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

Estimate

£42,000 - £46,000

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

Registration Number: UCA 151D
Chassis Number: TBA 
Recorded Mileage: TBA

- Subject of a comprehensive previous restoration
- UK example, one owner from 1990 - 2018
- Converted to triple Weber carburettors

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.

Finished in Metallic Regency Red with a matching red leather interior and original full length Webasto-style sunroof, this very nice early RHD Series 1 2+2 benefits from a thorough older restoration, after which it was stored in a Carcoon as part of a larger six-car E-Type collection, and started/driven occasionally in order to keep its mechanical components in good order. The E-Type was with one owner from the 1990s, who restored the car in around 2000. The shell was stripped to bare metal, all components refurbished or replaced as required, then waxoyled throughout. The engine was converted to unleaded fuel and the gearbox rebuilt. Useful upgrades include an electric cooling fan, stainless header tank, also uprated Coopercraft brakes with copper brake pipes. In around 2018 the car went to a new owner in the UK, although due to him living overseas the car was again stored and sadly little used before his passing.

We can report the bodywork is very clean with the exception of one blemish on the rear wing, the interior is in super order, and the car breathes freely through a recently fitted set of triple Weber carburettors and stainless steel exhaust system. The E-Type sits on Dayton wire wheels, lighting is improved with the fitting of halogen headlights. A very attractive example, offered at a sensible estimate.