Footnotes

• One of the biggest names in the classic Jaguar world, Vicarage first caught the motoring public’s imagination back in 1984 when the company, then based in Bridgenorth, Shropshire began offering its comprehensively re-engineered and updated Jaguar Mk2 saloons. Other models from the world famous Coventry manufacturer that have since benefited from the Vicarage treatment include the XJ6, XK120 and, of course, the immortal E-Type in both road-going and low-drag competition forms. Vicarage’s Series I and Series III E-Types were updated and re-engineered to modern standards, offering superior build quality, improved driving responses and greater security than the originals. Every aspect of the running gear received attention, engines were up-rated to provide increased performance and interiors re-trimmed to an even higher level of luxury than before. There was even a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox and power-operated soft-tops available. With, typically, a nine-month build time, the Vicarage E-Types were far from cheap, selling for somewhere in the region of £79,000-89,000 in 1989 depending on model and exact specification.
  Originally a left-hand drive Coupé, this Series III E-Type Roadster was totally rebuilt and upgraded by Vicarage to the vendor’s personal order in 1990. At that time the list price for Vicarage’s ‘Standard Specification’ Series III Roadster was £85,000, which included wire wheels, mohair hood, tinted glass, head restraints, stainless-steel exhaust system, Michelin XWX tyres and conversion to right-hand drive, while options specified – air conditioning, Alpine CD stereo system and two-passenger rear seating – added a further £6,500 to this car’s price for a grand total of £91,500 (ex-VAT). Finished in Rolls-Royce Cobalt Blue metallic with beige leather interior, the car has the popular automatic transmission option and comes with soft-top and factory hardtop. Further specification highlights include central locking, remote alarm and a new leather interior, the latter installed within the past two years. Some 31,500-or-so miles have been covered since completion and the car comes with full service history with Vicarage and marque specialist Martin Hall (Bird’s Automobiles). Fastidiously maintained with no expense spared and offered for sale at a fraction of its build costs, this unique Series III E-Type Roadster possesses an MoT valid until June 2007 and comes with Swansea V5.
  

Saleroom notices

• Please note that there is a large file of bills accompanying this lot that will be forwarded upon sale along with the soft top for the vehicle.