Tony Curtis and Princess Grace were among the A-listers who invested in an E-Type, capable of 150mph and a 0-60 mph time of just over six seconds.

Classic car dealers H&H say the owners do not wish to say exactly where the vehicle – still showing some of its original blue colour – was found in a barn, but confirmed “the car has been off the road for the past 49 years”.

It has been in the current family ownership since 1971 and fetched £41,400 at an auction at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

H&H Classics said: “Still retaining traces of its original paint and what is thought to be its original factory-fitted interior, the Jaguar has spent its entire life in East Anglia.

“Enzo Ferrari famously described the E-Type as the ‘most beautiful car in the world’ and even five decades of dust have failed to lessen this Fixed Head Coupe’s allure.

“Understood to be substantially complete, the car even boasts its original ‘matching numbers’ engine.

“Series One 4.2 litre machines are particularly sought after because of their improved gearbox, torquier engine and better brakes.

“If restored to its former glory, this sweetheart could fetch as much as £150,000.”

Sporting the number plate DPW 785 C, it was first registered on March 3 1965 to Grawford (Oaklands) Farm Ltd of Wood Farm, Cabrooke.

A year later, on June 20 1966, saw its first change of keeper to a Mr David Trenchard Thom, a professional jockey turned racehorse trainer, based in Exning, Newmarket.

The Jag changed hands twice more before being sold via Roger Bradbury Motors to its current custodians in 1971, who purchased it to celebrate getting a teaching job.

“It was driven back and forth to school on a daily basis… sometimes with a white husky dog riding shotgun in the passenger seat,” revealed the auctioneers.

“The car was parked up to replace the brake callipers and undertake some minor bodywork repairs in 1973 or thereabouts.

“The last tax disc, which is still affixed to the windscreen, expired in August that year.

“Sadly, other commitments arose and the E-Type was side-lined which is a pity given that it was running and driving when laid-up.

“The odometer currently displays just 79,651 miles, believed to be correct.

“DPW 785 C pleasingly comes with its original logbook as well as a current V5C Registration Document.

“Jaguar’s E-Type is one of the all-time great classic cars and the appeal of ‘barn find’ Series 1 4.2 litre Fixed Head Coupe being offered for sale at no reserve is hard to overstate for an enthusiast.

“It was one of just 1,584 right-hand drive Jaguar E-Type Series One 4.2 Fixed Head Coupes made before the introduction of the so-called Series 1.5 cars.”

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