Vehicle Description
The Jaguar E-type is one of the most beautiful automobiles ever
created, period. The Jaguar E-type is so striking that an example
has been displayed at the New York City Museum of Modern Art. The
E-type is a work of art and for that reason alone it is an
incredibly collectable car and one that promises to only increase
in value.
The E-type debuted in 1961 and was a direct descendant of the famed
"D-type" Jags that won the demanding 24-hour race at LeMans 3
times. The E-types shared much of the same technology that made the
D-type one of the most innovative racecars of the mid-50s. The
E-types shared the same aircraft inspired approach to aerodynamics
with the sleek curvy body only on a longer chassis. Today when so
many cars look much the same, in 1969 there was the E-type and no
other car with anything resembling such sophisticated styling. In
fact, the E-type is still very much a head turner.
The car was filled with fresh thinking for a road going sports car.
The E-type used the same monocoque body structure as the D-type
with a steel tub and a strong tubular front support frame covered
by complex one-piece bonnet/front fenders over the straight six XK
engine. The suspension was fully independent using torsion
bars/coil springs with a limited slip differential. Four
power-assisted disc brakes stopped the car. All this at the same
time Ferrari was still using a solid rear axel and drum brakes. The
E-type was, and still is, famed for it's handling and smooth
ride.
This roadster, also known as an "OTS" for Open Two Seater, is an
example of the Series II E-types with the larger 4.2-liter engine,
so it represents a major and highly desirable refinement of the
original 3.8-liter roadsters.
This car was totally restored about 10-years ago, with keen
attention to detail. The stunning and vibrant factory correct
Signal Red paint is in excellent condition. The flawless interior
features tan leather bucket seats and leather trim. One of the
values of the 4.2 Series are the interior creature comforts not
found on the Series 1. The Series II featured wider, more
comfortable and supportive bucket seats. Another feature of this
particular vehicle are the gleaming chrome wire wheels.
As a later version this car has the styling cues mandated by US
safety standards with wrap around bumpers front and back with more
visible parking brake lights. A major complaint about the earlier
cars was the headlight covers, which became fogged and dimmed the
light. In the Series II the covers were removed and the headlights
were raised so visibility as night is much improved. The front
opening in the hood is wider to improve engine cooling.
Also making this a more drivable car was a new, Jaguar designed,
all synchromesh 4-speed gearbox, which replaced the unloved and
difficult Moss gearbox.
Power comes from the enlarged version of the smooth running inline
six-cylinder XK engine now bored out to 4.2 liters and given a
stronger crankshaft . This car has the more three of the more
desirable SU carburetors but the original Stromberg carbs will be
included with the car. This larger engine actually put out the same
horsepower as the smaller 3.8 but had far more torque. With the SU
carbs it can develop 265 HP and with its super smooth body can
reach speeds close to 150 MPH. These cars were noted for their
ability to cruise at high speeds.
This car has exceptionally low mileage, only 5500 since
restoration. The current owner has had the vehicle carefully
maintained on a regular basis and driven it less than 2,000 rain
free miles since purchase in 2008. He just installed a new
electronic ignition system. An aluminum radiator is also included
with the car.
As might be expected from such a stunningly restored example of the
Series II E-type this is a matching numbers car with full Jaguar
Heritage documentation.
ESTIMATE: $125,000 - $145,000
