Beautiful E-Type in Series 1 guise
Built by a specialist for his own use
Exceptional quality and performance
Beautiful, classic colour combination
In Coventry, Jaguar was initially hopelessly overwhelmed by the success of the E-Type. Rather than contemplating major developments, the company was chiefly occupied with working through its backlog of orders. Yet the first teething troubles had quickly become apparent. Jaguar kept improving the car as it went along: the endlessly long bonnet gained internal catches, revised footwells created more room, while the seats and controls gradually became more user-friendly.
The first major step came in October 1964. Enlarged to 4,235 cc, the straight-six produced no more power on paper, but offered considerably more torque. Almost more important was the new four-speed gearbox developed by Jaguar itself. Unlike the rather recalcitrant Moss box, it was fully synchronised. More comfortable seats and numerous detail improvements followed. The E-Type was growing up.
Over the years, it moved ever further away from the purist original of 1961. From 1966, the longer 2+2 joined the range, even available with an automatic transmission. Increasingly, it was the all-important American market that dictated where things were heading. Its safety and homologation requirements eventually brought about some of the most conspicuous changes.
Following a transitional series, the proper Series 2 arrived in 1968. The characteristic glass covers over the headlamps had disappeared, leaving the lights exposed. Larger sidelights and rear lamps migrated beneath the bumpers, while the air intake was enlarged. Inside, rocker switches replaced the elegant toggle switches of the early cars. Better brakes and improved cooling were added to the list.
Purists may still regard all this as the beginning of the end. In reality, however, the Series 2 was the more mature E-Type. The Open Two-Seater continued to account for the lion’s share of production, followed by the 2+2, but the two-seater Fixed Head Coupé remained available as well. Along with the fabulous straight-six, it retained the fabulous basic shape of the 1961 E-Type, yet simply worked better in everyday use. A little less drama in the details, in exchange for rather less drama behind the wheel.
For anyone wondering at this point: this E-Type may look like a Series 1 Coupé, but it is in fact a Series 2. The effort involved in transforming the two-seater Fixed Head Coupé from Series 2 to Series 1 specification during its restoration must have been immense. Almost nothing, inside or out, now gives away the Jaguar’s true year of manufacture.
The fact that one of the finest specialists in British motor cars had the E-Type built for himself in his own workshop goes some way towards explaining the car’s impressive quality. What emerged is a proper hot rod of an E-Type, with performance capable of putting the fear of God into you. Anyone who needs to check the numbers every night before they can sleep soundly should probably turn the page. Anyone looking for a proper driving machine in just the right suit, however, will be very well served by this E-Type.