EXCEPTIONAL RESTORATION. STUNNING COLOUR COMBINATION IN STRIKING OPALESCENT DARK BLUE, COMPLEMENTED BY BEIGE LEATHER WITH MATCHING CARPETS. JUST COMPLETED A BODY OFF RESTORATION.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1966 | COLOUR: OPALESCENT DARK BLUE | INTERIOR TRIM: BEIGE LEATHER | POA
MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
The E-Type Jaguar is regarded widely as one of the most important and pretty sports cars of all time. At its launch at the Geneva Auto Salon in March 1961, the E-Type not only stole the show, but every headline. Enzo Ferrari described the Jaguar as the most beautiful car in the world, and many regard the original Coupé and Roadster models as perfect from every angle.
However, Jaguar nearly only had one E-Type on display at the Geneva show. Sir William Lyons, the founder and boss of Jaguar, ordered a second to Geneva only days before the show. This meant a last minute dash from Coventry to Geneva in an E-Type Roadster by Norman Dewis, Jaguar’s now renowned test driver. The story of the E-Type started long before this legendary eleventh-hour dash, though. It’s clear to see D-Type Le Mans racer’s influence on the E-Type’s lines, and the 3.8-litre straight-six engine was sourced from the XK.
The Series 1 E-type ran from March 1961 to December 1968 with a total of 33,205 cars produced. It was revolutionary in many ways, but it was the stylish and iconic bodywork that set it apart from everything else in period. It also featured much more modern specifications such as independent rear suspension and all-round disc brakes, putting it ahead of its time. Even Mercedes-Benz on its 300SL Gullwing were slow to take on board this technology.
The original 3.8-litre engine produced 265bhp and could reach a top speed of 150mph, which made it the fastest production car in the world at that time. Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type road car by fitting the larger 4.2-litre XK engine in 1964. Although it still offered 265bhp, the 4.2 came with more torque. Meanwhile, the manual gearbox gained synchromesh on all ratios, offering more driving pleasure.
In May 1965, Autocar were quoted as saying: “The E-Type offers just about the easiest way to travel quickly by road.” In 1967, Jaguar launched an updated model which came to be known as the Series 1 1/2, which was only in production for a single year from 1967 to 1968. It brought the new unfaired headlight design that subsequently featured on the S2. The transformation was completed in 1971 with the V12-powered S3 model. It had a wider track and less comely front-end styling, but under the bonnet sat 5.3-litres of sweetly smooth engine.
THIS ICONIC E-TYPE
An exceptional right hand drive Series 1 4.2 FHC, with matching numbers and recent and past known history. The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms the date of manufacture as 7th October 1965 and dispatch to its first UK owner in Nairobi Kenya. A personal export delivery, in stunning special order colour of Opalescent Dark Blue and light tan by Jaguar Cars Ltd UK.
We believe the E-Type remained the majority of its time in East Africa and was repatriated to Europe in around 2009, where the restorer purchased it from Dusseldorf, Germany in 2014.
The current owner commissioned a component off restoration to a most exacting standard, with every component, seen or unseen restored. I believe the restoration started from a very nice car which appeared to be well preserved due to its lengthy stay in a hot climate. The restoration was completed by a marque specialist. Now on offer for sale at much less than the cost restoration and cost of a suitable donor FHC.
Sensible upgrades accompanied the restoration like aluminium radiator coolant tank and header.
Having completed several E-Type Jaguar restorations, both FHC & DHC Roadster, the level of detail and quality of workmanship is exceptional.
Post restoration work and run down miles currently being completed by us.
This vehicle is available for viewing in our showroom in UK near Stansted Airport on an appointment
basis, and would complement any car collection, with whom this vehicle will represent a good
acquisition opportunity.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE
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