MOTOR CARS | 293‘As a high-performance touring car there are few machines to equal
the E-Type, and none at all in its price bracket. Effortless is the
correct word to describe it, for it is a real mile-eater and also one of
the least fatiguing cars to drive... In addition, it carries prestige value,
for it is regarded by the most discriminating customers as the best
buy in its category which it possible to acquire.’ – Autosport, 21st
August 1964.
Although written more than 40 years ago, Gregor Grant’s summary
of the E-Type’s appeal has lost none of its relevance, despite the
model’s inevitable evolution from frontline production sports car
to collectible modern classic. Grant’s road test was published in
August 1964, only two months ahead of the E-Type’s first significant
up-grade, which saw it re-launched with the 4.2-litre version of the
peerless XK ‘six’. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more
user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior
Lockheed brake servo. Apart from ‘4.2’ badging, the car’s external
appearance was unchanged but under the skin there were numerous
detail improvements. These mainly concerned the cooling and
electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the
industry standard negative ground, while the interior boasted a matt
black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The top speed
of around 150mph remained unchanged, the main performance gain
resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration.
Like its 3.8-litre forbear, the 4.2-litre E-Type was built in roadster and
coupt forms, and in 1966 gained an additional 2+2 coupt variant
on a 9” (229mm) longer wheelbase. In 1968 all three versions of
the E-Type underwent major revision to comply with US safety and
emissions legislation, emerging in ‘Series 2’ guise minus the original’s
distinctive headlight covers. In addition, enlarged side and rear lights
were adopted, while a thickened front bumper centre section bridged
a larger radiator intake. Interior changes included a collapsible
steering column and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles.This E-Type roadster was purchased new in January 1969 by
Prince John Radziwill, as evidenced by the original Registration of
Ownership form on file, which confirms matching registration, chassis
and engine numbers. In January 1972, when only three years old,
‘WLD 588G’ was purchased from Brett’s Automobiles of Wembley,
Middlesex by the lady vendor’s grandfather. The purchase receipt
on file records the mileage at that time as 16,072. The E-Type has
remained within the vendor’s family ever since, passing to her father
in 1994. It has always been kept garaged, while seeing very little use;
indeed, the current odometer reading is 21,196 miles, representing a
distance travelled of only 5,124 miles in 42 years. The car is offered
with a complete service record, MoT to August 2015, V5 registration
document and a recent detailed condition report compiled by Yale
Engineers Ltd.
£50,000 - 60,000
€63,000 - 75,000