Lot 061: Jaguar E-Type S1 2+2

It may be one of the most beautiful shapes in motoring history but the E-Type Series 1 fixed-head coupe does have one serious drawback  if you are much over 6-foot tall you just won't fit into it! The original car could also accommodate only two people so Jaguar addressed both these shortcomings in 1966 with the launch of the 2+2. With a higher roofline and stretched by 9-inches, it was still powered by the same magnificent 265bhp XK 4.2 litre engine but now had enough room to squeeze in three passengers and a tall driver. First registered on 2nd May 1966, this original RHD car was subject to a nut-and-bolt rebuild in 1990-92 with bills for many thousands of pounds in the history file to attest to the work carried out. It was purchased from the E-Type Centre by the current vendor in 1992 and has been carefully maintained and improved ever since.Work carried out in recent years has included the replacement of many chrome trim parts; uprated brakes; overhaul of the gear change mechanism; new header tank and all new Kevlar coolant hoses; fitment of a Kenlowe fan; new clutch slave cylinder and an overhaul of the carburettors. Said to drive very well indeed, the car could now do with some fettling to the driver's door to improve the fit which is currently impeded by the new door rubbers and sill covers which have recently been fitted. Looking particularly striking in the popular combination of Old English White with a red interior, the car has seen show use only over the last 15 years, has always been kept under cover in a dry garage and has never been out in the wet. It is supplied with a spare set of headlamp gaskets and a chrome trim strip which needs fitting around the rear screen. It also comes with a service manual, an owner's handbook, a lubrication chart and many old MOTs back to 1993. The current MOT expires in April 2008.