Vehicle Description
On its release Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made".
1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 Litre Roadster
265 bhp, 4,235 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with triple SU carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with transverse wishbones, torsion bars, telescopic shocks and an anti-roll bar; independent rear suspension with lower transverse tubular links and twin coil springs; and four wheel Dunlop twin-circuit hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 96 in.
• Beautifully restored from solid original example in original colors
• Numbers-matching with small upgrades to enhance the driving experience
• Accompanied by the original tool set and jack
• 41,023 original miles
Jaguar’s E-Type debuted to universal applause at the March 1961 Geneva Motor Show, but further development continued and for the 1966 model, the gearbox was fully synchronized while the seat backs were made adjustable. A new brake booster was also adopted and the engine was enlarged to 4.2 liters, resulting in greater torque which made for better tractability in everyday driving. The car retained its pure form with no external changes being made, but it was now more comfortable and responsive on the road. Road & Track enthused that it was “possible to drive at 15 mph in fourth gear without jerking or back-lashing,” all the while achieving up to 21 miles per gallon.
But for many, the E-Type’s greatest asset was that it looked the part and that nothing else looked like it. Whether labeled E-Type or XK-E, as it was sold in the United States, it made a statement about its owner and all who rode in it. Not long afterward, the onslaught of safety and emissions regulations began having their way with the E-Type, resulting in the alteration of both its appearance and its performance. For those reasons, the Series 1 cars, built from 1961 to 1966 are most highly prized. The 1966 roadster offers a 4.2-Litre model with the all-new synchromesh gearbox and more comfortable seats than on earlier examples, while retaining the covered headlights and thin side-lights and taillights that are considered most attractive and desirable.
This car benefitted by a frame off nut and bolt restoration 20 years ago. The high performance engine was rebuilt by a well know Jaguar expert, Earl Gibbs to the following specifications
• 10.5 to 1: Compression
• D Type Racing Cams
• Dynos at 30% above stock
• Heavy Duty Custom Sway Bars
• Custom Wide Wheels and Tires
• Custom Exhaust System
It’s Carmen red paint still shows nicely as does the chrome with no pits or blemishes. The biscuit colored interior shows some wear, but has no tears.
The design of the car was birthed from the D-Type, a full-out racing car with sensuously curved aerodynamic styling that had achieved tremendous success in international competition. As it required a new, competitive production model, Jaguar’s management set about developing the design into a car that was suitable for road use. The famous, feline curves were developed by Sayer, a trained aerodynamicist, using wind tunnel testing and aircraft principles. They were constructed around a lightweight monocoque that had a tubular sub-frame to carry the engine, front suspension and steering, and an independent rear axle.
The E-Type debuted in Geneva in 1961, and it became a smashing success because it offered so much for relatively little. It was no more expensive than most other sports cars, but it was more beautiful than the priciest offerings from other manufacturers, and it had 150-mph performance with outstanding road manners. While the design would evolve over its 13 years of production, it never ceased being as beautiful as when it was first created.
The chrome wire wheels are perfect and it has been well maintained by its current owner over the past 39 years.
It is truly a fine example which will give years of exhilarating performance in one iconic motorcar.
