By order of the executors of the late John Coombs
The John Coombs
c.1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-Litre 'Evolution' Roadster
Registration no. YYJ 242
Chassis no. 878663

Racing driver John Coombs had enjoyed considerable success in his chosen career, including a win in a minor Formula 1 race, before giving up competitive driving to concentrate on running his Guildford-based Jaguar dealership. He continued to prepare and enter cars under his own name for other drivers, including stars of the day such as Ron Flockhart, Roy Salvadori, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren. Coombs' name will be forever be linked with that of Jaguar, his Mark 1 and Mark 2 saloons being at the forefront of British saloon car racing throughout the late 1950s/early 1960s. When the E-Type sports car came along he raced that too with considerable success. More recently his company has built several up-graded Jaguar Mark 2 'Evolution' saloons and E-Types using the best of modern technology. John Coombs died at his home in Monaco in August 2013, aged 91.

John Coombs bought the E-Type offered here in 2007, at which time it was in right-hand drive configuration. Research revealed that the roadster had been manufactured with left-hand drive so, as John intended to drive it in Monaco, the decision was taken to return it to original specification. The bodyshell was shipped to Coventry Prototype Panels where most of its restoration took place; a gentle flare to the rear wheelarches, new aluminium bonnet (without the bulge) and a restyled tail with integral bumpers being incorporated in the process.

The engine has been built to 'fast road' specification with 10:1 compression flat-top pistons; high-lift D-Type profile camshafts; gas-flowed cylinder head with 1⅞" diameter inlet valves; six-branch exhaust manifold; and a lightened and balanced flywheel. The gearbox is a five-speed unit with alloy casing, supplied by Guy Broad. The suspension has been lowered by 1" and gas shock absorbers fitted all round, while the brakes have been up-rated at the front with 4-pot callipers and vented discs. Other noteworthy features include 7"-wide Turrino wire wheels with alloy rims; stainless steel exhaust system; modern electric power assisted steering; and a leather interior by Moto Trim.

John Coombs thought this much-improved E-Type would be his ideal car but sadly he never got to drive it – and it would prove to be his last 'Coombs Jaguar' Only some 200 miles have been covered since the rebuild's completion and 'YYJ 242' is presented in commensurately good condition. The car is offered with two expired MoTs, current road fund licence and V5C registration document.