MOTOR CARS | 269‘If Les Vingt Quatre Heures du Mans has been responsible for the
new E-Type Jaguar, then that Homeric contest on the Sarthe circuit
will have been abundantly justified. Here we have one of the quietest
and most flexible cars on the market, capable of whispering along
in top gear at 10mph or leaping into its 150mph stride on the brief
depression of a pedal. A practical touring car, this, with its wide
doors and capacious luggage space, yet it has a sheer beauty of line
which easily beats the Italians at their own particular game.’
Its engine aside, only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type
represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable
four-speed Moss gearbox it retained. The latter was replaced when
the 4.2-litre engine was introduced on the Series 1 in October 1964,
a more user-friendly all-synchromesh gearbox and superior Lockheed
brake servo forming part of the improved specification together
with the bigger, torquier engine. Apart from ‘4.2’ badging, the car’s
external appearance was unchanged, but under the skin there were
numerous detail improvements, chiefly to the electrical and cooling
systems, and to the seating arrangements. Top speed remained
unchanged at around 150mph, the main performance gain resulting
from the larger engine being improved flexibility.
In the vendor’s ownership for past 16 years, this matching numbers
E-Type coupé is offered fresh from a complete bare metal restoration
carried out over the last two years by an internationally respected
classic car restoration company where it is currently stored.
Noteworthy features include new MWS chromed wire wheels; new
tyres; new stainless steel exhaust; Rob Beere front suspension height
adjuster; Spax adjustable shock absorber;, original Triplex Sundym
glass with heated rear screen; electronic ignition; Kenlowe fan; inertia
reel seatbelts; Coopercraft vented discs and four-pot callipers; and
many other new parts including the clutch, radiator, header tank,
bonnet and Reynolds 531 engine chassis rails.Retaining its original locking glove compartment lid, the interior has
been renovated with new velvet pile leather-trimmed carpets and
genuine hide trim to the door panels and centre console. Much
attention to detail has been given to the interior trim, including re-
upholstering the seats using their original black leather covering,
which is in excellent condition and retains its classic patina. The
chrome is said to be superb and door and bonnet shut lines
excellent; everything works as it should and this E-Type is presented
in pristine condition. Other features of note include a driver’s side
chromed ‘bullet’ mirror; halogen headlight bulbs; detailed engine
bay with machine-polished cylinder heads and carburettors; and
the original radio aerial, correctly positioned above the centre of the
windscreen. The original lap seat belts and chromed wire wheels/
tyres are included in the sale.Finished in Old English White with black leather interior, this freshly
restored E-Type coupé is offered with restoration invoices, V5
registration document, MoT to June 2015 and an extensive history file.
£65,000 - 75,000
€81,000 - 94,000