1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Coupe

Estimate: £70,000 - £80,000*

Reg No: JGU 48C Chassis No: J661E31288 MOT: Exempt

Among the last century’s great motoring icons, Jaguar’s E-Type has always inspired loyalty and devotion. Born out of the fabulous D-Type racer, the model soon acquired a strong competition heritage of its own. Launched at the 1961 Geneva Salon, the ‘Big Cat’ proved faster and more glamorous than virtually any production rival, its Malcolm Sayer-penned lines thought by many to be among the most striking ever to adorn a motorcar. Certainly, few could match its reputed 150mph top speed. At a time when Ferrari’s lauded 250SWB and 250GTO ‘made-do’ with ‘live’ rear axles, the E-Type utilised a sophisticated independent rear set-up with inboard disc brakes, whilst rack and pinion steering enhanced the monocoque chassis’ excellent roadholding and handling; putting it light years ahead of American designs like the Corvette. Revised in 1964, the E-Type gained a torquier 4235cc powerplant and four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox of Jaguar’s own design. The last E-Type Jaguar rolled off the production line in 1974, yet the model still has a unique ability to excite enthusiasts of all generations.

According to an accompanying letter from its manufacturer, chassis 1E31288 was completed on 28th June 1965 and shipped to Jaguar Cars of New York. Equipped with the torquier 4.2 litre engine and preferred all-synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox, the two-seater was repatriated during 1989. Professionally converted to right-hand drive thereafter, the E-Type has been registered to members of the same family for the past twenty-six years. Understood to retain its original, ‘matching numbers’ cylinder block, the Jaguar was extensively restored some ten years ago, being refinished in the fetching combination of Primrose Yellow with Black leather upholstery. Displaying a credible but unwarranted 74,000 miles to its odometer, only 1,000 of those have been accrued since the differential / rear subframe was refurbished at a cost of £7,000 in 2016.

Thoroughly serviced with fresh oil and a filter, plus renewed clutch and brake fluids last month, ‘JGU 48C’ is described by the vendor as being in ‘excellent’ condition with regards to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. He further informs us that: ‘The car is rust free and the paintwork is superb. The engine compartment is pristine as is the interior with no rips and tears to the leather and a blemish free headlining. The instruments are all in working order and the E-Type drives very well’. The vendor further informs us that ‘JGU 48C’ has recently benefitted from a thorough service: fresh oil and filter plus renewed brake and clutch fluids etc. Offered for sale with the V5C registration document, Browns Lane (Jaguar) letter and other sundry paperwork.