Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 Coupe

When even Enzo Ferrari is moved to declare it “the most beautiful car in the world” you know you’ve got something right, and in the case of the E-Type it is a beauty that has not really been surpassed to this day.

Launched in March 1961, the E-Type took the world by storm and was probably the most well-received car in motoring history. It was not just the looks that made everyone sit up though. ‘Autocar and Motor’ tested an early E-Type at 149mph – a truly extraordinary achievement for a road car in 1961.

The first cars used the 3.8-litre engine from the XK 150S in a new chassis which carried torsion bar front suspension with an independent coil set up at the rear. It was one of the first cars to use discs brakes all round which was entirely necessary given its remarkable performance. The Series 1 was upgraded to a torquier 4.2-litre engine in 1964 and a stretched 2+2 added to the range in 1966. It remained in production until 1968 when it was replaced by the slightly less handsome Series 2, after some 38,000 examples had been sold (coupes and roadsters).

Dating from 1966, this particular E-Type was supplied new by Butts Buick Inc. of Santa Barbara, California, to first owner George Beronius of the same state. Beronius was to own the car for the next 23 years, keeping it meticulously maintained by the supplying dealer as a vast sheaf of bills in the history file proves.

When he finally sold it in 1989, it had around 129,000 miles on the clock and had been treated to a full engine rebuild (including six new pistons) at around 90,000 miles. A letter from Beronius in the history file states that the car was still in “tip-top” condition when he sold it to a Canadian who promptly shipped it back to England.

In October 1989 it was acquired by Hooked on Classics of Bournemouth who proceeded to refurbish the car and convert it to right-hand drive. They repainted it in the original Opalescent Blue, rechromed all the brightwork, replaced all the rubber seals (doors and windows) and smartened up the interior as required. The car also received a brake and suspension overhaul, a new clutch, new steering rack, new exhaust, new hoses and a rebuilt radiator. 

When they sold it in 1992 it was described as “a superb and very original example” with just “one owner” from new. The next owner kept the car for five years before selling it to the gentleman whose name remains in the log book today. During his 16 years’ ownership the car continued to be carefully maintained with many bills to prove. This included fitting electronic ignition and a Kenlowe fan.

Now with some 145,000 miles under its wheels, the car remains in very good condition throughout with a wonderfully sound and original structure that you only get on cars that have spent most of their lives in dry climates. It also retains the original green tinted glass that was a popular option in sunny export markets and which looks particularly good against the cool blue paintwork. We are informed that the engine is still the original unit fitted to the car making this a 'matching numbers' machine.

Always carefully maintained and with a history file to die for, this lovely old E-Type ticks all the right boxes. Very little used in the last three years, it is said to remain in good running order and certainly went well when we were teated to a brief test drive on the occasion of our visit. Although the last MOT expired in May this year, it is believed that getting a fresh ticket should not present any major problems. What it really needs now is an enthusiastic fourth owner who can continue to cherish it in the manner to which it has become accustomed.