Hi Rod and thanks for the help. The E type was Blue when John bought it but I believe it was painted Red in 1980 ish. Registered LTN 3D. I have found a guy who remembers working on the car, replacing the cylinder block due to frost damage but so far the trail to John Earle has gone dead. There is a suggestion that he moved to Lincoln but I believe that his twin brother Peter may still be around in the Hull or Bridlington area.
Family include Steven J Earle, son, Darren Craig Earl, nephew who from internet searches came up as being a member of this forum, and another nephew Christopher James Earle.
Any lead at all would be most helpful
Thanks
Steve