Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8 Lightweight Coupe

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Widely regarded as perhaps the most beautiful car ever made, the original Series One E-Type Coupe caused an absolute sensation when it was launched back in 1961 and its power to stop the world in its tracks has not diminished since.

With a quoted 265bhp and 150mph top speed (both slightly optimistic in reality), its snarling 3.8-litre straight-six was every bit as charismatic as the bodywork that surrounded it, being an altogether more sporting unit than the softer 4.2-litre that replaced it in late 1964.

Thrilling as it is in its original form, like any old car the E-Type can be improved still further with the judicious application of new technology, as has been the case with this stunning machine.

As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, the car was originally built in April 1963 and was a left-hand drive export model finished in Opalescent Maroon with a Beige interior. The first owner was a GF Montgomery of California and the car was to remain in the Californian sunshine until being brought back to England about 10 years ago.

Between 2004 and 2006 it was completely rebuilt from the ground up to the highest possible standards, the aim being to create an exciting but practical tourer with outstanding performance. To keep weight to a minimum, the bonnet, rear wings and doors were specially made in aluminium by RS Panels of Nuneaton (widely acknowledged to be the finest in their field), and the bumpers deleted.

The bonnet incorporates cooling louvres, external locks and additional driving lamps while the lightweight rear arches have been subtly flared to accommodate the wide track suspension and bigger wheel/tyre package that the increased performance demands. A recessed Monza fuel cap and bespoke door mirrors add to the sporting look. The overall effect is stunning, giving the car huge street presence which commands respect yet retains (some may say enhances) the purity of the original design.

Under the bonnet lurks that magnificent 3.8-litre straight-six, fully rebuilt and extensively modified to ensure the perfect blend of performance and everyday reliability. Along with modern fuel injection and programmable ECU management, the engine incorporates many upgrades including motorsport specification Jenvey Dynamics individual throttle bodies, ITG panel filters, D-Type cam covers and engine breathers, tubular manifolds mated to a bespoke stainless steel sports exhaust system. The whole lot is kept cool by an uprated aluminium radiator, modern fan controls and Kevlar hoses.

Allied to a 5-speed manual gearbox, these performance enhancements give the car a theoretical top speed of 170mph at 6,000rpm. Naturally the stopping department has also been uprated, with four-pot vented disc brakes at the front, oversize calipers at the rear and stainless steel hoses throughout. Adjustable LEDA suspension, polybushed throughout, allows the car to be set up as desired, whether for fast and comfortable long distance cruising or tearing around a race track. It rides on strengthened and widened 16” chrome wire wheels with impressively fat tyres that give it a most purposeful stance, especially when seen from the rear.

The electrics have also been upgraded with an alternator conversion to power a few modern conveniences such as electric windows, halogen headlamps, heated rear screen, high power screen wash pump and uprated heating and ventilation fan motors. Other features include bespoke bucket seats finished in soft Oatmeal leather, a discreetly fitted hi-fi system with boot-mounted CD changer, onboard fire extinguisher and battery isolator switch.

The current owner bought the car from the world’s most famous maker of modified E-Types, Eagle of East Sussex, in March 2012. They had previously gone through the car to prepare it for sale, attending to any minor niggles and ensuring that it came up to their own high standards, fitting their own front brake calipers amongst various other tweaks. It is only back on the market again because the vendor is emigrating to America and cannot take it with him.

Since the car was completed it has covered only 5,400 miles, many of these in the hands of the vendor who recently drove it to his second home in Spain and back with no problems whatsoever. Taxed and MOTd until April 2015 and barely even run in yet, this sensational car is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away and is just as suited to trans-continental touring as it is to bursts of track day action.

Presented in outstanding condition throughout and with a paint finish to die for, this unique lightweight E-Type is about as desirable as metal can get. Quite apart from the thrill it will give the new owner every time they get behind the wheel, it’s jaw-dropping looks and spine-tingling soundtrack will also brighten the day of anyone else fortunate enough to experience it prowling by. We absolutely love it.