Famously called “The most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari, the Jaguar E-Type, on its introduction in 1961 at the Geneva motor show, brought Jaguar back to the forefront of sports car manufacturing, Based on Jaguar’s racing D-Type, the E-Type, on its introduction, was the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 149 miles per hour. The car was initially available with two body styles. An open two seat roadster, and a 2 seat coupe, like this example. In 1966 a 2+2 coupe joined the lineup with a longer wheel base and higher roof line to accommodate rear passengers. The E-Type at first utilized more or less the same 3.8 liter engine as the XK150 “S” model that it replaced in a much more modern body, with a semi-unitary construction, the front suspension, engine, and bonnet being mounted on tubular frames that bolted to the firewall. The rear suspension was fully independent, with inboard disc brakes, and was contained in a newly introduced subframe that was later adapted at different widths, to the entire lineup of Jaguar cars, continuing in use until the 1980s. In the course of the Series 1 production there was a major update in which the engine was upgraded to 4.2 liters, accompanied by fitting an alternator, an all synchro gearbox, and redesigned seats, along with other updates. Horsepower remained the same with the new engine, but torque was increased approximately 10%. In 1967, largely due to safety and emissions pressures coming from the United States, the E-type was redesigned, without the covered headlights, lower bumpers, larger brake lights, and a host of other changes, creating what is generally known as the Series 2 cars. These changes took place over a period of time, however, with some of them appearing on otherwise Series 1 cars, which are often referred to as Series 1 ½ cars.
This E-Type Coupe is one of the last Series 1 cars produced. Still fitted with its original drivetrain, it has been externally restored, with redone paint, chrome, and body seals. The interior, however, is still largely original to the car. It has had very few owners over its history with the longest period of ownership being from the early 1970s until shortly before I purchased it. That owner was an engineer and kept incredibly meticulous records of the car and its history, including all the maintenance and even every tank of gas he put in it. I purchased this car locally, right after the exterior refresh was completed. Since buying the car, I’ve replaced the wiring harness with an original style reproduction, removing modifications made by previous owners and increasing its reliability. Mechanically, this car is a very sound example and it drives incredibly well, with very smooth rapid acceleration and quite nimble handling. The biggest failing of the Series 1 E-Type is its cooling system which is marginal in very hot weather. The car cools OK while moving but isn’t well suited for stop and go traffic. To help address this I’ve fitted a more modern cooling fan and shroud which has helped incredibly with keeping the temperatures down.
