1966 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 4.2 FHC

This 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe is a gorgeous classic British sports car, benefitting from a recent engine rebuild and a full bare-metal respray. Under the shapely bonnet is the 4.2-litre straight-six, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.

First registered in January 1966, this two-seat Series 1 E-Type left the factory as a US-market left-hand drive car, and it is believed that the car was imported from California. Having been imported to the UK around 10 years ago, it was kept in good running order, and was subsequently acquired by the current owner six years ago, when the car was looking rather tired. Since then, it has received a conversion to right-hand drive, a complete bare-metal respray in 2015, and a full engine rebuild one year later. The odometer indicates 94,255 miles, though it is a replacement unit that is not currently working, so this figure is inaccurate. It has recently been in storage, and is now offered for sale to another enthusiast.

Today, the bodywork and paintwork are in excellent condition, with no evidence of any prior accident damage. A period-correct Jaguar hue, the Opalescent Silver Blue finish suits the car’s attractive curves particularly well, and has a bright and glossy appearance. There are only a few very minor imperfections, including a blister behind the rear driver’s-side wheel arch. All of the exterior brightwork is very smart, and the light lenses are free of any cracks. The car rides on a set of 15-inch wide wire wheels, which are in great shape and are capped with the correct two-eared knock-off hubs, and wear 207/70 R15 tyres.

Inside, the cabin has been retrimmed in dark blue leather, and presents very well indeed, with only the slightest signs of use on the seats’ surfaces. Elsewhere, the interior reflects the car’s age, with much of the trim and touchpoints having a charming light patina. Ahead, the wood-rimmed steering wheel features various minor scuffs and marks which have been earned over this E-Type’s 55-year history, and help to tell the story of a car which has been used and enjoyed as intended. While a period-correct Pianola radio unit is fitted, this has been converted by Tadpole Radios, and now features an FM tuner and Bluetooth connectivity. The seller notes that the speedometer is not currently functioning.

This classic British sports car’s most recent routine maintenance was performed in 2017, following restoration and refurbishment, including the full engine rebuild in 2016.

Although it is exempt due to its age, this E-Type’s last MOT test was conducted on 9 October 2017 at an indicated 94,255 miles. This resulted in a first-time pass, with advisories for wear to the propshaft’s rear universal joint, slight play in the offside rear inner drive shaft universal joint, and some surface corrosion on the front brake pipes.

This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-litre Fixed Head Coupe is a smart example of the beautiful British icon. Built as a US-market car but recently converted to right-hand drive as part of a restoration, this example is reported to be very solid thanks to decades in the Californian climate, and is now ready to charm its next owner out on the open road.

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