Lot details
Registration No: PLU796E
Chassis No: 1E1796
Mot Expiry: Nov 2011

The last E-Type Jaguar rolled off the production line in 1974, yet the model still has a unique ability to excite enthusiasts of all generations, its Malcolm Sayer-penned lines thought by many to be among the most striking ever to adorn a motor car. Indeed, only three years ago the Daily Telegraph ranked the E-Type top 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 - it was a true thoroughbred.

The E-Type, or XK-E as it was known in the USA, made its debut at the Geneva motor show of 1961. From birth, the car was available either 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 a whisker over 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 electrical systems, and more comfortable seats.

The suspension was independent all round with wishbones and torsion bars at the front and wishbones, radius arms and twin coil springs at the rear. Braking was by servo-assisted Dunlop discs all round; inboard at the rear. The steering was a rack and pinion system by Alford and Alder. Though the 4.2-litre engine had more torque than its predecessor, an increase in both gearing and body weight meant the performance of these later S1 cars was very similar to the 3.8-litre versions. Production figures vary slightly depending on the source, but approximately 6,751 4.2-litre Roadsters were built between 1964 and 1968, only some 863 of which were right-hand drive.

The handsomely-presented, 'matching' chassis and engine numbers 4.2-litre S1 Roadster being sold is one of those relatively rare right-hand drive examples and was manufactured in 1967. It is finished in a pleasing combination of British Racing Green coachwork and suede green leather interior and black hood, and rides on chrome-spoked wire wheels. The vendor has owned the car since 1976, during which time we understand it has been kept in a heated, integral garage under dust covers. He also tells us it was treated to a 'ground-up' restoration by a combination of Martin Robey (Nuneaton) and Southern Classics between December 1983 and June 1985. The Jaguar's history file contains the related bills, photos etc for this, plus old MOT certificates and details of the annual services. Apparently it also supports the fact that the E-Type has driven just 3,840 miles in the last 25 years.

The vendor considers the coachwork, cellulose paintwork, engine, gearbox and interior to all be in "very good order". After a recent first-hand inspection conducted whilst the Roadster was being serviced at Southern Classics we would not disagree with his assessment. Indeed, the car's condition belies the age of its refurbishment and is a real testament to the workmanship of Martin Robey and Southern Classics. This charismatic cat is MOT'd into November and taxed until the end of August.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all old MOT certificates and service details are present with this lot.