Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 2+2 FHC

Launched in March 1961 the E-Type took the world by storm. It was not just the looks that made everyone sit up though. ‘The Motor’ magazine tested an early 3.8-litre E-Type at 149mph – a truly extraordinary achievement for a road car in 1961. 

The Series 1 was upgraded to 4.2 litres in 1964, giving it 265bhp and useful extra torque. A stretched 2+2 was also added to the range in 1966 with an extra 9” added to the chassis, longer doors to aid getting in and out and a more vertical windscreen which gave valuable added headroom – if you are much over 6 foot, you just won’t get in a standard two-seater E-Type Coupe! Only 1,379 right-hand drive S1 2+2 models were produced before it was replaced by the less attractive looking Series 2 in July 1968.

This particular 2+2 is a genuine UK market Series 1 manual gearbox model that dates from 1966. Not much is known of the early history of the car but it was acquired by the current vendor in 2002 for £24,950. Looking very smart in red with a beige interior, it has been well maintained in the current ownership with bills on file for some £5,300. These include a rebuilt cylinder head, new master cylinder, new carpets and a new battery. It also benefits from several upgrades including a full big bore stainless steel sports exhaust system (including manifold), modern high torque starter motor, Kenlowe electric cooling fan and front inertia reel seatbelts.

The vendor states that the car has not been on the road for the last six years or so but has been started and run regularly, has always driven very nicely and will be sold with a fresh MOT. Due to be driven over 100 miles to the sale, this most practical and usable E-Type is being offered here at the price of a modest family hatchback - we know which we would prefer!