Lot 055: 1968 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 FIXED HEAD COUPE

One of the great motoring icons of the last century, Jaguar's E-type is a car that has always inspired loyalty and devotion. Born out of the fabulous D-type racer, it soon acquired a strong competition heritage of its own. Faster and more glamorous than virtually any production rivals, the newcomer put many so-called 'sportscars' to shame at its 1961 Geneva Motor Show launch. Certainly few could live with the model's reputed 150mph top speed or the savage acceleration that allowed it to touch 60mph in less than seven seconds. In an age when a decent family saloon could call upon its engine for 65bhp, the E-type's 3781cc, DOHC, straight-six claimed an additional 200bhp. While Ferrari's lauded 250 SWB and its 250 GTO successor made do with 'live' rear axles, the E-type utilised a sophisticated independent rear set-up with inboard disc brakes. Rack and pinion steering enabled a driver to make the most of the monocoque chassis's excellent roadholding and handling, putting it light years ahead of American designs like the Corvette. Revised in 1964, the E-type gained a torquier 4235cc powerplant and four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox of Jaguar's own design. Finished in white with black leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (4235cc engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (interior trim, chassis) condition. Reportedly treated to "a respray, new Connolly leather and thorough going over" some twenty odd years ago (but still within the current ownership), chassis number '1E21887' is further understood to have been little used and "stored in a heated garage at home" ever since. Only being offered for sale so as to "make room for the wife's new DB9", this late Series I Fixed Head Coupe is worthy of close inspection.