1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster

The Jaguar E-Type has become a total British automobile legend. It was manufactured between 1961 and 1975 and over 70,000 of them were produced worldwide. The success of the E Type was due in no small part to its stunning looks, high performance and competitive pricing - the equivalent Ferrari of the day was costing three times more and delivering less horsepower!

With Jaguar's racing pedigree from the 1950s still fresh in the memory it's no wonder that the E-Type captured the the hearts and minds of all who were at the launch, and if all E-Types aged as gracefully as the car offered here then it's easy to understand why that affection continues today. Built in 1966, this Series I is fitted with the 4.2 4.2-litre powerplant, often considered the best E-Type engine. For the 4.2, Jaguar introduced their own all-synchromesh gearbox along with improved seating and brakes. The new gearbox allowed faster changes and was well received in the motoring press at the time, offering an exhilarating driving experience for both pilot and passenger.

Finished in the lovely colour combination of Silver with a Black leather interior, this Series I E-Type was sold new to California on 11th October 1966. A Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms that the car is fully matching numbers and in addition, a large history file details expenditure in both the USA and the UK with bills and receipts for maintenance.

Supplied with a UK V5C registration document and current UK MoT, this E-Type is an ideal restoration candidate having benefitted from many years in a dry climate. The coachwork is described as fair to good with excellent panel fit and solid underbody. The paintwork will require a re-spray but looks fantastically thin and original. The engine bay presents well and would respond well to a bit of detailing and the interior is serviceable although the black leather would benefit from some treatment.

The engine is in running order and prospective buyers are welcome to hear it at the auction. The vendor states that there is an intermittent clutch problem with the car and that a new clutch will almost certainly be required. Buyers are welcome to contact the office for further details or to arrange a pre-sale inspection.

Series I Roadsters are considered by many to be one of the prettiest cars of all time. This example today gives you the chance to restore a motoring icon to your very own specification.