Vehicle Description
The Jaguar E-Type is widely revered as one of the most beautiful,
iconic sports cars ever created, and its popularity has hardly
waned from the day it first shocked onlookers at the Geneva Motor
Show nearly 60 years ago. Produced between 1961 and 1975, the
E-Type evolved through several generations, beginning with the
3.8-liter Series 1, and culminating with the vastly transformed
twelve-cylinder Series 3. Most marque enthusiasts and collectors
agree that Series 1 4.2-liter coupe and roadster represent the
sweet spot in the E-Type's lineage. These are the most desirable of
the regular production models, combining the purity and sex appeal
of the original design with the torque-rich 4.2-liter "XK"
inline-six, an all-synchromesh gearbox, improved brakes, and a more
comfortable, user-friendly cockpit. Coveted by everyday enthusiasts
around the world, superb examples of the S1 4.2 E-Type are
considered essential collector cars and fine examples are found in
the world's most prominent collections. This 1966 E-Type 4.2 OTS is
truly outstanding inside and out, benefiting from a complete
restoration by a highly-regarded marque specialist. According to
the Jaguar Heritage Certificate, this car was built on August 27,
1965, and dispatched on October 6 to Jaguar Cars, New York. When it
was new or near new, a young man from Los Angeles received this
Jaguar as a high-school graduation gift in the spring of 1967.
While attending USC, he apparently didn't use his Jaguar very much,
and by the time it was parked-up in the late 70s with running
issues, it had very low mileage. Remarkably, the Jag stayed in his
possession until 2014, when the original owner sent it to an
Illinois specialist to be evaluated for restoration. When
confronted with the estimate, he decided it was best to pass the
car on to its next owner. The second owner was the ideal candidate,
as he happened to be an experienced, award-winning professional
Jaguar restorer, and he bought the car for his personal collection.
Despite showing its age from years of storage, they found this was
the most solid, rust-free E-Type they'd ever seen. An incorrect
bonnet was fitted in the 1970s, which necessitated some minor
repairs, yet the remaining body tub, firewall, and sub frames were
in superb original condition. The restorers took great care to
ensure all of the original spot welds and assembly imperfections
were preserved and not "restored away." Records show an extensive
list of new and hard-to-find parts used for the project, including
a rare New Old Stock bonnet and NOS exterior trim and light
assemblies. The beautifully straight and meticulously aligned body
was then finished in a striking period-correct shade of Opalescent
Dark Green, paired brilliantly with a tan canvas top and biscuit
leather interior. The overall finish quality is superb, though some
minor fisheyes on the bonnet are noted on close inspection.
Virtually every piece of rubber weather stripping is new and
expertly fitted. Brightwork is excellent all around, and the car
rides on new chrome wire wheels with period-correct Dunlop SP Sport
"Aquajet" radials. The interior trim still appears quite fresh from
the restoration. It was expertly crafted by an upholstery
specialist from scratch (not using a kit) and is finished to
beautiful concours quality standards using correct materials
throughout the cockpit. Instrumentation and switchgear are all in
superb order, and details like the restored steering wheel, shift
knob and rubber boot, and authentic seatbelts round out the
marvelous presentation. The odometer shows 448 miles, which amounts
to the total mileage since the restoration was completed in 2017. A
factory tool kit and jack reside in the boot, and the original
owner's manual and a new top boot accompany the sale. Notably, this
retains its original, numbers-matching block and head, which were
completely rebuilt in 2016 during the restoration. Notable work
includes a reground crank, new rod and main bearings, new cylinder
sleeves as a matter of course, new pistons, and much more. Every
component was carefully disassembled and checked to ensure reliable
running. The engine was then thoroughly detailed to factory-correct
standard with finely polished cam covers, carb dashpots, and intake
manifold, along with porcelain-coated manifolds, correct clamps,
and paint finishes. The original gearbox was rebuilt with new
synchros and bearings, and the rear diff fitted with 3.31 gears,
which vastly improve its high-speed cruising ability over the
standard 3.54s. The undercarriage and suspension are fully detailed
with highlights including correctly painted suspension and a
polished Bell stainless steel exhaust. This exceptional E-Type
Roadster is outstanding in every respect, and the meticulous nature
of the restoration shines through in the details. The restorer
built this car from the ground up to excel at JCNA concours events,
but with an emphasis on creating a reliable, highly capable rally
and event car. With little more than shakedown mileage since its
completion, this stunning Jaguar is the ideal example to savor on
the open road. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7412-1966-jaguar-xke-roadster/
