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

*Jaguar Heritage Certificate on file
*Two owners in the last 29 years
*Restored in the early 2000s
*Reported to be a good driver quality example

THE JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2

Conceived and developed as an open sports car, 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.

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. For many enthusiasts, the 4.2-liter 'Series 1' is the best of all E-Types, combining the advantages of the larger engine with the stylistic purity of designer Malcolm Sayer's original conception.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

In the peak buying period of the Oldenburg family's collecting in 2006, they found this mid-series E-Type Roadster here in Amelia Island. It was represented for sale by the respected Classic Showcase business. As acquired, the Jaguar had been with its past owner since 1991 and in its latter years had received a comprehensive restoration, on which only 2,000 miles had been added to 2006.

The restoration had adhered to the original colors of the car, being an exterior of Old English White, contrasted with red seating and a black mohair top. The engine had been tweaked during the rebuild, with 3 Weber carburetors in place of the original SUs, an exhaust header fitted and electronic ignition. It was also suggested that the cams were upgraded from stock.

On file is a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, together with a photographic record of the car's restoration.