1964 Jaguar E-Type 'Series 1' 4.2-Litre Roadster
Registration no. FEG 263
Chassis no. 1E1033
Engine no. 7E1829-9

'If Les Vingt Quatre Heures du Mans has been responsible for the new E-Type Jaguar, then that Homeric contest on the Sarthe circuit will have been abundantly justified. Here we have one of the quietest and most flexible cars on the market, capable of whispering along in top gear at 10mph or leaping into its 150mph stride on the brief depression of a pedal. A practical touring car, this, with its wide doors and capacious luggage space, yet it has a sheer beauty of line which easily beats the Italians at their own particular game.' There have been few better summaries of the E-Type's manifest virtues than the forgoing, penned by the inimitable John Bolster for Autosport shortly after the car's debut. Conceived and developed as an open sportscar, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in Coupé form. The car caused a sensation - spontaneous applause breaking out at the unveiling - with its instantly classic lines and a 140mph-plus top speed. The design owed much to that of the racing D-Type, a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. Its engine aside, only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable four-speed Moss gearbox it retained. The latter was replaced when the 4.2-litre engine was introduced on the Series 1 in October 1964, a more user-friendly all-synchromesh gearbox and superior Lockheed brake servo forming part of the improved specification together with the bigger, torquier engine. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements, chiefly to the electrical and cooling systems, and to the seating arrangements. Top speed remained unchanged at around 150mph, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved flexibility. The 33rd right-hand drive 4.2-litre roadster off the production line (the chassis number sequence commenced with '1001'), this superb 'Series 1' E-Type was first owned by Captain Felix Edgar Goldman of Holmes Chapel, proprietor of the Cheshire Equestrian Training Centre and trainer of countless champion riders and horses (see copy article from 'Cheshire Life' on file). 'FEG 263' is the private plate he put on the car in 1964. The accompanying JDHT certificate confirms matching chassis/body/engine numbers, stating that the car was manufactured on 1st December 1964 and originally finished in Opalescent Golden Sand, its livery today. It is believed Captain Goldman owned the Jaguar for some 12 years. The second owner was a Mr Charles Denby, who acquired the car in 1976 and used it for 12 months. It then was placed in storage, remaining there for the next 32 years until purchased in 2009 by the current vendor. The latter has taken the last four years to restore the E-Type, personally spending over 5,000 hours on this most painstaking 'last nut and bolt' rebuild. Works carried out include a full engine rebuild, carburettor overhaul, rear axle rebuild, installation of a new electrical wiring loom and a full body restoration. Desirable upgrades include Coopercraft brakes front and rear; up-rated cooling system with Kenlowe electric fan; and up-rated and fully adjustable suspension, complete with Polybushes. Since completion earlier this year, 'FEG 263' has attended two classic vehicle shows – Manchester Airport and Blackpool & Fylde – winning the 'Best in Show' award at both venues. Worthy of the closest inspection, this fully documented and freshly restored E-Type roadster is offered with sundry restoration invoices, current MoT/tax and Swansea V5C registration document.