1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2-Litre 'Series 1' Roadster
Chassis no. 1E 10552
Engine no. 7E 53218-9

Of all the many E-Type variants, it is the 'Series 1' 4.2-litre Roadster that many enthusiasts consider the most desirable, combining as it does the purity and aesthetics of the original concept with the superior performance of the larger engine.

There can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time.

Manufactured in January 1965 and delivered to Jaguar Cars in New York, USA, this left-hand drive '4.2' roadster was originally finished in Silver Grey with black interior and matching hood. Its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate records the first owner as a Mr Herb Wiener.

This particularly attractive E-Type is a car we at Bonhams know well, having formed part of the Alain Dominique Perrin Collection sold by us at the Chantilly sale in 2015.

Prior to that sale, the car had been comprehensively restored, including an interior re-trim in Burgundy leather, and is now fitted with a 'km/h' speedometer which we presume was installed at the time of restoration. The odometer reading upon acquisition in 2015 was 5,566 kms and, at the time of cataloguing in August 2020, 6,917 kms. It is reasonable to assume this is the distance covered since its restoration, and certainly borne by the current fresh condition. The engine head number matches that of the chassis plate, although the block appears to be a period replacement. The original Blaupunkt radio has been retained.

The present owner – a noted collector with a significant collection of motor cars – acquired the E-Type from the Chantilly sale where it has since been cared for and maintained by the well-respected engineers and bespoke concierge service The Light Car Company of Faringdon, Oxfordshire, UK.

As can be determined from the above odometer readings, the car has been used sparingly and the owner thoroughly enjoyed taking the Jaguar on two organised tours of Umbria in Italy in both 2018 and 2019.

During the present ownership a hardtop was sourced from the USA and accompanies the car, as does the Jaguar heritage tool roll and certificate; owners handbook; French expertise report (2013); sundry French and UK invoices; the UK V5C registration document; and should have a newly issued MoT by time of sale.

All in all, a very well-presented E-type in arguably the most desirable specification and colours, with the added bonus of a hardtop for year-round enjoyment.