Lot details Registration No: DRR101B Chassis No: 20012FF Mot Expiry: March 2008
Famously launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type created a furore. Its combination of supercar performance, superb styling and a low price tag left rivals reeling and customers clamouring. While, early sportscar racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori amongst others helped cement its reputation. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, the model's combination of all-round independent suspension (torsion-bar front / coil-sprung rear) rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes gave it excellent roadholding and handling capabilities. Fed by triple SU HD8 carburettors and topped with a 'straight port' DOHC cylinder head, its indomitable 3781cc straight-six engine was quoted as developing some 265bhp and 260lbft of torque. Allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox (with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th), it reputedly enabled the E-type to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 150mph. Seemingly borrowed from a light aircraft, the wonderful turned aluminium centre console that adorned its dashboard was complemented by scalloped 'Dunlopillo' seats and a wood-rim steering wheel. Achingly beautiful yet viciously quick, the E-type remains for many the ultimate production Jaguar.
Finished in red with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its 3.8 litre engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Beginning life overseas, 'DRR 101B' is said to have had "one owner for the last fifteen years" and to be accompanied by "old MOTs back to 1991 which would suggest it has covered less than 8,000 miles in that time". The subject of an older restoration, the fixed-head coupe rides on wire wheels shod with slimband whitewall tyres. An appealing prospect, this striking E-type is offered for sale with MOT certificate and historic class (free) road tax both valid until March 2008. A measure of his confidence in 'DRR 101B', the vendor has informed us that he intends to drive it the 80-plus miles to Kempton Park.
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