1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1, 4.2 Open Two Seater â€“ A Historical Classic with Impeccable Provenance

Originally ordered on December 9, 1964, this Jaguar E-Type Roadster holds an interesting history. Monsieur Jacques Van Wetter, a Belgian gentleman, placed an order through the Belgian Motor Company in Brussels, acquiring the vehicle for a sum of 376,200 Belgian Francs. The car was painted in a classic Cream color with a refined Dark Blue interior, making it a striking symbol of Jaguar’s elegant design.

Shortly after its purchase, from January to March 1965, Monsieur Van Wetter ordered a bespoke set of motoring suitcases from S. Reid LTD on Fleet Street in London, which were delivered on March 22. These personal touches reflect the meticulous care and customization lavished upon this Jaguar by its owner.

In 1966, an unusual incident added a touch of intrigue to the car’s story. While staying at the esteemed Hotel Schloss Fuschl in Austria, Monsieur Van Wetter wrote a letter dated June 7, detailing an incident in which a member of the hotel staff borrowed the vehicle without permission during the night, returning it with damage to the front left wing and a half-empty fuel tank. Such an unexpected chapter reveals the E-Type’s life was anything but ordinary.

Over the years, this Jaguar was well-maintained and underwent periodic repair work. On December 1, 1969, the Belgian Motor Company issued a repair estimate following a separate incident, quoting FB 148,753. By June 10, 1971, Van Wetter reported a minor piston pin noise when the engine was cold, a concern promptly addressed by the Belgian Motor Company, who assured him the issue was minor yet would be monitored closely in future services.

Further upkeep included a September 23, 1971 quotation for the treatment of rusted metal panels, costing FB 18,000. In October of that year, Monsieur Van Wetter approved a body restoration and requested an engine inspection to address an ongoing cold-start knocking sound. Following the inspection, the Belgian Motor Company recommended replacing numerous internal parts and reconditioning the engine at FB 58,500 plus VAT. Additionally, they suggested a more comprehensive solution: a standard exchange engine supplied directly by Jaguar for a total of FB 62,000 plus VAT. By December 3, 1971, Monsieur Van Wetter approved the exchange, and the work was completed in early 1972. By then, the car had accumulated 75,058 kilometers, a testament to its use and the care lavished upon it.

Between 1972 and 1975, numerous invoices reveal consistent servicing and maintenance, underscoring Monsieur Van Wetter's commitment to the car’s condition. By 1987, the E-Type had become a collector’s gem. Displayed at AUTOWORLD, it was owned by Fernandez Higinio, who described it as being in “perfect restored condition”.

In 2016, the car’s provenance was further authenticated when the Jaguar Heritage Trust issued a Production Record Trace Certificate (Certificate Number 47731) to its then-owner, Boddewyn Dumon Valery.

This 1965 Jaguar E-Type Roadster stands as a piece of motoring history, embodying both the elegance of Jaguar’s design and the dedication of its caretakers. With a rich narrative woven through decades of attentive ownership and impeccable documentation, this E-Type represents not just an iconic model but a rare story of preservation and passion in the classic car world.

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