Vehicle Description
Mention Jaguar's legendary E-Type and most enthusiasts will remark
at its unmistakable beauty - and usually include the story of Enzo
Ferrari declaring it the most beautiful car he ever saw. But the
E-Type was so much more than just a pretty face when it first
shocked audiences at the 1961 Geneva Salon. Jaguar delivered a car
that was not only stunningly beautiful to look at, but offered
150mph performance and a highly sophisticated chassis yet it cost
nearly half that of its competitors. Experience that was gained
from the world-beating D-Type program was filtered into the design
of the E-Type. The innovative and advanced D-Type had won LeMans
three times on the fly, thanks to its advanced aerodynamics,
powerful disc brakes and the lightweight, robust monocoque chassis.
With the D-Type as a starting point, the E-Type sported a similar
style chassis that used a sheet steel tub for the passenger
compartment, paired with tubular steel subframes which supported
engine and independent front suspension. The rear suspension was
also independent, mounted to a modular subframe that carried the
wishbones, hubs, diff, coil-over shocks and inboard disc brakes all
in one unit. Those brakes were the same Dunlop four-wheel discs
that had proven their worth in punishing conditions at LeMans. The
XK six-cylinder engine (in 3.8l and later 4.2l form) was tuned to
deliver 265 horsepower. All of this technology was wrapped in a
gorgeous body penned by Jaguar's aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer and
tweaked by Sir William Lyons himself. Jaguar had created a legend
virtually overnight and the E-Type remains a cornerstone of the
collector car world, where fine examples can be found in virtually
every significant collection as well as in the hands of passionate
enthusiasts. This lovely 1966 example is in arguably the most
desirable spec for an E-Type: Series 1, Open Two Seat body, and 4.2
liters of XK twin-cam six-cylinder power. It is presented in the
iconic color combination of Carmen Red over Biscuit hides and a
black soft top. The included Heritage Certificate shows this car
retains its original engine, and it wears a lovely and properly
detailed restoration that was done within the last ten years or so.
Panel fit on the semi-monocoque body is very good, particularly
considering the difficulty in restoring and aligning these bodies
properly. Since the restoration was completed, the car has seen
regular but careful use, and Carmen Red paint work remains
excellent. Chrome plating on the bumpers and exterior trim is also
excellent and the chrome knock-off wire wheels are wrapped in
excellent, high-performance Avon radials. Biscuit upholstery
presents in very good order throughout the cockpit. Correct pattern
leather covers the seats, which show only light signs of use and
minor creasing but remain very attractive. Proper materials are
used on the door panels, dash, console and carpets. A very nice
soft top is trimmed in black Stayfast canvas and features a
matching boot cover. Correct hardura material lines the boot and
the convertible top well, while interior fittings, switchgear and
instruments remain in fine working order. Lifting the
forward-hinged clamshell bonnet reveals a very clean and well
detailed 4.2 liter XK twin-cam six-cylinder engine. The engine is
the original, numbers matching unit with the original cylinder head
still in place, as verified by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
Certificate. Cam covers, intake and carburetors have been
beautifully polished and the fittings and finishes are correct down
to the porcelain black exhaust manifolds. It shows light use, but
remains very clean and tidy overall. The chassis and front
suspension are all visible through the open bonnet, again revealing
correctly plated and finished components and an overall clean and
well-detailed appearance. As a factory 4.2, it benefits from
improved power brakes and the fully-synchronized four-speed manual
gearbox and performance is excellent, with huge torque from the big
six and finely honed handling. This is a very fine and
well-restored E-Type that is ideally suited to regular use and
casual show. It is a car we have had the pleasure to offer in the
past, and it has remained in lovely order since we last saw it. It
has benefited from regular care and upkeep on top of the
high-quality and correct restoration. The beautiful looks,
magnificent road manners and lovely presentation make this a truly
outstanding and thoroughly enjoyable example of Jaguar's most
iconic car.