Famously names as “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari upon its release, the Jaguar E-Type is arguably the most iconic and widely recognised vehicles to come out of British Motorsport. Manufactured between 1961 and 1975, the combination of its beautiful design, high performance and competitive pricing took the motoring world by storm at a time when most cars had drum brakes, live rear axles and mediocre performance. The E-type sprang on the scene with a top speed of 150mph, sub 7 second 0-60mph acceleration, disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, independent front and rear suspension, monocoque construction and unrivalled looks.
The first E-type seen by public eyes was hand-built prototype ‘9600HP’. This was the E-type that turned a million heads. Before the launch itself, 9600HP was lent discreetly to a few journalists – Autosport’s John Bolster, Motorsport’s Bill Boddy, The Telegraph’s John Langley and The Times’ Harold Nockfolds – to prepare their road test features in the UK. With the launch scheduled in Geneva, this left precious little time to transport the car to its big reveal. So, in true dramatic fashion, the E-type was driven flat-out from Coventry, by Jaguar executive Bob Berry, to the Parc des Eaux-Vives in Geneva – arriving just 20 minutes before the big reveal. Demand for test drives was so high that Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis was told to ‘drop everything’ and deliver another E-type – open-top demonstrator ‘77RW’ – to Geneva. He drove through the night, arriving to great applause from the eagerly awaiting press. As Autocar’s 1961 review said: ‘It offers what drivers have so long asked for.’ E-type had made a name for itself, and it all started in Geneva.
The Series 1 cars essentially fall into two categories: those made between 1961 and 1964, which had 3.8-litre engines and (on all but the very last cars) partial synchromesh transmissions; and those made between 1965 and 1967 which increased engine size and torque by around 10% to 4.2 litres. As well as the larger engine the manufacturer provided new reclining seats, an alternator in place of the dynamo, an electrical system switched to negative earth, a more reliable brake servo and other modern amenities. Styling was unchanged. As a result, the 4.2-litre Type 1 generally became the most valuable form of the car.
Equipment
Midnight Blue, RHD, 4.2-Litre XK Inline-Six Engine, Triple Su Carburettors, All-Synchromesh 4-Speed Manual Gearbox, Independent Front And Rear Suspension, Rack-And-Pinion Steering, Servo-Assisted Disc Brakes On All Four Wheels, 15-Inch Steel Wheels, Optional Chrome Wire Wheels With Knock-Off Hubs, Covered Glass Headlamps, Folding Fabric Soft Top, Chrome Bumpers, Smiths Instrumentation, 160 Mph Speedometer, Wood-Rim Steering Wheel, Leather-Trimmed Seats, Vinyl Interior Trim Panels, Centre Console With Storage, Heater And Demister, Fresh-Air Ventilation System, Lap-Type Seat Belts, Radio Unit With Bluetooth Connectivity, Lockable Fuel Filler Cap, Chrome bumpers, Dash clock, Map lights, Manual dial illumination, Sun visors, Glovebox compartment
EXTERIOR
The fabulous E-Type continues to endure as a design master piece with unmistakable style and presence. The original colourway Midnight Blue paintwork has a deep gloss throughout and has settled over the last few years since it was taken back to bare metal, media blasted, etch primed and repainted in it’s superb original colour from new.
The brightwork is in excellent overall condition whilst the chromed areas such as the bumpers, door handles and surrounds show very well with excellent fit and finish.
After its restoration the vehicle was provided with front end PPF to prevent any unwanted stone chips.
INTERIOR
Sitting behind the steering wheel with a view overlooking the road ahead, this E-Type gives you a palpable sense of excitement. The plush leather interior, rounded dials and toggle switches provide a feeling of luxury whilst managing to retain the racing derived DNA of its predecessors – something that becomes immediately present whilst on the road. With Connolly Hide red leather fitted from new, which compliments the blue bodywork beautifully, the seats have been restored alongside door cards, sill trim and gearbox tunnel which appear all taut and clean.
In summary the cabin space is very tidy indeed; elegantly finished with the distinguished wood rimmed wheel that still exhibits an unspoilt lacquer.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The enlarged 4.2 pulls like a train, with strong oil pressure both at cold idle and at speed. With a recent radiator, fuel pump and clutch master cylinder, alongside a subsequent tune, the car sits in excellent mechanical health.
The sense of occasion on test is something else, with a smooth partnership between engine and gearbox the car is a joy on the open road.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
What better way to compliment the classic Roadster shape than a set of 15 x 6 inch 72 spoke wires. These stunning wheels are provided with Avon ZV5 rubber on all four corners to ensure authentic ride and feel.
The braking system has had a significant overhaul to ensure performance is a match for the engine, pulling up quickly and smoothly in a straight line.
HISTORY FILE
Delivered New Year’s day in Southern Ireland in 1964, this matching numbers 4.2 remains in it’s original colour and trim specification from new; as illustrated by Jaguar Heritage documentation.
Despite a shortage of early paperwork, there is history in the file from 1985 up until 2011 when the car was imported to the UK and has since enjoyed long term ownership with an enthusiast up to the present day.
With significant expenditure with both SNG Barratt and Bill Rawles over the years the history file is flowing with invoices and paperwork, inclusive of £30k receipt for bodywork restoration.
A spare key, handbooks and photographs of the body overhaul complete the folder with the car here in our showroom ready for immediate viewing.
Price on request
