1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 Litre Roadster

Details

The Jaguar E-Type is arguably the greatest sports car ever built. It was announced at the March 1961 Geneva Motorshow and it took the motoring world by storm . . . the car was an absolute sensation!  The body styling was simply gorgeous and technologically the E-Type was an engineering masterpiece and it set new standards in all areas.

Whilst automotive styling is somewhat subjective the E-Type is often ranked atop lists of ‘the most beautiful cars’ and in fact it  has been described by Enzo Ferrari as the most beautiful car ever made. And it’s not just about the looks as the E-Type is often at the top of other lists such as ‘The best sports car ever built’ or ‘The most significant cars’. It is truly a motoring icon.

As a testament to the success of the E-Type, production evolved through three series from 1961 until 1974 during which time circa 70,000 cars were built.

The Series 1 4.2 Litre Roadster is arguably the most sought after of the E-Type range, offering the purity of the original design, yet with the improved 4.2 litre six cylinder engine.

We are delighted to offer a fabulous example of this model E-Type which according to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate left the Jaguar factory 7th March 1966 and was sold through Jaguar Cars, New York, USA. The car’s first owner is recorded as Paul Laverne-Dale of, Marshaltown, Iowa, USA. Little is known of this car’s early history and it was acquired by Brisbane Martin Johnson from “The Cat’s Whiskers” in the USA in 1995, imported to Australia and converted to right hand drive. The current owner acquired the car in October 1995 as a sixtieth birthday present to himself and he has over the last twenty years of ownership sensibly upgraded and improved the car. This E-Type will not suit a purist rather someone who is looking for a fabulous driving E-Type with many modern and sensible improvements to ensure it is a more usable classic.

This improvements include:

Engine

– fitted with an XJ6 Series III head with inlet and exhaust manifolds

– tuned extractors with a matching stainless steel exhaust

– aluminium radiator with electronic water pump and cooling fans

– electronic ignition

Gearbox

– Borgwarner JT5 5 speed close ration gear box

Braking System

– Wilwood four pot light weight callipers and ventilated discs on the front

– XJ6 Series III ventilated discs on the rear

Suspension

– Upgrade torsion bars with adjustable reaction plate

– Upgraded sway bars

– GAZ adjustable shock absorbers

– Rear suspension modifications

Steering

– EZ electric power steering

This improvement work and all regular maintenance has been undertaken by marque specialists here in Brisbane.

In addition to being a fabulous driver this car also presents beautifully in its stunning original colour combination of primrose yellow with a black interior. The paint work is excellent as is all of the trim, chrome, glass and lenses. The black leather interior is also in excellent condition. The car is fitted with an ‘as new’ black mohair soft top.

Importantly the following original components also accompany the car: the cylinder head and the front head light covers with the chrome trim. A set of rare Jaguar racing alloy wheels will also accompany the car.

Apart from the gearbox this is a matching numbers car.

The car has two Queensland compliance plates, one for the conversion to right hand drive and the other for the fitment of the power steering.

The current owner has enjoyed this fabulous car for the past twenty years and it’s now time for it to find its next keeper.

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