Automotive Gallery

The last E-Type Jaguar rolled off the production line in 1975, yet the model still has a unique ability to excite enthusiasts of all generations, its Malcolm Sayer-penned lines thought by many to be among the most striking ever to adorn a motor car. Indeed, only two years ago the Daily Telegraph ranked the E-Type top of the `100 most beautiful cars of all time'. Like the XK150 before it, it was born of Jaguar's competition successes on the race tracks of Europe. This was no ordinary motor car - it was a true thoroughbred.

The E-Type or XK-E as it was known in the USA, made its debut at the Geneva motor show of 1961. Like the XK120 before it, at launch the new Jaguar was the fastest production car of its time - its 3.8-litre straight six engine allowing a 0-60mph acceleration time of seven odd seconds and a top speed of circa 150mph.

From birth, the car was available either as a fixed head Coupe or a two-seat Roadster. The engine size was increased from 3.8 to 4.2-litres in October 1964. With the change came a sweeter all-synchromesh gearbox, better brakes and more comfortable seats. What are retrospectively known as Series 2 cars were launched in 1968 - they featured a number of modifications required by the Federal market, eg: exposed headlamps, collapsible steering column, safety rocker switches for the facia, larger bumpers and revised side, stop and flasher lamps. US versions of the engine were fitted with a pair of Zenith carburettors rather than the triple SUs of the home cars.

The 1968 Primrose yellow Series 2 Roadster offered is a lefthand drive model that was re-imported from the USA in 1989. It is a manual car fitted with black leather interior. The vendor claims to have spent £30,000 on the car (supporting invoices are apparently available) in the 10 years he has owned it. The many upgrades fitted are said to include: a classic Jaguar Houston 5-speed gearbox, mohair hood, new leather seats and interior, MWS/Dayton wire wheels, two electric fans, Becker radio and cassette player, Motolita steering wheel, lightweight starter motor, aluminium flywheel. Graz dampers all round, a Rob Beere anti-roll bar, Lumenition ignition system, electronic fuel pump, fire extinguisher, electronic clock and (just last year), four new Pirelli tyres.

In recent times the E-Type has been looked after by Colin Ford (JEC E-Type Guru) and is said by the vendor to have "excellent" coachwork, "first class" paintwork, transmission and interior trim and "good" engine and electrical equipment.

Image and description kindly supplied by H&H Classic Auctions