Lot 179

Driving into Summer

1964 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Custom by Bouillot Helsel

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$85,800 USD | Sold

United States | rancho Santa Fe, California

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Chassis No.
860402
  • Upgraded and reimagined by Bouillot Helsel
  • Displayed at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1983
  • Upgraded mechanicals with a five-speed gearbox
  • Recently cosmetically upgraded
Addendum: Please note the title for this lot is in transit. A 4-6 week delay is expected.

Modern interpretations of classic cars are well known today with stunning creations such as the Porsche 911 by Singer and the Eagle Speedster, offer classic looks paired with modern performance. Long before any of the others, Bouillot Helsel created a highly modified E-Type that pioneered the genre of the reimagined classic.

Bouillot Helsel set out to create the ultimate E-Type. Starting with a Series 1 coupe, Bouillot Helsel removed the roof and converted it from right-hand-drive to left-hand-drive. Along with engine and suspension upgrades, the interior was trimmed with a wood dashboard, and power met the road through an upgraded five-speed manual transmission. The final product was displayed at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1983 with a staggering price of £50,000, several times that of a standard E-Type roadster at the time. It is believed that this car is likely the only example ever built.

The current owner purchased the Bouillot Helsel E-Type for his collection in 2014 and decided to give the car a more classic look while keeping all the mechanical upgrades underneath. The distinctive two-tone pale yellow and burgundy paint was redone in full burgundy and the interior was re-trimmed with tan leather. The vinyl covering over the top of the doors and on the A-pillars was replaced with chrome to give the car more classic styling. A correct E-Type steering wheel replaced the previous Nardi-style wheel, and the radio was removed. Now with styling truer to Jaguar’s original design but still with the mechanical upgrades, the Bouillot Helsel E-Type is better than ever.

An attractive and tastefully modified Jaguar, this exceedingly rare E-Type by Bouillot Helsel is sure to thrill its owners for decades to come.