1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 2+2 Coupé

• UK-delivered example
• Manual gearbox
• Well maintained
• Circa £10,000 spent on it recently with a specialist

"The E-Type Jaguar has gained a well-deserved reputation as an extremely high performance car of great refinement. Only its lack of interior space has been criticised by some prospective buyers. Now, an additional E-Type model, 9" longer in the wheelbase, has been announced." – John Bolster, Autosport, 11th March 1966.

Launched in October 1964, the 4.2-litre version of Jaguar's sensational E-Type sports car brought with it a more user friendly all-synchromesh gearbox and superior Lockheed brake servo along with the bigger, torquier engine. At around 150mph, top speed remained virtually unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the capacity increase being improved acceleration. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged, but there were numerous detail improvements, chiefly to the electrical and cooling systems, and to the seating arrangements. The 4.2-litre E-Type was built in roadster and coupé forms, and in 1966 gained an additional 2+2 variant on a 9" (23cm) longer wheelbase. Intended to extend the E-Type's appeal beyond the traditional sports car market, the new 'family orientated' coupé came with improved visibility (thanks to greater glass area), increased headroom, improved heating and ventilation, additional luggage space, and optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission, yet despite its many advantages was consistently outsold by both the two-seater fixed-head coupé and the roadster.

Dating from 1966, this particular 2+2 is a UK-delivered Series 1 with manual transmission. Little is known of car's early history before it was acquired by the previous owner in 2002. Handsomely finished in red with a beige interior, it was well maintained in the previous ownership. Works carried out included rebuilding the cylinder head; new brake master cylinder; new carpets; and a new battery. The car also benefits from several upgrades including a full big-bore stainless steel sports exhaust system (including manifold); modern high torque starter motor; Kenlowe electric cooling fan; and inertia reel seatbelts to the front. There are related bills on file totalling around £5,300. When sold to the current owner, the E-Type had been off the road for some six years but had been started and run regularly. More recently this car has had circa £10,000 spent on it with a specialist.