4,235cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
265bhp at 5,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Always maintained, but never restored condition
*Sold after long term ownership
*Numbers matching example
*Opalescent Gold Sand over Cinnamon

THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

Introduced in 3.8-liter form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (XKE in the USA) caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. While, inevitably, the car's stupendous straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines, there was a lot more to the E-Type beneath the skin.

The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-liter, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint: firstly, because it weighed around 500lb less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. Aerodynamically, the Coupé was superior to the Roadster and a more accomplished Grande Routière, enjoying a marginally higher top speed and the considerable convenience of a generously sized luggage platform accessed via the side-hinged rear door.

Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward sub-frame that supported the engine. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight.

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 also to the seating arrangements. Top speed remained unchanged at around 150mph, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved flexibility.

Today, the E-Type's graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the most beautiful cars of all time. Indeed, even Enzo Ferrari felt obliged to concede that the E-type was 'the most beautiful car ever made'.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Series 1 4.2 E-Type is seen today in always maintained, but never restored condition, painted in Opalescent Gold Sand over cinnamon interior color. This matching numbers example is being sold now after long term ownership, having traveled 87,000 miles from new. The interior of this car wears beautifully, being mostly original, while the paint has received work throughout its life.

Overall, the car shows a tasteful amount of patina in and out, while maintaining functionality and operating order, described as driving quite nicely. Powered by the large 4.2 liter inline 6 that the car was delivered with new, this E-Type is equipped with the 4-speed manual fully synchronized transmission. Handling is provided by 4-wheel independent suspension that was so successful for Jaguar that they continued to use the same geometry for years of production with continual successful motorsports pedigree.

Included with the sale of this E-Type is the Jaguar Heritage Certificate showing that the car is indeed a numbers-matching example, as well as its spare tire and jack. The example being sold here is prepared for Sunday cruising and eligible to enter any number of vintage rallies.