Lot details Registration No: DRX565C Chassis No: 1E20211 Mot Expiry: None
One of the great motoring icons of the last century, Jaguar's E-type is a car that has always inspired loyalty and devotion. Born out of the fabulous D-type racer, it soon acquired a strong competition heritage of its own. Faster and more glamorous than virtually any production rivals, the newcomer put many so-called 'sportscars' to shame at its 1961 Geneva Motor Show launch. Certainly few could live with the model's reputed 150mph top speed or the savage acceleration that allowed it to touch 60mph in less than seven seconds. In an age when a decent family saloon could call upon its engine for 65bhp, the E-type's 3781cc, DOHC, straight-six claimed an additional 200bhp. While Ferrari's lauded 250 SWB and its 250 GTO successor made do with 'live' rear axles, the E-type utilised a sophisticated independent rear set-up with inboard disc brakes. Rack and pinion steering enabled a driver to make the most of the monocoque chassis's excellent roadholding and handling, putting it light years ahead of American designs like the Corvette. Revised in 1964, the E-type gained a torquier 4235cc powerplant and four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox of Jaguar's own design.
First registered to a greengrocer, 'DRX 565C' had covered just 10,000 miles by the time it entered the current (second) ownership during 1967. Purchased for the princely sum of £1,200, the Jaguar has since recorded a further 43,543 miles and undergone a colour change from Desert Sand to Navy Blue. Said to have "spent most of its life in a heated dry garage but recently unfortunately not up on blocks", the fixed head coupe has not run for many a moon. However, the vendor recalls that "the previous time it had not been used for ten years the car was up to standard after only £700 was spent on it". Though, given that the tax disc affixed to its windscreen expired in February 1979 that may have been some while ago. Thought to be substantially original, 'DRX 565C' boasts a 9:1 compression 4235cc engine, four-speed manual gearbox, light tan leather upholstery and wire wheels. A restoration project but one that on cursory inspection seems to be enticingly sound, this low mileage (just 53,543 from new) E-type awaits its third keeper. Can you resist temptation?
PLEASE NOTE: We have not had this vehicle running.
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