1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2-Litre Roadster
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. to be advised
Engine no. 7E 13877-9

Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (XKE in the USA) caused a sensation when it appeared, with 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. 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. At the rear the E-Type's 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, although the latter would be replaced when the 4.2-litre engine was introduced.

Launched in October 1964, the 4.2-litre E-Type came with a more user friendly, all-synchromesh gearbox and superior Lockheed brake servo as part of the improved specification alongside the bigger, torquier engine. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged, but beneath the skin there were numerous detail improvements. These mainly concerned the cooling and electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the industry standard negative earth, while the interior boasted a matt black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The E-Type's top speed remained unchanged at around 150mph, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved flexibility.

Described as in generally excellent condition, this beautiful left-hand drive E-Type roadster was purchased in the USA by the current vendor and fully restored for him by European Collectibles of Costa Mesa, California in 1999. Bills on file show that the rebuild included upgrading the brakes and suspension to competition specification, and we are advised that the car also features competition camshafts and 1" wider wheels. The vendor subsequently imported the car into the Republic of Ireland where it is currently registered.