Lot 441: 1970 Jaguar E Type Series II 4.2 Litre Roadster

One of the greatest post-war sports cars, Jaguar's E-Type made immediate headlines on its launch in March 1961. A direct descendent of the C and D-Type models that so dominated Fifties sports car racing, its 3.8 litre twin cam engine produced 265bhp and was mated to a Moss four-speed gearbox. Beneath the beautiful William Lyons/Malcolm Sayer-styled body, available in coupe or roadster form, the steel monocoque chassis sported all independent suspension mounted on detachable subframes, using double coil springs/dampers and swing arms at the rear with torsion bars and wishbones at the front. Brakes were discs all round, mounted inboard at the back. October 1964 saw the debut of 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. With the Series 2 of October 1969, however, US emission and safety regulations had their way: headlights were open rather than closed, the radiator intake was enlarged, one-piece bumpers replaced the split items with larger sidelamps now beneath and, in US guise only, twin Stromberg carburetors reduced power to just 177bhp. Thankfully, European market cars retained their triple SU carburetor, 265bhp engines.Described as being in excellent condition throughout this 1970, 4.2 litre example looks stunning having only covered 3,800 miles since a full photographic restoration. Finished in opalescent blue paint work with a cream leather interior and blue mohair hood the car is supplied with a Heritage certificate, extensive history file, MoT certificate valid until June 2009 and a V5 document. Sitting on upgraded wire wheels this fabulous example looks great and is ready to be enjoyed.