First owned by Prince John Radziwill
1969 Jaguar E-Type 4.2-Litre Series 2 Roadster
Registration no. WLD 588G
Chassis no. 1R1063
Engine no. 7R3133-9

'As a high-performance touring car there are few machines to equal the E-Type, and none at all in its price bracket. Effortless is the correct word to describe it, for it is a real mile-eater and also one of the least fatiguing cars to drive... In addition, it carries prestige value, for it is regarded by the most discriminating customers as the best buy in its category which it possible to acquire.' – Autosport, 21st August 1964.

Although written more than 40 years ago, Gregor Grant's summary of the E-Type's appeal has lost none of its relevance, despite the model's inevitable evolution from frontline production sports car to collectible modern classic. Grant's road test was published in August 1964, only two months ahead of the E-Type's first significant up-grade, which saw it re-launched with the 4.2-litre version of the peerless XK 'six'. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior Lockheed brake servo. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements. These mainly concerned the cooling and electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the industry standard negative ground, while the interior boasted a matt black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The top speed of around 150mph remained unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration.

Like its 3.8-litre forbear, the 4.2-litre E-Type was built in roadster and coupé forms, and in 1966 gained an additional 2+2 coupé variant on a 9" (229mm) longer wheelbase. In 1968 all three versions of the E-Type underwent major revision to comply with US safety and emissions legislation, emerging in 'Series 2' guise minus the original's distinctive headlight covers. In addition, enlarged side and rear lights were adopted, while a thickened front bumper centre section bridged a larger radiator intake. Interior changes included a collapsible steering column and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles.

This E-Type roadster was purchased new in January 1969 by Prince John Radziwill, as evidenced by the original Registration of Ownership form on file, which confirms matching registration, chassis and engine numbers. In January 1972, when only three years old, 'WLD 588G' was purchased from Brett's Automobiles of Wembley, Middlesex by the lady vendor's grandfather. The purchase receipt on file records the mileage at that time as 16,072. The E-Type has remained within the vendor's family ever since, passing to her father in 1994. It has always been kept garaged, while seeing very little use; indeed, the current odometer reading is 21,196 miles, representing a distance travelled of only 5,124 miles in 42 years. The car is offered with a complete service record, MoT to August 2015, V5 registration document and a recent detailed condition report compiled by Yale Engineers Ltd.