Sprinkling a bit of dust on an otherwise perfectly stored classic car has become all the rage in recent years, but there’s no doubting the authenticity of this barnfind E-type: it’s so rough auctioneers Classic Car Auctions have awarded it a condition score of just 2/135.
But that’s not to say it will be cheap. Interest is expected to be strong, and the car could sell for as much as £44,000 when it crosses the block on 1-2 April.
The 1962 example started life in Birmingham, where it was delivered new to its first owner. Finished in Dark Opalescent Blue with black trim, the right-hand-drive fixed-head-coupe bore the chassis number 282. It stayed with its first owner for 35 years before eventually being sold on in 1997.
Its new owner was a Jaguar enthusiast from the West Midlands, and was put into a barn in preparation for remedial work. However, the plans never came to fruition and the E-type stayed locked away for the next 20 years.
The car has now been brought into the open and is reasonably complete, showing a previous colour change to white and evidence of a replacement bonnet. Some of the glass is missing, as is the radiator, but the original braking system, steering wheel and dashboard all remain untouched.
“These very early E-types are now highly collectable these days and this example will be a serious project, but one that could be very worthwhile,” explains classic car consignor Harry Whale.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC