Manufactured on 29 April 1965 and dispatched on 13 May 1965, this late production Series 1 Fixed-Head Coupe was originally supplied in Opalescent Silver Blue with Dark Blue leather interior, via Henlys, London.

From new in 1965, the car has known just three owners.

It remained with the original owner until 1975, when it was acquired by a wonderful Jaguar enthusiast, Roy, who maintained it for an incredible 50 years.

At some point earlier in its life, the car was repainted red, a patina that has softened with age.

The history file is substantial, reaching back to the mid-1970s with correspondence and invoices that chart regular, attentive maintenance throughout the decades.

What makes this example unusual is that it has never been subjected to a full restoration or overhaul.

Instead, it has been steadily and properly maintained by owners who used it, cared for it, and didn't feel the need to strip it back to bare metal.

The result is increasingly difficult to find: a machine that...