Lot details Registration No: CAU493H Chassis No: 1R20524 Mot Expiry: Aug 2012
The E-Type's Malcolm Sayer-penned lines are thought by many to be among the most striking ever to adorn a motor car. Indeed, only a few years ago the Daily Telegraph ranked the E-Type top in a pole of the '100 most beautiful cars of all time'. Like the XK150 before it, it was born of Jaguar's competition successes on the race tracks of Europe. This was no ordinary motor car. The E-Type, or XK-E as it was known in the USA, made its debut at the 1961 Geneva Salon where its unique combination of grace and pace stole the show. From birth, the car was available as a Fixed Head Coupe or a two-seat Roadster. Like the XK120, at launch the new Jaguar was the fastest production car of its time - its 3.8-litre straight-six engine allowing a 0-60mph acceleration time of around seven seconds and a top speed of circa 150mph. Despite this, the engine size was increased from 3.8 to 4.2-litres in October 1964 and, with the change, came a sweeter all-synchromesh gearbox, better brakes and more comfortable seats. The Series 2 models introduced in 1969 are distinguished by their lack of headlamp covers, enlarged front air intake, repositioned front indicators and tail lights, wrap-around rear bumper, twin-electric fans, uprated brakes and refashioned fascia and seats.
The Red right-hand drive, UK market Series 2 Coupe being offered was purchased new in Nottingham in 1970 and has remained in the same area to this day. Prior to the vendor's acquisition in 1992 it had reportedly benefited from: a bare metal respray; new leather interior; thoroughly overhauled engine; new clutch and stainless steel exhaust system; and five new chrome wire wheels shod with new Dunlop SP radial tyres. Kept in a heated garage, 'CAU 493H' has seen sparing use in the last nineteen years and the vendor currently regards the bodywork, paintwork, trim, four-speed manual transmission and engine to all be "good" and says the 4.2-litre engine has "excellent oil pressure". This handsome looking cat comes complete with sun roof and is taxed and MOT'd into August 2012. As its 50th anniversary draws to a close, the E-Type's popularity apparently knows no bounds. Who wouldn't want one?
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