For nearly a century, British car manufacturer Jaguar have defined and redefined luxury and performance, producing vehicles for the track, films and idyllic Sunday afternoons. Although the brand continues to produce elegant and powerful new models, the classic E-Type re-mains a motoring icon amongst petrol-heads. Manufactured between 1961 and 1975, the E-Type gained its iconic status on account of its stunning design, innovative mechanics and un-rivalled comfort. Barnebys shows us 5 classic E-types currently at auction, so that you can drive your very own piece of motoring history.
1963 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Zealia Lightweight Recreation
Originally manufactured as a left-hand drive and the 784th to have been built, this roadster has been converted to a right-hand drive after moving to the UK some thirty years after its production. The 1963 model has also undergone careful work to be transformed into a ‘Light-weight’ by the reputable Zealia Engineering. Based upon a correct E-Type monocoque, en-gine frame and running gear, the outer panelling is made from GRP – beautifully shaped to replicate a ‘Lightweight’, making the car light, swift and competent to be used both the road and on the circuit. The car is fitted with a partial roll cage and all the outer panels have been fitted to the original E-Type tub. Performance has been increased by uprated Wildwood brakes, a 3.8-litre engine re-built to competition specification with dry sump lubrication and side-draught webers, as well as a gearbox replaced with a five-speed Getrag unit. The car also sits on replica ‘Lightweight E-Type’ peg-drive ‘Dunlop’ wheels with three-eared spinners. The versatility of this classic car has been proven by its racing history, having been entered in a number of Scottish Motor Racing Club events. Excluding a few modern safety additions, the interior is period correct and has not been stripped for racing, meaning the car can be en-joyed for road use.
1963 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupé
This coupé has been well cared for by its previous owners, having travelled less than 5,000 miles in thirty-eight years, and now showing just under 69,000 miles on the clock. The most recent owner undertook a meticulous mechanical and body restoration to ensure the longevi-ty of this timeless car. This extensive renovation included new prop shafts, rebuilt suspension, uprated brakes, an engine rebuild, as well as a gearbox change to a Getrag 5-speed T5 to enhance driveability. The restoration under the hood was complemented by a rejuvenation of the exterior, with a fresh coat of paint in period opalescent dark grey highlighted by the chrome metalwork.
1964 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster
Though British-manufactured, the Series I, as it later became known, was initially introduced for export only; this roadster followed Jaguar’s original marketing intentions and was first ex-ported New York. This stunning, left-hand drive E-Type has aged gracefully over the last fifty years, preserved by a complete and very original restoration project. The car was initially fit-ted with a triple SU carburetted, 3.8-litre, six-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S mated to a Moss (EB) 4-speed gearbox, supplied in opalescent silver blue and a dark blue interior. In 2007, a painstaking rebuild was meticulously carried out over a four-year period by the owner, his mechanic and a number of specialists. The interior has been completely re-trimmed in Italian leather and the engine bay has been beautifully detailed. This car is a rare combination of a finely restored vehicle retaining its original feel and colour combination.
1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Roadster
Built in 1965, this ‘home-market’ supplied Jaguar is 1 of just 863 right-hand drive 4.2 Road-sters produced and is fitted with the 4.2-litre powerplant, often considered the best engine. For the 4.2, Jaguar introduced their own all-synchromesh box, replacing the slightly demanding Moss gearbox, along with improved seating and brakes; the new box allowed faster changes and was well-received in contemporary motoring press.
The engine and gearbox have been rebuilt, as well as an extensive body-rework. Completely stripped to bare metal, the sills, boot floor, door skins, floor pans and rear wheel arches were worked on, and the entire body was repainted in a rich dark blue.
In order to maintain as many genuine components as possible, the interior was kept largely untouched, including the beautifully patinated Claret interior, steering wheel and gear knob. The bodywork today is well-presented with clean shut lines and an excellent panel fit. The en-gine bay is well-organised and the car sits beautifully on painted wire wheels.
At its launch in 1961, the new E-Type Jaguar was available in either Open Two Seater (OTS) or two-seat Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) formats. By the mid-1960s, there was great demand for a third format – a 2+2 coupé – for the driver with a young family. This new option added nine inches to the wheelbase and two inches in height, allowing a rear seat perfect for chil-dren. The longer wheelbase also had the added benefit of allowing Jaguar to mate a Borg-Warner automatic transmission to the 4.2-litre engine. This E-type Plus 2 has a 4.2 Litre en-gine, alongside an automatic gearbox and chrome wire wheels. Originally finished in indigo blue with a wonderfully- patinated dark blue interior, the car was stripped and fully painted some years ago, the more ‘vertical’ appearance of the Plus 2 is lessened by the darker col-ours and the deep blue hue, giving an air of svelteness. Alongside this revitilization, the E-type has been ‘Polybushed’ and fitted with a sports exhaust manifold.
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