Lot 217: 1968 Jaguar E Type S1 ½ Fixedhead Coupe

On its 1961 Geneva Show debut the E-Type caused a sensation, with all the promise of its looks confirmed by independent road test results that 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.As the series 1 developed the engine was enlarged to 4.2 litres and the braking system improved, also small cosmetic changes were implemented to satisfy the emerging American export market. These late series 1 4.2 litre cars actually had many of the features of the later series 2 car, but were in production before the series 2 model became available; as such they have become known as the series 1 ½ although this title was never actually given to them by Jaguar.This example we see here was painstakingly rebuilt at a cost of over £60,000 to fast road specification. Power steering, a five speed gearbox, and D-Type style Dunlop wheels have been added to the multiple engine upgrades to ensure that very purposeful E Type goes as well as it looks. In fact the under bonnet condition has been described by the vendor as 'show condition', and this complements the striking silver paint work and magnificent blue leather interior.An extremely presentable E Type with speed modifications the type that would have been added in period transforms this car from an already potent sports car into a real street racing cat, E Types such as these have been produced by a number companies, however this car, produced over a period of time by a retired engineer for his own use show the attention to detail only seen by a labour of love.