"Introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared with its instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. While, inevitably, the car's stupendous straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines, there was a lot more to the E-Type beneath the skin. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type and, indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sportscars 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 space frame 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. Mainly because it weighed around 500lb less than the XK150 but also, 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.
Manufactured in 1968, this example was originally exported to California, USA and in 1994 the E-Type was repatriated to the UK. Following its import, the Jaguar was converted from left to right hand drive. The current vendor acquired the car in 2014 and used the Jaguar regularly before treating it to an extensive restoration in 2015, which included many desirable upgrades. The work was undertaken by Jaguar specialists, Thruxston Jaguar Ltd, Hampshire. The work included the extensive rebuild of the original engine, rebored and completely renewed to fast road specification, coupled with triple SU carburettors and trumpets. Also rebuilt was the gearbox and all other running gear, the suspension, the brakes were uprated and a new stainless steel exhaust system and manifold was fitted, along with a new cooling system. It also benefits from having wider wheels and tyres which much improves the road handling.
Finished in the very elegant colour combination of red coachwork over a black leather interior, this E-Type is very well-presented. The circa £50,000 mechanical restoration to fast road specification makes for a superb driving experience, it is reported that this Jaguar fires into life when asked and runs and drives very well indeed. Offered with a sizeable history file detailing the restoration, many photographs of the rebuild, plenty of sundry invoices and the current V5C registration document. Producing more power than a standard Series I, thanks to its restoration and upgrades, this example having covered circa 10,000 miles since the restoration, is the perfect candidate for those long-distance continental tours, or that summer trip to the south of France."