Lot 229: 1962 Jaguar E Type Series I Competition

On its Geneva Show debut in March 1961 the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation, with all the promise of its looks confirmed by a 150mph top speed and 0-60 and 0-100mph in 6.9 and 16.2 seconds respectively; fast indeed, and combined with superb roadholding and remarkable docility. In October 1964 it was superceded by the 4.2 litre model; apart from the capacity increase from 3,781cc to 4,235cc and improved torque but the same power, it boasted a new all synchromesh gearbox, better brake servo and seats, an alternator and leather- faced rather than aluminium dashboard. The E-Type, of course, has been raced with outstanding success since the year it was produced, finding favour with racing drivers the world over and examples have subsequently been modified well beyond Jaguar's own development programme. It was none other than the late great Graham Hill who achieved its first success at Oulton Park in April 1961, driving for Tommy Sopwith's Equipe Endeavour, finishing ahead of Innes Ireland's Aston Martin DB4 GT and Roy Salvadori in another E-Type entered by John Coombs. This incredible debut performance raised people's expectations of the E-Type, but as both teams had discovered, the car was not only fast and beautiful road car, but the basis of a potential front running sports racing car with massive potential. Described as being in very good condition, this particular E Type rolled off the production line in 1962. The 4.2 litre engine has been thoroughly sorted and balanced with high lift camshafts, Cosworth pistons, triple Weber 40 DCOE carburettors and a free flow exhaust system. To rein in this performance ventilated disc brakes with four pot calipers are fitted all round and to keep the car on the track the suspension has been suitably modified. Supplied with the car is a V5 registration document, MoT test certificate valid until April 2008 and a Jaguar build certificate. Finished in red and road registered, this is a remarkably tractable car, one that could be driven to and from a circuit and be a competitive entrant in many historic motor racing events or rallies.