"This car can be viewed in person from 14th to 18th July 2020 at our the auction site, Windsorview Lakes, Datchet, SL3 9HY
Noted philosopher, Dr. Carl Sagan stated in about 1980 that “You have to know the past to understand the present”, this is especially true as we look at the timeline of history just as much as the collectors’ items around us.
Don Steenkamp is not well known in the UK particularly, but in South Africa and certainly on concours arenas around the world, his name is a by-word for perfection. For the last 32 years, a queue of XK and E-Types of all configurations have made their way through his workshops, the results representing a Who’s Who of show-winning examples, simply by adding fuel.
It is the history of this dedication that leads us to this particular car. Originally sold by Henlys in London in 1970, it was then exported to South Africa in 1973. The second owner acquired the car in 1985 and, in 1988, decided to have the car restored. There was an issue with the chosen company, Sabattini, and the car remained unfinished until a sale in 1999 was agreed. It was then restored by Don Steenkamp in Knysna, with parts sourced from F.B. Components in the UK, over the ensuing two years. A detailed document accompanies the car showing exactly what has happened and each invoice associated with it. From this information, you would be able to see the absolute detail to which the 2,000-hour restoration was carried out. Every last nut, bolt and washer has been correctly restored, whether visible or invisible. At the time, it was thought to be the finest in South Africa, it is now in the UK and the quality would still be hard to match.
Complete with its full tool kit and handbook pack, as originally supplied with the car, the performance on the road is as impressive as is the visual impact of the rebuild. Not only has the exhaust manifold been coated with a black ceramic finish to replace the original vitreous enamel finish but the engine compartment has been further enhanced by fitting stainless steel brake reservoir bracket sets, stainless steel accelerator linkages and stainless steel brake dust shields on the front wheels. More recently, it was acquired by Mr. D. Jankelow, a South African collector and UK resident who has continued its investment with ‘E-Type UK’. Latterly a steering column re-build, front suspension re-build, including PU bushes, and ball joint gaiters amongst many other smaller items. Mr. Jankelow has used the car for extensive European touring over the years and has been delighted with its reliability and performance. I suspect the next owner will be too.
The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to Government guidelines throughout viewing and auction day."