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Jaguar E-Type

Mileage: 108,490 Top Speed: 149 Year: 1966 0 - 60: 6.9 MOT Expiry: Oct 13 BHP: 265 Tax Expiry: Sept 13 Transmission: 4-speed manual Exterior Colour: Old English White Engine Capacity: 4235cc Interior Colour: Black Leather Engine Configuration: Inline 6

Jaguar E-Type | £59,995

Mileage: 108,490

Model History

The E-type was manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1974. The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½".

 

The roots of th E-type were placed throughout the 1950s as Jaguar had great success at the Le Mans 24 hour races, by the end of the decade Jaguar's then inoperative racing department was given instruction to use the D-Type style construction to build a road-going sports car to supersede the XK150.

 

The first prototype known as the E1A featured a monocoque design, fully independent rear suspension and the worthy XK engine, used solely for factory testing it was never released to the market and scrapped as the second E-Type prototype came along, simply named the E2A. This was constructed from a steel chassis with a lightweight aluminium body and a 3 litre fuel injection version of the XK engine. Jaguar felt that the best proving ground for their new sports car would be the race track so the E2A was designed and used as so to develop the production car, it made an appearance at the Le Mans 24 hr race but retired. Scheduled to be scrapped like E1A the car was passed to Roger Woodley on the understanding it would never be raced. Stored away the car resurfaced and was put up for sale in 2008 reaching US$4,957,000 at Auction.

 

Production started on the E-Type Series 1 and was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961 to worldwide praise from both the public and media. Originally equipped with a 3.8 litre XK6 engine from the XK150, power assisted disc brakes and independent coil spring suspension. In October 1964 the 3.8 litre engine was bored-out and increased to a more substantial 4.2 litres which also came equipped with uprated brakes and electrical systems, syncromesh 4-speed gearbox and superior comfort seats. The Series 1 E-Types can be identified by their glass-covered headlights, rear lights placed above the bumpers, exhaust pipes positioned below the number plates and the famous 'mouth' opening at the front of the car.

 

The Series 1 came to an end in 1968 after having left a serious impact on the motor industry, at the time, a Ferrari had cost three times more and supplied less horse power! This established Jaguar as an icon of 1960s motoring, as well as popular culture, helping to embody the spirit of the 'Swinging 60s' a revolutionary decade it came to symbolise. It was the car of choice for any self-respecting celebrity including Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot and George Best among many others. Even today the E-Type continues to influence the styling designs of Jaguars future concepts.

 

The E-Type is widely regarded as the most beautiful car ever produced, In 2008 it was ranked first in The Daily Telegraphs list of the world's '100 most beautiful cars' of all time, such is the perfection of its proportions and elegant poise it has been also been added as a permanent exhibit in the New York City Museum of Modern Art, being one of only six motor cars to receive the honour. On its release, Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made".

 

The model became a great success for Jaguar, with more than 70,000 E-Types being sold during its lifespan.

Equipment

Cigar lighter, Pioneer cassette player, Ashtray, Ariel, Centre arm-rest stowage, Spare wheel and jack, Tool kit, Interior light, Rear number plate light.

Exterior

The elegant feline proportions of the E-types body shape is finished in old English white paintwork which is in fantastic condition and is the perfect partner against the sparkling chrome work. You can tell from the history that this E-type has always been cherished, having been treated to a restoration in the late 1980s, early 90s with many parts being replaced and documented. There are very few stone chips to the front of the car and all the chrome trim including the front and rear bumpers are free from dents, on close inspection there are a few age related marks but nothing to detract from this cars staggering beauty.

Interior

Stepping down into the Jaguars cock-pit it is awash with black and chrome surfaces, traditional dials and switch gear and has a wonderfully authentic vintage quality that hits you once seated. The black leather seats still provide good support and have some usual age-related wear but do not suffer from any tears or damage. The centre console houses the majority of the vintage switch gear and dials. Sitting in the drivers seat you are lead to clasp the beautiful 3-spoke period wooden steering wheel, the wood grip remains in excellent unworn condition with a lacquered finish and good texture, the centre boss is elegantly detailed and gold in colour with the traditional snarling Jaguar face at the centre of the wheel. The rear platform in the boot remains in fine condition, housing the spare wheel and also doubling as a spacious stowage area.

Engine & Transmission

Reading through the history file you can quickly tell that this E-Type has always been maintained to a high standard and there is plenty of evidence dating back to the early 1980s documenting maintenance work and a complete engine and gearbox overhaul in 1991. Being a 1966 model, this Series 1 E-Type comes with the larger 4.2 litre engine that starts first time at the turn of the key and drives faultlessly with strong power and acceleration producing a wonderful engine note when provoked into the higher rev range. The 4 speed manual gearbox remains smooth and precise, managing the engines power perfectly. 

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The 15" multi-spoke Jaguar wire wheels sit perfectly in balance with cars pure lines and deep wheel arches. They remain in fine condition for their age, on close inspection there is some very light surface corrosion between some of the spokes. They are shod in matching Pirelli P4000 tyres that all have plenty of tread remaining. The brakes feel strong and competent pulling the car up quickly in a straight line.

History File

The E-Type was manufactured on the 14th of December 1965 and then delivered to its first dealer, Henlys of London. The history file contains many invoices dating back to the early 80s for various work over the years including body restoration, monococque and bonnet, complete re-spray and rust proofing and many replacement parts fitted, all undertaken by the same Jaguar specialist. There are also recent MOT certificates kept along with the original Jaguar operating, maintenance and service handbook that is still present.

 

The car has a Jaguar Heritage certificate confirming the chassis number, engine and gearbox numbers.