Lot 137: 1964 Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8 Litre Roadster

One of the greatest post-war sports cars, Jaguar's E-Type caused a sensation and made immediate headlines on its launch at the Geneva Show in March 1961. Here was a sleek and beautiful 150mph car with a competition pedigree that could be bought for just over £2,000 - almost half the cost of an Aston Martin or Ferrari. A direct descendant of the XK120 and competition C and D-Type models that so dominated fifties sports car racing, the E-Type shared its 265bhp 3.8 litre twin-cam straight-six engine with the XK150 'S', mated to a Moss four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios. Beneath the stunning William Lyons/Malcolm Sayer-styled body, available in either closed or open roadster form, the steel monocoque chassis sported all-independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, mounted inboard at the back. Independent road test results not only recorded a 150mph top speed, but also 0-60mph and 0-l00mph in 6.9 and 16.2 seconds respectively; fast indeed, and the match of any exotic thoroughbred then available, combined with superb road-holding and remarkable docility. It is perhaps surprising to note that two out of three of all E Types built by the factory were destined for export and today it is the earliest versions which purists would cite as the most desirable.Since its return from South Africa this fine example has been professionally stored at Storacar in Newport Pagnell. Finished in red with a tan interior it was imported back to the UK in 1997. Unfortunately, at the time of going to press the full details of the car were still be researched, any interested buyers should contact the auction dept. for further information.