1971 Jaguar E-Type 4.2-Litre V8 Supercharged Roadster by Beacham
Registration no. LYG 5K
Chassis no. 1S50394
Engine no. 0212041221

'What we've done is give an E-Type Jaguar the total functionality of an XKR. The Beacham E-Type is destined for the classic enthusiast who requires reliability along with modern technology and all mod cons, plus a serious fun factor.' - Beacham Ltd.

One of the biggest names in the classic Jaguar world, Beacham first caught the motoring public's imagination back in the late 1980s when the company, based at Hawke's Bay in New Zealand's North Island, began offering its comprehensively restored, re-engineered and updated Jaguar Mark 2 saloons. Since then Dr Greg Beacham's company has expanded its activities to include restoration and upgrades for the Jaguar XK150, Aston Martin DB4, various Rolls-Royce and Bentley models and, of course, the immortal E-Type.

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (XKE in the USA) caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. Not since the Jaguar XK120's debut some 13 years previously had a new car made such an impact. While, inevitably, the E-Type's stupendous straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines, there was nevertheless a lot more to the newcomer beneath the skin. Its design owed much to that of the racing D-Type; indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 500lb less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.

Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward sub-frame that supported the engine. The rear suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight. 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.

Today, the E-Types graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the most beautiful cars of all time.

Automotive technology, though, does not stand still and today, more than half a century since the E-Type's launch, there is a growing market for improved versions of this iconic model combining its beautiful classic looks with modern performance, handling and comfort. Beacham's approach is to build the engine, driver train and running gear of the Jaguar XKR sports car into an original E-Type bodyshell, that offered here being from a right-hand drive Series III V12 roadster.

Acquired by the current owner in 2008, the E-Type was despatched to Beacham for transformation and was delivered at the end of 2012, since when it has covered only some 4,500 miles. The history file contains a full photographic record of every stage of the build process. This car has the most powerful of the three XKR engine options, the 4.2-litre 400bhp supercharged V8, which drives via a six-speed automatic gearbox. The exhaust system is stainless steel. Performance is restrained by ventilated discs on all four wheels, with alloy four-pot AP Racing callipers at the front and ABS. Suspension is independent all round, up-rated with Evo adjustable shock absorbers, progressive springs and Nolathane bushes. Ride height is adjustable and the car rolls on 7" chromed wire wheels shod with 225/60x16 W-rated Pirelli tubeless tyres. There is electric power assistance for the rack-and-pinion steering.

Features of the supremely well equipped interior include leather-upholstered heated seats; XKR centre console; FM/AM radio with integral CD player, GPS SatNav, DVD, iPod connection and Bluetooth 'phone system; air-conditioning with full climate control; driver and passenger airbags; voltmeter, clock and oil pressure gauges; XKR electrically operated steering column with memory and wiper/lighting controls; and the standard electrically adjustable XKR steering wheel with wood inserts. Other noteworthy features include the standard Jaguar security system with coded ignition key and central remote locking; tinted glass; electric windows; bonnet louvres; xenon headlamps; and a vehicle tracker. A truly modern driving experience combined with unparalleled classic good looks, this expertly upgraded E-type Roadster is offered with the aforementioned photographic record of the build and its associated invoices; current MoT certificate (expires September 2016); an old-style logbook; and a V5C registration document. Being made before 1st January 1975, it is, of course, exempt from UK road tax.