Lot 365: Jaguar E-Type Series II Fixedhead Coupe

One of the greatest post-war sports cars, Jaguar's E Type made immediate headlines on its launch in March 1961. A direct descendent of the C and D-Type models that so dominated Fifties sports car racing, its 3.8 litre twin camshaft engine produced 265bhp and was mated to a Moss four speed gearbox. Beneath the beautiful William Lyons/Malcolm Sayer-styled body, available in coupe or roadster form, the steel monocoque chassis sported all independent suspension mounted on detachable subframes, using double coil springs/dampers and swing arms at the rear with torsion bars and wishbones at the front. Brakes were discs all round, mounted inboard at the back. October 1964 saw the debut of the 4.2 litre model; apart from the capacity increase from 3,781cc to 4,235cc and improved torque but the same power, it boasted a new all-synchromesh gearbox, better brake servo and seats, an alternator and leather-faced rather than aluminium dashboard. With the Series II of October 1969, however, American emission and safety regulations had their way: headlights were open rather than closed, the radiator intake was enlarged, one-piece bumpers replaced the split items with larger sidelamps now beneath and, in American guise only, twin Stromberg carburettors reduced power to just 177bhp. Thankfully, European market cars retained their triple SU carburettor, 265bhp engines. Chassis 1R26138 was originally an American specification car which comes fresh from a full and complete restoration, with all parts supplied by either SNK Baratt in Britain or Bassett Jaguar of Rhode Island, America. The engine has been totally overhauled with new cylinder head, pistons, timing chains and sprockets and a plus-10 thou crankshaft regrind, in addition to having the carburettors fully rebuilt. The gearbox and clutch have both also been subject to a complete overhaul, including new bearings and seals, as has the differential. In addition, the electrical system has been totally rewired using restored original gauges, the brakes have been thoroughly overhauled and new stainless steel exhaust system and new Koni shock absorbers fitted. The bodywork, meanwhile, has been restored using 'cadmium-dipped' bolts and washers, and the car has been repainted to a very high standard using DuPont paint in British Racing Green, while the biscuit interior has been refurbished with new high quality leather. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase a freshly restored, road-ready example of one of Jaguar's greatest ever sportscars and with no additional work required.