Lot 116: Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 Roadster

It is 51 years since the first, prototype, of the Jaguar E- Type was built during the winter of months 1957- 1958, yet the car remains one of the most sought after classics and an icon of the British sports car tradition. During the 1950s, Jaguar scored a number of Le Mans 24hr victories with the C-Type and latterly, the D-Type but they were confronted with a problem: They had no production car able to take advantage of the racing success, with the XK coming to the end of its production life. Initially the D-Type was converted into a road vehicle as an XK-SS but in principle it remained a race car, was not really very successful and then a massive fire destroyed many at the Browns Lane factory. Eventually and after several modifications, of the first E-Type prototype of 1957/1958 the model was finally ready for launch in 1961 and was the absolute star at the Geneva Show. The rest is history. Jaguar took over 500 orders at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, where the E-Type's stunning lines had caused a sensation. It was a sign of things to come and Jaguar were quite surprised by the huge success they had on their hands. Offered here is a very nice example of a Series One 4.2 Roadster of 1965 Vintage. The car has been in the same ownership for 29 years and was rebuilt back in the early eighties, since when it has covered just 11,600 miles. The Series One Roadsters, in 4.2 guise, is one of the rarest of all E-Types and benefits from better brakes, an all-syncro gearbox, more comfy seats and the more torquey engine. Finished in BRG with biscuit hide, this example is described as being in good condition throughout, having always been kept in warm, dry garage when not in use and never used in inclement weather. Since being comprehensive rebuilt, it has been maintained as required, In 2002 it received new rack mounts, gaiters and steering wheel. In 2006 it was the subject of a full brake overhaul and has been regularly serviced. This is a rare example of quite a rare motor car. It is also equipped with an even rarer, factory hard-top. The indicated 69,861 miles is thought to be correct and the car is described as an extremely solid drive, with no quirks or surprises.