Lot details Registration No: BJB421B Chassis No: 861481 Mot Expiry: Aug 2006
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 all its production rivals, it put many so-called 'sportscars' to shame at its 1961 Geneva Motor Show launch. Certainly few could live with its 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.
Finished in opalescent silver blue with light blue leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "satisfactory" (chassis, bodywork), "quite good" (paintwork), "good" (engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment) or "very tidy" (interior trim) condition. Reportedly in the present ownership since 1985 at which time the mileage recorded on its then current MOT certificate was 95,259, it is believed to have covered just 96,168 miles from new. The subject of a "total respray" in 2000, it was also reupholstered that same year "apart from the seats" which were deemed to be "in quite good original condition". Said to be of good overall appearance albeit that "the bumpers could do with re-chroming", its wire wheels are shod with fresh tyres but apparently suffer from "some corrosion". Reputedly a "matching numbers" car, it boasts a "stainless exhaust" and "vinyl dashboard" complete with "original radio" (though sadly this no longer works). A comparatively early fixed-head coupe (right-hand drive production began at chassis 860001); this desirable E-type is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 1st 2006 and historic class (free) road tax until July 31st 2006.
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