Vehicle Description
The most beautiful car in the world: This sentiment has been
repeated over and over again when describing Jaguar's legendary
E-Type. But the E-Type was so much more than just a pretty face
when it first shocked audiences at the 1961 Geneva Salon. Here was
a car that was not only stunningly beautiful to look at, but
offered 150mph performance and a sophisticated chassis all in a
package that cost half that of its competitors. A tremendous amount
of experience that was gained from the D-Type program was then
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 and
robust monocoque chassis. With the D-Type as a starting point, the
E-Type sported a similar semi-monocoque 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, and was mounted to a
modular subframe that carried the wishbones, hubs, diff and inboard
disc brakes. 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 examples can be found in virtually every
significant collection as well as in the hands of passionate
enthusiasts. This 1965 E-Type 4.2 liter fixed head coupe is a
stunning example finished in striking black over red leather, and
riding on chrome wire wheels and blackwall tires. It was fully
restored in the 1990s to a very high standard, with gorgeous paint
work, excellent chrome, and high quality finishing. The color
combination, while not factory original for this car, looks
absolutely gorgeous on the iconic E-Type coupe shape. Bodywork is
laser straight and the paint is simply exquisite. The chrome on the
bumpers, window trims, and wheels is in outstanding order and the
overall finishing has been done to a high standard of quality.
While the cosmetics are certainly striking, there has been equal
emphasis put on the mechanical quality as well. Beneath the
signature, forward hinged bonnet rests a beautifully detailed;
number's matching 4.2 liter inline six. The alloy cam covers,
intake manifold and S.U. carburetor dashpots have been fully
polished and simply sparkle against the black body. Hoses,
fittings, and hardware are all in excellent order and the engine is
spotlessly clean. The exposed front suspension components are
similarly well detailed with correct finishes. Among all road-going
E-types, the 4.2 liter is the most desirable thanks to its broad
torque curve, improved braking servo, more comfortable cabin and
all-synchro manual 4-speed gearbox. The fresh red leather interior
features the correct, adjustable-back seats that differentiate the
4.2 from the 3.8 with its fixed back chairs. Leather covers the
seats and center console, while wool carpets and vinyl interior
paneling are all trimmed in the correct style and materials. Some
subtle enhancements have been made for driver comfort, such as a
smaller diameter steering wheel and a subtly upgraded Retro Radio
audio system. Thanks to the large side-hinged hatch, there is
plenty of luggage space for a weekend getaway. Recent receipts show
over $17,000 for a mechanical freshening and a new, professionally
trimmed interior. The E-Type 4.2 is a slightly more tractable car
than the hard-edged 3.8, and collectors tend to gravitate toward
these later Series 1 examples. These cars are an absolute delight
to drive and can easily potter around town on a wave of torque, or
be taken on a high-speed tour thanks to the healthy 265 horsepower
�six. With all that power, torque and passenger comfort, the E-Type
truly is one of the greatest GT cars of all time; and that's before
we even get to those iconic looks.
