1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Fixed Head Coupé
Registration no. CCN 377C
Chassis no. 1E20996
Engine no. 7E6244-9

'If Les Vingt Quatre Heures du Mans has been responsible for the new E-Type Jaguar, then that Homeric contest on the Sarthe circuit will have been abundantly justified. Here we have one of the quietest and most flexible cars on the market, capable of whispering along in top gear at 10mph or leaping into its 150mph stride on the brief depression of a pedal. A practical touring car, this, with its wide doors and capacious luggage space, yet it has a sheer beauty of line which easily beats the Italians at their own particular game.'

There have been few better summaries of the E-Type's manifest virtues than the forgoing, penned by the inimitable John Bolster for Autosport shortly after the car's debut. Conceived and developed as an open sportscar, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in Coupé form. The car caused a sensation - spontaneous applause breaking out at the unveiling - with its instantly classic lines and a 140mph-plus top speed. The design owed much to that of the racing D-Type, a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. Aerodynamically, the Coupé was superior to the Roadster and the better Grand Tourer, enjoying as it did a marginally higher top speed and the considerable convenience of a generously sized luggage platform accessed via the side-hinged rear door.

Its engine aside, only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable four-speed Moss gearbox it retained. The latter was replaced when the 4.2-litre engine was introduced on the Series 1 in October 1964, a more user-friendly all-synchromesh gearbox and superior Lockheed brake servo forming part of the improved specification together with the bigger, torquier engine. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged, but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements, chiefly to the electrical and cooling systems, and to the seating arrangements. Top speed remained unchanged at around 150mph, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved flexibility.

In the vendor's ownership for past 16 years, this matching numbers E-Type coupé is offered fresh from a complete bare metal restoration carried out over the last two years by an internationally respected classic car restoration company where it is currently stored. Noteworthy features include new MWS chromed wire wheels; new tyres; new stainless steel exhaust; Rob Beere front suspension height adjuster; Spax adjustable shock absorber;, original Triplex Sundym glass with heated rear screen; electronic ignition; Kenlowe fan; inertia reel seatbelts; Coopercraft vented discs and four-pot callipers; and many other new parts including the clutch, radiator, header tank, bonnet and Reynolds 531 engine chassis rails.

Retaining its original locking glove compartment lid, the interior has been renovated with new velvet pile leather-trimmed carpets and genuine hide trim to the door panels and centre console. Much attention to detail has been given to the interior trim, including re-upholstering the seats using their original black leather covering, which is in excellent condition and retains its classic patina. The chrome is said to be superb and door and bonnet shut lines excellent; everything works as it should and this E-Type is presented in pristine condition. Other features of note include a driver's side chromed 'bullet' mirror; halogen headlight bulbs; detailed engine bay with machine-polished cylinder heads and carburettors; and the original radio aerial, correctly positioned above the centre of the windscreen. The original lap seat belts and chromed wire wheels/tyres are included in the sale.

Finished in Old English White with black leather interior, this freshly restored E-Type coupé is offered with restoration invoices, V5 registration document, MoT to June 2015 and an extensive history file.