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388By order of the executors of the late John Coombsc.1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-Litre ‘Evolution’ RoadsterRegistration no. YYJ 242Chassis no. 878663Racing driver John Coombs had enjoyed considerable success inhis chosen career, including a win in a minor Formula 1 race, beforegiving up competitive driving to concentrate on running his GuildfordbasedJaguar dealership. He continued to prepare and enter carsunder his own name for other drivers, including stars of the day suchas Ron Flockhart, Roy Salvadori, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren.Coombs’ name will be forever be linked with that of Jaguar, hisMark 1 and Mark 2 saloons being at the forefront of British salooncar racing throughout the late 1950s/early 1960s. When the E-Typesports 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 timeit was in right-hand drive configuration. Research revealed that theroadster had been manufactured with left-hand drive so, as Johnintended to drive it in Monaco, the decision was taken to return itto original specification. The bodyshell was shipped to CoventryPrototype Panels where most of its restoration took place; a gentleflare to the rear wheelarches, new aluminium bonnet (without thebulge) and a restyled tail with integral bumpers being incorporated inthe process.The engine has been built to ‘fast road’ specification with 10:1compression flat-top pistons; high-lift D-Type profile camshafts;gas-flowed cylinder head with 1⅞” diameter inlet valves; six-branchexhaust manifold; and a lightened and balanced flywheel. Thegearbox is a five-speed unit with alloy casing, supplied by Guy Broad.The suspension has been lowered by 1” and gas shock absorbersfitted all round, while the brakes have been up-rated at the front with4-pot callipers and vented discs. Other noteworthy features include7”-wide Turrino wire wheels with alloy rims; stainless steel exhaustsystem; modern electric power assisted steering; and a leatherinterior by Moto Trim.John Coombs thought this much-improved E-Type would be hisideal car but sadly he never got to drive it – and it would proveto be his last ‘Coombs Jaguar’ Only some 200 miles have beencovered since the rebuild’s completion and ‘YYJ 242’ is presented incommensurately good condition. The car is offered with two expiredMoTs, current road fund licence and V5C registration document.£50,000 - 70,000€62,000 - 86,000Motor Cars | 339