Lot 248: 1966 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Roadster with Factory Hardtop

When Jaguar launched their stunningly sleek E Type with impeccable competition pedigree, 150mph potential and a price tag at just over £2000, almost half that of the rival Aston Martin or Ferrari alternatives, they had a huge and international hit on their hands. Perceived on both sides of the Atlantic as being a direct descendant of the XK120 and racing C and D Types that had dominated 1950s sports car racing, the first E Types even shared the 265bhp 3.8-litre twin cam, straight-six engine with the XK150S mated to a 4-speed Moss gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios. Beneath the William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer styled, aerodynamically-slippery bodywork, available in either closed or roadster format, the steel monocoque chassis boasted all-independent suspension and disc brakes for all four wheels, mounted inboard at the rear.

According to the Jaguar Daimler Production Trace in the history file, the E Type offered here, an always right-hand drive 4.2-litre OTS model, first left the Coventry works in Browns Lane 24 March 1966. Still to the standard production specification from then, the open-top sports with hood and frame as well as factory-supplied hardtop sits on correct for model ‘curly-centre’ chrome wire wheels. Despite being colour-changed in the early 1970s, it has been returned to the original silver-grey when repainted earlier this year. The red leather interior appears still to be largely original, while the oldest MOT Test Certificate with the car confirms that it had done 68,451 miles in 1981, so the 71,978 mileage displayed on the odometer when catalogued is likely to be the genuine total from new.

According to the paperwork with the car, the front wings, sills and a door skin were replaced and the boot floor received attention during bodywork refurbishment carried out in 1980. The 4235cc 6-cylinder K engine has also been rebuilt, there being bills on file recording the crank having been reground and the valves replaced. The clutch and flywheel were renewed, and the carburettors, ignition and steering overhauled during extensive refurbishment in January of this year by Jaguar specialist Ken Bell, who also carried out a pre-MOT check and speedometer repair in March.

Old invoices record over £11,000 having been expended on this car in 2006 and 2007 alone. Other documents include a 1974-dated buff log book of continuation variety, thirteen MOTs for 1981 to 1999, a Works Information Sheet as well as the latest V5C Registration Document and V20 MOT, which will be current until March 2008, while the historic vehicle tax disc on this genuine home market example of one of the most iconic of all British sports cars is valid until the end of May next year.