Description
This car is Lot 481 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Beaulieu Sale on 6 September, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday 5 September from 10:00 until 17:00 and Saturday 6 September from 08:30 until 17:00 at The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
Lot 481
1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4. 2-Litre Coupé Project
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. 1E 33053
Sold new in Canada
Left-hand drive
Engine and bodywork restored by JD Classics
Offered in need of completion
Launched in October 1964, the 4. 2-litre version of Jaguar's sensational E-Type sports car came with a more user friendly all-synchromesh gearbox and superior Lockheed brake servo as part of the improved specification alongside the bigger, torquier engine. Apart from '4. 2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged from that of the 3. 8-litre original, but beneath the skin there were numerous detail improvements. These mainly concerned the cooling and electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the industry standard negative earth, while the interior boasted a matt black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The E-Type's top speed remained unchanged at around 150mph, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved flexibility.
Today, the E-Type's graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time. Retaining the sublime looks of the original while benefiting from the larger engine and the all-synchromesh gearbox, the Series 1 '4. 2' is considered by many to be the most desirable E-type variant and is highly sought after today.
This E-Type's restoration was commenced in 2022 but was interrupted early in 2025 due to the restorer JD Classics entering administration. The left-hand drive donor car was sold new in Canada in July 1966 and retains its original factory plaque listing numbers for the chassis, engine, body and gearbox. Restoration carried out so far has included an engine rebuild and restoration of the bodyshell, which has been finished in primer ready for the next stage of repainting. The car is offered with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate and comes with many original parts that were removed from the car during the restoration process (viewing advised).
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
