“An interesting Fast-Road specification”
The generation of XK 120, 140 and 150 roadsters played a major part in forging Jaguar’s sporting image, particularly through its successes in motor racing. But as the years passed, Jaguar needed to find a worthy successor to its glorious history. So the Coventry-based firm worked in the utmost secrecy on what it would name the E-Type, in reference to the C-Type and D-Type, which had triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in numerous other international races…
Unveiled in Geneva, rather than London, to clearly signal its intention for an international career, the E-Type enjoyed immediate success and was very quickly voted ‘the most beautiful car in the world’ by motoring journalists and by Enzo Ferrari himself – no less.
Enveloping a very lightweight tubular chassis, the English designer Malcolm Sayer gave his creation that immensely long bonnet, which contributes to the magnetism it exerts on audiences both past and present. Far cheaper than its direct rivals, with a sporty chassis and first-class performance, the Type E had it all…
Our example comes from the first production run, fitted with the 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine. Like the vast majority of the production run, it was delivered new to the United States before returning to Europe. Its invoice records date back to 1990 and bear witness to the extensive work carried out to achieve this intriguing ‘Fast-Road’ specification.
The list of upgrades includes: a synchronised 4-speed gearbox, a short-ratio limited-slip differential, Dunlop wheels, a Matter roll cage, and large-diameter brake calipers… Our example has subsequently taken part in numerous historic events, notably the Tour Auto regularity rally and the Coupe des Alpes… A former PTH certificate and a three-part FFSA passport are also included in the documentation. Now in excellent overall condition, both in terms of appearance and running order, this Type E is the ideal compromise between touring and competition!