1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe Registrati...

Hammer

£49,107

1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe

Registration Number: KNT 155E
Chassis Number:  1E76947
Recorded Mileage: c.500 miles since restoration

- Under 500 miles since concours standard restoration
- Uprated engine with genuine D-Type cylinder head

It is remarkable to think of the effect the E-Type had on the world when launched in 1961. At a time when 70 mph was considered perfectly rapid enough for a family car, here was a British-built sports car which could hit a claimed 150mph! The top speed figure was possibly a little optimistic but the public didn’t object - with a list price of just over £2,000 it was half the price and just as striking as its more exotic rivals from Italy. 

Without doubt one of the most important and prettiest sports cars of all time, clearly the E-Type was strongly influenced by the famous Le Mans-winning D-Type racer of the late 1950s. Less famous but no less relevant was the lesser known E1A prototype of 1957; smaller and less powerful than the final production E-Type but showcasing the new independent rear suspension design that went on to be a hallmark of Jaguar models for four decades. The E-Type’s performance did not disappoint; it weighed around 500lb less than the preceding XK150 and sported one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. In 1966 the E-Type was joined by an additional 'family friendly' 2+2 coupé variant on a longer wheelbase. With the 2+2's increased length and additional rear seats came greater headroom, more luggage space, improved heating/ventilation, and optional automatic transmission.

This remarkable example has been treated to a painstaking restoration in the last few years, with under 500 miles recorded since its completion. First delivered in December 1966 via Jaguar Cars of New York, this early 2+2 was repatriated into the UK in the last few years as a suitable basis for full restoration. 

The work was commissioned to award-winning restoration specialist Bridge Classic Cars, under the instruction to prepare a car for reliably traveling from the owner’s English to European homes, in comfort and at speed. The body was stripped to a bare shell, new panels let in where necessary, the shell prepared and then finished as original. The engine was stripped and uprated by renowned racing engine builders Scholar Engineering. An original D-Type cylinder head was acquired, ported and fitted with Kent camshafts, also uprated Mahle pistons added to a reground and balanced crank. The triple carburettors were rebuilt and polished before marrying them to the engine for bench testing. Usefully, 123 electronic ignition is now fitted. This work is supported by a separate bill for £7,634. 

To improve cooling/heating a larger capacity aluminium radiator and heater matrix were fitted, and breathing enhanced by a full stainless steel exhaust system. The interior was completely re-trimmed in soft black leather, with a new headlining. Seventy-two spoke stainless wire wheels dress each corner of the car, fitted with Pirelli Cinturato tyres. All chromework has either been re-chromed or renewed, the lighting system has been upgraded to halogen, with new rear lights.

To keep the cabin cool, a Clayton Classics air conditioning system has been installed. The radio part of the centre console has been modified with additional vents to improve airflow. Instead of a radio, a hidden amplifier has been fitted, allowing music to be played through discretely located speakers via Bluetooth or a headphone jack socket (usefully doubling as a hands-free phone system). All dials were refurbished, with either new or reconditioned interior switches.

Finished in its original colour specification of Black with a matching Black leather interior, this beautifully restored and nicely upgraded example is offered complete with a photographic record of restoration, UK V5C and Heritage Certificate.