1964 Jaguar E-Type 'Series 1' 4.2-Litre Roadster
Chassis no. 1E10151
Engine no. 7E1254-9

Conceived and developed as an open sports car, 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. For many enthusiasts, the 4.2-litre 'Series 1' is the best of all E-Types, combining the advantages of the larger engine with the stylistic purity of designer Malcolm Sayer's original conception.

This superb 4.2-litre 'Series 1' E-Type roadster was sold new via Jaguar Cars, New York to its first owner, one Stephen G Bayanson. Its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate reveals that the car was delivered finished in Opalescent Maroon with matching leather interior trim and black hood. The State of Minnesota Certificate of Title on file shows that the E-Type was owned from 1980 to 2011 by one Earl Arthur Johnson, who sold then sold it to Gullwing Motor Cars. Subsequently exported to Europe (EU duties have been paid), the car was fully restored by Classic Restoration Services in the Netherlands between August 2014 and May 2015. CRS have extensive experience of E-Type restoration (they have completed 28 so far) and this example is presented in commensurately excellent condition.

Works carried out include completely dismantling the car and sandblasting and repairing the body using genuine body panels supplied by Martin Robey and SNG Barratt. The bare metal re-spray in Opalescent Grey was carried out by Hurenkamp Spuitinrichting, a company with more than two decades experience of repainting classic Jaguar cars. In all, the body renovation consumed some 250 man-hours.

Turing to the running gear, all the suspension was dismantled, sandblasted and then either painted or powder coated prior to re-assembly with all new ball joints, bearings, etc. In accordance with their standard practice, CRS used new brake components throughout: discs, Kunifer pipes, servo and master cylinder. The engine was rebuilt by specialists MRA with a lead-free cylinder head conversion but otherwise to original specification, while the original gearbox was overhauled with all new synchromesh, bearings and lay-shaft.

The fuel system was overhauled with new components - tank, pump, lines - and the carburettors rebuilt. A new wiring loom and alternator were installed and the rest of the electrical components overhauled. All brightwork is either new or re-chromed by Chrome Restoration Services in the UK. The full interior trim kit in Old Red leather was supplied by Aldridge Trimming of Wolverhampton. Sourced from MWS, the 72-spoke competition wire wheels are shod with Continental 205/70R 15 tyres. The brakes were up-rated during the restoration and the car also features the sensible upgrades of 123 electronic ignition and a Kenlowe electric cooling fan.

After assembly, the car was tested and re-tested by CRS's experienced team of engineers. The entire restoration consumed some 725 man-hours and cost €135,214 (approximately £97,350) and the car comes with bills, work sheets, photographs and a 32-page list of parts used. The E-Type is currently undergoing a programme of test drives (250 kilometres minimum) and by the time of sale will be delivered with Dutch registration papers and valid roadworthiness certificate.