Highlights
- Fresh from a comprehensive restoration
- Documented with invoices and bills
- Highly appealing Opalescent Grey over red leather
- Ready to be enjoyed by it's next custodian
The Appeal
The success of the E-Type caught Jaguar by surprise, but a few years down the line the firm regrouped and began to perfect its beautiful sports car. This resulted in a number of improvements designed to increase the performance, comfort and drivability.
The most notable alterations and ones deemed highly desirable by enthusiasts were the switch in late 1964 to the larger 4.2litre XK engine, delivering more power and better torque, and the full synchromesh manual gearbox. Enthusiasts seeking usability over the purity of the original are drawn to these cars.
This 1966 Series 1 naturally has both these enhancements. Originally a LHD USA car - confirmed by VIN data - it has recently been comprehensively restored by marque specialists to a very high standard, including conversion to RHD. Finished in one of the most desirable colour combinations for these gorgeous cars, it is offered now in virtually ‘box fresh’ condition. It looks about as close to a brand new E-Type as it is possible to get, 57 years after it left the factory.
The History and Paperwork
- DVLA data records the first registration as 31st December 1966
- First UK registered 1st November 2021
- VIN records confirm this is a 1966 car, one of 4,249 LHD Series 1 cars
- It is the 1,077th from last E-Type Series 1 built excluding so-called Series 1.5 cars
- Subject to a bare metal, structural and mechanical rebuild from November 2021
- Works undertaken by marque specialists and fully documented in invoices and photographs
- Restoration work included structure, wiring, interior, engine, gearbox, rear axle and suspension
The Condition
- Very good condition inside and out
- Finished in Opalescent Grey over red which we are told is factory correct
- Bodywork and paintwork quality reflect the quality and freshness of this work
- Panel fit is exceptional with clean lines across the doors and consistent gaps
- Chromework either refurbished or replaced and presents as new
- Lights have been replaced or reconditioned and show no faults
- Correct factory-profile tyres with chrome wire wheels, all as new
- Interior is magnificent, a symphony of red leather and factory-correct detailing
- Desirable Series 1 interior features retained including push starter and chrome choke switch
- Smiths dials appear to be original, in good condition and with clear dials
- Period correct push-button radio fitted
- Leather clearly retrimmed to a high standard and appears unused
- Rear luggage area presents similarly with correct bar spacing and no damage
- Three spoke wood-rimmed Moto Lita steering wheel
Overall this E-type presents very well, a true testament to the detailed restoration it has just received. Attention to detail is evident in the fit of the panels - particularly the doors - and across the interior. This car scores on both points, showing superb panel fit, excellent paintwork and a glorious interior.
It is of course finished in Opalescent Grey over red, one of the most popular and certainly most attractive colour combinations for what is regularly voted the world’s most beautiful car. It has been freshly finished and presents to the buyer in effectively unused condition. There are a couple of minor marks on the inside edges of both doors - which we mention for completeness - but in all other respects the car seems to be immaculate.
The Mechanics
- 4,235cc Jaguar XK engine with triple SU carburettors
- Desirable later 4spd fully synchromesh manual gearbox
- Fully rebuilt engine and gearbox although the former is not matching numbers
- The original engine, head and block, is supplied with the car but we are told is unserviceable
- Rear axle and suspension fully rebuilt during restoration
- Wiring loom replaced and car also rewired
- Detailed engine bay with polished cam covers
The XK engine is a perfect match for the E-Type’s svelte lines, a highly tractable, torquey motor that can accelerate in 4th gear from 20mph to 120mph if required.
The restoration covered a complete mechanical overhaul of the car from rear axle and suspension to engine and gearbox. The results are evident in the photographs which show a beautiful, highly detailed engine bay.
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✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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