A rare Jaguar discovered hidden beneath a hedge in Surrey could bring thousands of pounds at auction later this month.
The 1963 Jaguar E-Type remains in remarkably original condition, and has just 44,870 miles on the clock.
“It is ideal for restoration and is extremely rare,” said COYS valuer James Good. “It has a great history, including racing, which collectors love.”
The car’s last owner Frank Riches was a keen motorsport enthusiast, and raced the car at Oulton Park, Brands Hatch and Blackbushe between 1967 and 1969.
“This wonderful Series 1, 3.8 E-Type is in original condition, with matching numbers and has never been restored,” said Good. “It retains all the features it carried in 1969 and is possibly one of the most original examples remaining today. The car needs a total restoration but it has all the ingredients to make a superb car – this is a true rarity!!
In addition to its pedigree as an icon of British motoring, the car also comes with a fascinating link to The Beatles.
The Jaguar’s original owner was Ivor Arbiter, owner of Drum City and Sound City in London and the accidental designer of the most famous band logo is music history. When Ringo came to purchase his first Lugwig Oyster drum kit in May 1963, Beatles manager Brian Epstein accompanied him to London and asked that the kit had the band’s name painted on it.
Arbiter quickly sketched a logo on a scrap of paper, which Epstein approved, before it was sent to a local sign painter to be added to Ringo’s new bass drum. This new ‘Drop T’ logo has since appeared on millions of piece of Beatles memorabilia around the world.
“The Beatles logo is now recognized as one of the most significant and widely reproduced logos in history, and the fact that it was designed by the first owner of this E-Type is not insignificant,” added Good.
The car is one of 45 classic vehicles which will cross the block as part of the COYS Spring Classics auction in London on March 8.
