LOT 523

1970 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2-Litre Coupé Registration no. BHH 27J Chassis no. 2R28505

Estimate: £38,000 - £50,000

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Lot 523

1970 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2-Litre Coupé

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|2 September 2023, 14:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1970 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2-Litre Coupé
Registration no. BHH 27J
Chassis no. 2R28505

Long-term ownership
Effectively two owners from new
Left hand drive
Requires re-commissioning

The first significant up-grade of Jaguar's sensational E-Type sports car occurred in October 1964 with the launch of the 4.2-litre version. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior Lockheed brake servo. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged, but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements. These mainly concerned the cooling and electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the industry standard negative ground, while the interior boasted a matt black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The top speed of around 150mph remained unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration. Like its 3.8-litre forbear, the 4.2-litre E-Type was built in roadster and coupé forms, and in 1966 gained an additional 2+2 coupé variant on a 9" longer wheelbase.

In 1968 all three versions of the E-Type underwent major revision to comply with US safety and emissions legislation, emerging in 'Series 2' guise minus the original's distinctive headlight covers. In addition, enlarged side and rear lights were adopted while a thickened front bumper centre section bridged a larger radiator intake. Interior changes included a collapsible steering column and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles.

Delivered new and previously registered in the USA, this car was acquired by the current owner (an ex-Ecurie Ecosse racing driver) and brought to the UK in 1989. He acquired the car from his friend James Rosenfels after commenting that the car was never driven and needed use. "Well why don't you have it then" was the response, and after a call to his partner, a transporter was outside four hours later to start the cars journey back to the UK. Since the car arrived in the UK in 1989 it has had some minor works done and been used sparingly. It remains in very original condition, but may benefit from some recommissioning/restoration works.

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