1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Roadster

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

*Striking Golden Sand over Black livery
*Desirable, end-of-the-run 4.2-Liter Series I E-Type
*Among the most celebrated cars of all time
*Eligible for many tours and driving events

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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

Stunningly beautiful in Golden Sand Metallic over black livery, this E-Type is a particularly
desirable model as it is one of the end-of-the-run Series I E-Types, featuring the larger 4.2-liter
dual overhead cam engine, the fully synchronized 4-speed manual gearbox, and the iconic and characteristic faired-in coveted headlights. It also features chrome wire wheels, center console, and arm rest, full instrumentation with toggle switches, and in-dash AM/FM cassette system. A dual exhaust system as was original on the E-Type is fitted, to allow the 6-Cylinder engine to breathe and make those lovely sounds.

The new E-Type was completed at the Browns Lane Jaguar factory during the Fall of 1966
as a factory left-hand drive example and is believed to have been delivered new to the US-market. At some point in time, the original 4.2-Liter engine was replaced with another comparable unit, to same specifications. Today this E-Type Series I 4.2 Roadster presents very well inside and out, with a nice luster to chrome and brightwork, and good shine to the subtle metallic paint. The classic chrome wire-wheels are shod on period-looking radial tires, perfectly filling out the fender wells. The black canvas convertible top matches the interior, and a top boot is available to fit when the top is down on a sunny day. Inside, the black leather interior shows a light and subtle patina, which these English motorcars wear so well, and the wood-rimmed steering wheel ads the perfect touch of class and performance. The Jaguar is reported to have been well maintained and enjoyed by its previous owner, and garage kept when not used.

A recent service has been performed along with interior and exterior detail. Here is a chance to buy one of the desirable, fully developed Series I E-Types, excellent all-around classic cars. With the 60th Anniversary of the E-Type in 2021, this example continues to be a highly collectible example to own.