Lot 316: 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2-Litre 2+2 Coupé

Conceived and developed as an open sportscar, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in Coupe form. The car caused a sensation with its instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. Aerodynamically, the coupé was superior to the roadster and a superior Grand Routier, enjoying as it did a marginally higher top speed and the considerable convenience of a generously sized luggage platform accessed via the side-hinged rear door. The first significant up-grade of Jaguar’s sensational E-Type sportscar 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, chiefly to the electrical and cooling systems, and to the 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 ‘family friendly’ 2+2 coupé variant on a longer wheelbase. With the 2+2’s increased length and additional rear seats came greater headroom, more luggage space, improved heating/ventilation and optional automatic transmission. An early example of its type (the 2+2 chassis number sequence commenced at 1E50001) this right-hand drive E-Type 2+2 Coupé has the desirable manual transmission. We are advised that the car was undergoing restoration (a process started in 2004) when its late owner died in November 2006, thus bringing work to a halt with the engine, body, suspension and mechanicals having been completed but the interior and certain elements of exterior trim still requiring attention. Detail renovation included lead lining of the sills, Waxoyling of the body under-side and fitting new spoked wire wheels. Finished in classic Old English White with black leather interior, the car is offered with restoration invoices, old-style logbook and current road fund licence/ MoT.