Lot details Registration No: 9045 AP Chassis No: 850428 Mot Expiry: April 2010
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. While any roadster is desirable, the so-called 'flat floor' cars enjoy a particularly exalted status. Dating from early in the production cycle they arguably represent the automotive icon in its purist form
Finished in Carmen Red with black leather upholstery and supplied new by Henlys of London, this particular `flat floor' example was road registered as `9045 AP' on 23rd March 1962. A `matching numbers' car in terms of its chassis, cylinder block and cylinder head numbers, the two-seater is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed Moss gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Said to be "very quick with a fantastic exhaust note", the E-type was treated to a thorough engine overhaul in May 2009. As well as being reground the crankshaft was treated to a rear oil seal conversion, while the rest of the straight six benefited from a spin-on oil filter, uprated fan, improved starter motor, high-flow oil pump, twin exhaust silencer assembly, fresh main / big-end bearings, new 9:1 pistons and an unleaded cylinder head conversion (new inlet / exhaust valves and springs etc). The work which cost circa £8,500 was completed less than 1,000 miles ago. Riding on chrome wire wheels, this gorgeous Jaguar is offered for sale with Heritage Certificate, numerous old MOTs, assorted invoices, engine refurbishment photos and MOT certificate valid until April 2010.
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