Lot 012: Jaguar E-Type S1 2+2

It may be one of the most beautiful shapes in motoring history but the E-Type Series 1 fixed-head coupe does have one serious drawback  if you are much over 6-foot tall you just won't fit into it! The original car could also accommodate only two people so Jaguar addressed both these shortcomings in 1966 with the launch of the 2+2. With a higher roofline and stretched by 9-inches, it was still powered by the same magnificent 265bhp XK 4.2 litre engine but now had enough room to squeeze in three passengers and a tall driver.This 1967 car is said to be in good condition throughout with exceptionally rust-free bodywork and structure after some recent remedial work to the front floorpan. According to invoices in the history file, it had a full engine rebuild in 1987 and has only covered about 5,000 miles since. In 1999 it was treated to an unleaded head conversion and other recent work includes rebuilt front suspension with Koni shock absorbers; new rear suspension mountings; new brake calipers all round; full stainless steel exhaust system; new Kenlowe fan and kevlar cooling hoses. An automatic model, it is said to drive very well with excellent oil pressure and temperature at all times and a notably smooth gearchange. The vivid green leather interior is particularly striking and well-preserved and complements the metallic green paintwork which is perhaps not up to the standard of the rest of the car, being slightly patchy in places. Freshly MOTd and taxed, it comes with lots of old MOTs back to 1988 to help verify the recorded mileage of 93,872 and took part in the London to Brighton Jaguar run in 2000. Altogether a most attractive and practical car that is eminenty useable as it is but could be turned into a first-class specimen with some attention to the paint.