Lot 755: Jaguar E-Type 4.2-Litre Series 2 Roadster

The first significant up-grade of Jaguar's sensational E-Type sports car occurred in October 1964 with the launch of the 4.2-litre version. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior Lockheed brake servo. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged, but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements. These mainly concerned the cooling and electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the industry standard negative ground, while the interior boasted a matt black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The top speed of around 150mph remained unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration. Like its 3.8-litre forbear, the 4.2-litre E-Type was built in roadster and coupé forms, and in 1966 gained an additional 2+2 coupé variant on a 9" longer wheelbase. Intended to extend the E-Type's appeal beyond the traditional sports car-buying market, the new 'family orientated' 2+2 came with improved visibility thanks to an increased glass area, more headroom, improved heating and ventilation, additional luggage space and optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission. In 1968 all three versions of the E-Type underwent major revision to comply with US safety and emissions legislation, emerging in 'Series 2' guise minus the original's distinctive headlight covers. In addition, enlarged side and rear lights were adopted while a thickened front bumper centre section bridged a larger radiator intake. Interior changes included a collapsible steering column and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles. Despatched new to British Leyland, New York, USA, this Series 2 roadster has since been converted from left-hand to right-hand drive. Chassis number '1R9379' was originally finished in Sable with Cinnamon interior but has been repainted in green and re-trimmed in black, while other noteworthy features include the original radio and chromed wire wheels. A desirable manual/overdrive model, the car is offered with a quantity of expired MoTs and tax discs, JDHT certificate, old-style logbook, Swansea V5 document and MoT to October 2011.