1966 Jaguar E-Type Convertible

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 for last 30 years
*Restoration by a marque expert
*Excellent choice for high speed drivers events
*JCNA Heritage Certificate on file


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 the gas 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 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

According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate on file, this particular E Type was built on the 1st of December, 1966. Shipped to Jaguar Cars of New York and then dispatched to dealer Steiker Inds, in East Patterson, New Jersey, it is recorded that its first owner was Theta Instrument Corp in Fairfield, New Jersey, in April of 1967. The rest of the early history is not known. In 1991 the car was owned by a Mr. Scott Tyler in Clearwater, Florida, before it was purchased by its current custodian in April that year.

The car was stored for a time in and, in the late 1990s, was recommissioned by Evermoor, LTD. In 2014, the owner decided to embark on a concours winning restoration. This restoration was entrusted to Simpson Racing and Classic Restoration in Buford, Georgia. This was a total nut and bolt rebuild. Particular attention was spent on the engine, which was done by Nelson Engines in Cumming, Georgia. This complete rebuild included polished ports, balancing the crankshaft, and new Mahle pistons. Due to some corrosion damage, the front frame rails and bonnet were also replaced. The brakes, cooling system, and transmission were also completely rebuilt while the suspension system was updated and a high speed 3.07:1 European rear end ratio was also fitted.

Finished in correct Jaguar Carmen Red, the black interior and top trim was entrusted to noted E-Type experts Muncie Imports.

The car was unveiled at the 2016 Southeast JCNA Concours D'Elegance where it finished second in class with an overall score of 99.69 out of 100 points. It was then shown at the 2017 Cars of Kiawah where it was chosen as the most beautiful car. Its next JCNA show was the International Concours d'Elegance at Lake Lanier Islands, Georgia where it scored a 99.93 out of 100 points in the champion division.

Late series E Type are considered by many to be the best of the breed. With updated braking, larger 4.2 liter engine, and synchromesh gearbox they are delights to drive. This particular example is in stunning condition and would be a fantastic car on driver events or on the show field.