There are few who wouldn’t agree that the E-Type in its original and purest form has to be in the “all time top ten” of the most beautiful cars ever produced, if not the top five.  Plenty has been written about every Series but the most desirable are the Series 1 cars, and in that 7 year production run the later 4.2 litre version is top dog.  Although they produced the same 265hp as the earlier 3.8 litre cars peak power was available at a slightly lower 5,400rpm. They had an increase amount of torque at 238lb/ft, which gave better mid range acceleration.  Boasting synchromesh on all four gears, revised cooling system, and an alternator replacing the earlier generator, they were a nicer and more dependable car to drive. Gone were the bucket style seats of the 3.8litre cars, replaced with better padded and more comfortable items

All these improvements made the 4.2 litre cars a great deal easier to live with day to day. In 1964 UK production was still focussed on exports, and a large proportion of Series 1 4.2 litre cars went to the USA, so original right hand drive UK market cars are relatively rare, with many left hand drive cars returning from the US to be converted.

This is an original RHD UK market E Type 4.2 roadster sold new by Henlys of Piccadilly, and has had just 3 owners from new.  It has had a change of colour from its original silver to red; this probably happened during a restoration.  It is in near immaculate condition throughout, with only a few minor jobs and tweaks remaining to be done to be perfect.

With new black leather and black carpets and trim the interior is in excellent condition.  The seats have been re-trimmed in soft Connolly leather, and the carpets replaced with smart black Wilton wool.  All are near perfect with no visible wear or damage. The dash area is as it left the factory, and all gauges appear to function correctly. The radio looks entirely original, but has been upgraded internally with Bluetooth connectivity.  The steering wheel would have been a larger wood rimmed item, but this has been replaced with a period Moto-Lita wheel of smaller circumference.  

This allows those of “larger stature” to slip more easily into the driver’s seat! We noticed that the steering column felt a little loose; could be a bracket requires tightening and likely to be an easy fix. The hood is easy to put up and down and the mechanism is in good shape too, although it may need a small amount of adjustment to fit snugly over the driver’s side window.  We noted that a strip of door seal was missing on the driver’s side, and this will be hopefully be replaced by time of collection by the purchaser. Overall the interior is lovely; not faultless but not far from it!

Having been repainted from its original silver at some time in the past, the red paintwork remains in excellent condition. We couldn’t spot any areas of damage, stone chips or flat areas.  The panel fit, always a tricky detail to get right, is very good with consistent lines.  All the glass and trim is superb, and we checked all the lights worked correctly. The 15 inch chrome wire wheels are excellent, with matching Pirelli P4000 Super Touring rubber.  All the tyres are virtually new.

In general the exterior is in virtually immaculate and very presentable condition.

On our arrival to take the photographs the E Type was tucked up in its garage.  Starting from cold at first time of asking with a just little choke, and once warmed up it settled to a nice burble. Oil pressure was good and the temperature climbed slowly.  We didn’t venture out onto the salty roads, but the Seller assures us that it drives well; nice and tight with no rattles and plenty of grunt. He has a few cars to play with so the E Type only got driven on the sunniest of days, in fact the roof hadn’t been raised for several months.  He has covered just over 1,200 miles since he purchased the Jaguar in October 2018, but reports every one has been a pleasure.  He has not stinted on the maintenance as can be seen in the itemised list of work completed.

In the misty morning light the car the E Type looked breathtakingly beautiful. Lithe and graceful and every inch as attractive as it was in 1961 when it first wowed the crowds at its Geneva launch.Although is little paperwork and history what we do have is enough.  The Heritage Certificate, MoT history and condition tell us all we need to know.  A simply beautiful and desirable roadster in excellent condition just waiting to be enjoyed.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.