Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 Coupe

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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, the vast majority in LHD), of which only 1,957 were RHD Coupes.

This particular E-Type is one of those original RHD Coupes and was first registered in Manchester in November 1966, an old green log book showing that it was owned by a John Barber of Southport in 1970. An extensive history file appears to indicate that the car was restored about 25 years ago with many bills on file to show regular upkeep since.

The vendor acquired the car in 1998 to join a small collection of other classics that he also owns and has used it regularly, including several long-distance jaunts across France, reporting that it has always proved very reliable and a pleasure to drive.

Always kept garaged and well maintained in his 17-years ownership, the car has received many new parts over the years including an uprated braking system with 4-pot front calipers in 2001; new exhaust manifold and stainless steel exhaust system in 2004; a complete new clutch kit in 2008 (since when the car has only covered about 2,000 miles); ITG Megaflow air filters in 2012; new seat belts in 2013 and a new fuel pump and carburettor linkage in 2014.

The car is fitted with a Les Leston steering wheel and a non-standard panel has been fitted beneath the centre of the dash containing a modern Phillips stereo system, a clock and two switches to control the Kenlowe fan and the standard fans, but the original dash panel and radio are also included and could easily be reinstated if desired. A heated rear screen and hazard warning lights are also fitted.

The original owner’s handbook is also present as is the spare wheel and wheel-changing kit, along with two unused spare tyres. There are many old tax discs back to 1976 plus around 25 old MOTs back to 1985 which show that the car has covered some 26,400 miles since that date, the clock currently showing around 113,145 miles. 

Said to be "in good mechanical order with hot oil pressure consistently above 40psi" and appearing to be in sound condition throughout, it is perfectly usable and presentable as it is but would benefit from a good respray as the paintwork is now somewhat tired in places. The number on the engine matches the one on the chassis plate so it is believed to be the unit originally fitted to the car, although the V5C erroneously records it as 7E9614 instead of 7E9314.

MOTd until June 2015 with no advisories recorded, this Series 1 E-Type is only reluctantly being sold to consolidate the owner's stable and looks excellent value at the sensible guide price suggested. It also comes with a nice, transferable single digit number plate which it has worn since the mid-1970s and no doubt has a value of its own.

Catalogue Amendment: Speedo reads slightly slow.