1965 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

*Exceptionally well-preserved first series E-Type Roadster
*Retained in the original livery of Pale Primrose Yellow over black livery
*Believed to have been driven less than 30,000 miles from new
*Offered with Heritage Certificate, books and tools

THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

When introduced at the 1961 Geneva Salon, Jaguar's E-Type stirred passions with its extremely sleek and timeless design backed by staggering performance. 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-carbureted, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance furthered the standards set by the preceding XK models: firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs 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.

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 subframe. 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.

Often called the most beautiful production car of all time, the E-Type remains an automotive icon of design, engineering and speed.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This beautifully preserved first series E-Type Roadster was finished at Jaguar's Coventry works during February of 1965, benefiting from the upgraded, fully synchronized transmission and the larger 4.2-liter XK engine. It was completed just like it appears today, as a left-hand drive model painted in the elegant and era-appropriate 'Pale Primrose Yellow' color while trimmed with a black Connolly leather interior. The new Roadster was delivered to the booming US sportscar market and sold to the first owner through Jaguar Cars of New York.

Today the Jaguar presents very much as it did when it left the Coventry factory nearly 58 years ago, still presented in the never-changed livery of the Pale Primrose Yellow over its black leather upholstery, which indeed is believed to be original. As importantly, the E-Type retains its original matching-numbers engine and drive train, and the odometer reading of less than 30,000 miles at the time of cataloging could certainly be original. Pure and unmolested, the Jaguar retains the original convertible top, chrome, and rubber moldings too. Testimony to its original and impeccably preserved condition, the E-Type Roadster has been entered in JCNA preservation-level competition, where it has achieved high scores over 98.75 at one show and 98.9 at another, among many other awards. This Jaguar also benefits from a recent service from marque specialist Classic Showcase in Oceanside, California. It should be noted, that before the car is driven at great distance, it would be recommend replacing the tires because of their age dating back to possibly when the car was made.

This stunningly original E-Type Roadster is accompanied by its original Nebraska license plates, owner's manuals, tools, boot cover and the Jaguar Daimler-issued Heritage Trust Certificate. A car is only original once, so don't miss this rare opportunity to own what many view as Jaguar's most coveted model in lovingly preserved condition. A wonderful example of the legendary Jaguar E-Type, the Series 1 represents the purest form of the model. This matching numbers car, having enjoyed the loving care of just a few long-term owners from new, deserves serious consideration.