Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 222
1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Liter Roadster Chassis no. 1E12683 Engine no. 7E12022-9
Sold for US$145,600 inc. premium
Lot 222
1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Liter Roadster
1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Liter Roadster
Chassis no. 1E12683
Engine no. 7E12022-9
Chassis no. 1E12683
Engine no. 7E12022-9
4,235cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
265bhp at 5,400rpm
3 SU Carburetors
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*One owner from new
*Subtle Opalescent Gunmetal paint
*Roughly 30,000 original miles
*Recent recipient of mechanical work
THE JAGUAR E-TYPE
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.
There have been few better summaries of the E-Type's manifest virtues than the forgoing, penned by the inimitable John Bolster for Autosport shortly after the car's debut. Conceived and developed as an open sportscar, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in Coupé form. The car caused a sensation - spontaneous applause breaking out at the unveiling - with its instantly classic lines and a 140mph-plus top speed. The design owed much to that of the racing D-Type, a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-liter, triple-carburetor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. Aerodynamically, the Coupé was superior to the Roadster and the better Grand Tourer, enjoying as it did a marginally higher top speed and the considerable convenience of a generously sized luggage platform accessed via the side-hinged rear door.
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-liter 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.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This wonderful Opalescent Gunmetal over Black leather 4.2 Liter Roadster has remarkably remained under singular ownership for its entire life and has traveled roughly 30,000 miles. Furthermore, the vehicle has never been fully restored and sits in largely original and stock condition outside of a new top being installed and a repaint.
More recently, the professionals at Whipple Motorsports of Spokane Valley, Washington subjected the vehicle to a mechanical refurbishment and cooling upgrades. The engine now breaths through a full, new exhaust and a new electrical fan greatly aids in keeping operating temperatures optimal. Furthermore, a considerable amount of time was spent rejuvenating the braking system and the vehicle will surely stop as well as it goes. Thousands of dollars of invoices on file detail the additional steps of the project. The interior received new carpets and various components were replaced along with a new period correct stereo retrofitted with a USB input.
A staple of the classic car market, no collection is complete without an early E-type. Their beauty, wonderful driving dynamics, and big six power make for one of the finest vintage motoring experiences one can find. This example with a highly desirable and attractive color options combined with single ownership and limited miles, is surely one not to pass on.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the chassis and engine numbers printed in the catalog are incorrect. The correct numbers are: chassis 1E 10843, and engine 7E 3459-9. We can confirm that it is a matching number vehicle and a copy of the Heritage Trust certificate is taped on to the car, another is on file with Bonhams staff at the documents desk.
Additional information
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