UK MI legend, Ivor Arbiter’s old E-Type Jaguar is going under the hammer shortly, having been rescued from under a hedge.
The 1963 Series I Coupé requires a full restoration to be put back on the road.
It was originally purchased by Ivor Arbiter, owner of Drum City and Sound City in London and of course the eponymous distribution company which became synonymous with Fender in the UK . He also designed the logo with a tall B and dropped T, emphasising the word ‘beat’ for some group’ called The Beatles.
With just 44,870 miles on the clock the E-Type was used on the road and for racing in its short six-year working life. Its last owner, Frank Riches, used it to tow his racing MGTF to circuits on a trailer, where he would race both cars before driving the pair home again.
“It is ideal for restoration and is extremely rare,” said valuer James Good at international auctioneers COYS, which will sell the car next week. “It has a great history, including racing, which collectors love.”
He added: “The Beatles logo is now recognised 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.
“This wonderful Series I, 3.8-litre E-Type is in original condition, with matching numbers and has never been restored. 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.”
