Lot 202: 1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2-Litre Coupé

Although conceived and developed as an open sportscar, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in 3.8-litre Coupé form. Aerodynamically, the Coupé was superior to the Roadster and a more accomplished Grand Routier, enjoying a marginally higher top speed and the considerable convenience of a generously sized luggage platform accessed via the side-hinged rear door. In October 1964 an improved, 4.2-litre version arrived boasting a more user friendly, all-synchromesh gearbox and superior Lockheed brake servo as part of the specification together with the bigger, torquier engine. Top speed remained unchanged at 150mph, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration. Of all the many E-Type variants, it is the 4.2-litre Series 1 that the majority of enthusiasts consider the most desirable, combining as it does the purity of the original concept with the larger engine’s superior performance and the convenience of all-synchromesh transmission. The details of this car and its early life are documented in Denis Jenkinson’s book Jaguar E-Types (published by Osprey). Motor Sport magazine’s famous racing corespondent, ‘Jenks’ used the car for high-speed Continental motoring from 1965-1970 and several photos of it are included in his book. The car appears to have had only one registered keeper (not Jenks) from 1965 prior to its acquisition by the vendor in 1997. Manufactured as a left-hand drive model and subsequently converted to right-hand drive, the car when bought was in poor condition but has since been restored by classic Jaguar specialists Coopercraft, of Broadclyst, Exeter. Carried out between 1997 and 1999, the work involved structural strengthening of the chassis, anti-corrosion treatment, interior refurbishment (headlining, carpets and some trim panels replaced) and a repaint. Modifications incorporated at the time include Coopercraft up-rated front brakes, Koni adjustable shock absorbers all round and polyurethane suspension bushes. (This E-Type’s original specification included a high-ratio final drive and 8.0:1 compression). Original in appearance, the car is reported to drive very well and has seen little use since completion, having been kept in dry storage. Retaining matching chassis and engine numbers, ‘FPL 660G’ is offered with restoration invoices, (copy) old-style logbook, road fund licence/MoT to June 2007 and Swansea V5 document.