"Got 'em both in New York and still have 'em"

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The passing of W.W. “Bill" Tilden of Dunwoody, Georgia, USA on October 18 will be mourned at the numerous concours where he judged and by his multitude of friends across the car collecting world. Bill was a car guy's car guy and loved them all, but with special feeling for the independents, like Kaiser-Frazer and Packard.

This special man leaves a special car as part of his broad legacy. After exiting the Army in 1961, Bill visited New York where he purchased a very early Jaguar E-Type, the 235th LHD Open Two Seater produced. He also met Marilyn, his wife of 48 years, so he probably enjoyed his trip. "Got 'em both in New York and still have 'em," Bill used to quip.

Bill's E-Type has every early characteristic: flat floor, outside bonnet latches, welded-in louvers, undished seat frame rail. But what makes this car very special is its condition and patina. Less than 33,200 miles since new. Original paint and interior (but not the top, Bill disliked the original tan top and installed white vinyl early on). The car actually survived a snow-caused barn collapse in Atlanta, GA (!) decades ago with just a few dents and scratches. Until its recent recomissioning, after over 25 years storage (in undrained condition, alas...), the car still carried its original radiator hoses! The original Dunlop spare (a whitewall) remains in the boot.

The middle muffler is gone and we'd never put it back, as the noticeably louder exhaust sings with a glorious voice, which is of course exactly why Bill removed it. The many badges and stickers festooning the car memorialize races and track days, among them Lime Rock in 1961 and the first Walter Mitty at Road Atlanta in 1978.

Was this the earliest E-Type still owned by its original purchaser? Wonder who now inherits that mantle if that indeed was the case? And are there any earlier E-Types as well-preserved as this incredible survivor? There is no question this lovely Jaguar will remain a memorial to its caring and enthusiastic first owner, who most definitely will be missed by his many friends around the globe.
        

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