1966 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 4.2 2+2

KEY FACTS

• In single family ownership for nearly 50 years, this E-Type has been mechanically restored over the last five years but retains a charming patina.
• It is equipped with the 4.2-litre straight-six engine, fed by triple SU carburettors, paired with the four-speed all-synchro manual transmission.
• The car is located in and registered in California.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The car is finished in the combination of Opalescent Silver Grey over a red leather interior, which is the original colour scheme.
• It was acquired by the seller’s father in 1972, and was used sparingly for the next five years. From 1977 until 2016 it was laid up in a garage, and at that point the current owner set about getting the Jaguar back into excellent mechanical order after his father had passed away.
• While this E-Type left the factory with the automatic transmission, it was converted to the manual gearbox in 2016 as part of a major mechanical recommissioning at a cost of around $25,000.
• An aluminium radiator has also been installed, along with a stainless steel exhaust system, and a new steering wheel. The car also has electronic ignition and an electric fan.
• The car rides on 15-inch wire wheels, all recently replaced, fitted with Kumho Ecsta LX tires.
• Accompanying the car is the knock-off hammer, jack, and full-size spare wheel. Only two specialists have worked on the car in the last five years, and prospective bidders are welcome to speak with them for an assessment of the car.
• Also present is the handwritten bill of sale from 1972, when the then owner in Richmond Hills, NY sold the Jaguar to the seller’s father, who was living in Kinnelon, NJ at the time.

CONDITION

• The seller believes that prior to 1972, the car had a minor front end impact. While there is no paperwork or confirmation of this, the front section appears to have been repainted in the past, and one of the bumperettes has been renewed. The bodywork is reported to be remarkably solid, with virtually no rust apart from some very minor surface corrosion in a few places.
• Its Silver Grey paintwork is described as being in fair order. Other than the belief that the hood has been repainted in the past, the rest of the finish is thought to be the original factory coat. As such, it has dulled and gone flat over time, commensurate with its 55 years of age. There are minor chips and dings, but is still eminently usable as-is, presenting with a ‘shabby chic’ weathered appearance.
• Likewise, the glass and chrome trims are all believed to be entirely original, with the exception of one bumperette and the wire wheels.
• The cabin is also assumed to be all original, and the red leather has surface cracking and minor imperfections, a darker stain on the driver’s seat, plus a very small hole on the passenger side. The carpeting is slightly faded, but overall there is no major damage, and the car has a wonderful character.
• There are no known electrical faults, other than the clock that is intermittently faulty. The seller has also never used the rear screen defroster, so does not know if it works or not.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Last serviced in late 2020, this was a full service with an oil and filter change, timing chain check, and tuning check at around 31,9000 miles by Carlsbad British.
• All front bushings were replaced with polyurethane items, a new steering rack was fitted, along with Spax adjustable shock absorbers, a new coolant expansion tank, and a new temperature sensor - all at a cost of around $8,000.
• New spark plugs and leads have also recently been added, and the carburettors have been rebuilt and tuned.
• In 2017, Carlsbad British carried out more extensive work. A full engine-out rebuild was undertaken, along with new chains and seals, a new water pump, thermostat, and alternator. Around this time, the four-speed manual transmission was installed, with the seller noting new facts about the car or its condition. The cost for these improvements came to around $25,000
• Prior to this, in 2016 the car was put through the initial recommissioning process, carried out by well-known classic Jaguar specialist Lippincott’s Garage in Pennsylvania. All new hoses were fitted, along with all new brake lines, wheels, tires, callipers, pads, and a battery. The gas tank was re-enamelled, a new fuel pump, master cylinder, and filters were renewed, and the stainless steel exhaust was installed. All of this work also came to around $25,000.
• During this period, the car has been driven sparingly, with only around 2,000 miles added from 2016. While the mechanicals have been comprehensively refreshed, the cosmetic appearance is highly original.

SUMMARY

This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 would be a great choice for someone who wants a car that they can take out and enjoy on the road. Mechanically, it is in great shape, having been fully refurbished with an engine rebuild and overhauls to the suspension, brakes and steering. The 4.2-litre straight-six pulls strongly, and the manual transmission shifts well through the gears. There have not been any issues with overheating or electrics since the recommissioning, and it is said to leak hardly any oil. While the next owner could choose to sympathetically restore the paintwork, the current owner rightly says that it adds fantastic originality to the vehicle, and always draws admiring glances wherever it goes.

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