1965 Jaguar E-Type

Price:
Price Upon Request

• A highly desirable Series 1 4.2-Litre example
• Willow Green over a stunning tobacco leather interior
• Subject of a complete restoration following purchase by consignor in 2014
• Subtly upgraded with a Tremec five-speed manual transmission, Wilwood brakes, and wider wheels for improved drivability
• Seamlessly integrated retro-look modern audio system with Bluetooth connectivity
• Accompanied by JDHT certificate, restoration documentation and invoices, and tool roll

Debuting to great acclaim in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type would undergo continuous developments, broken into three major Series with additional running changes throughout, before production ceased in 1975. Each iteration has its merits, but when it comes to all-around appeal, it is hard to argue against the attributes of the E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre cars.

Introduced for the 1965 model year, the E-Type 4.2-Litre combined the pure styling of Series 1 cars, complete with covered headlights, with a range of desirable upgrades and improvements both small and large: Positive ground electricals were switched to negative ground, an alternator replaced the previous dynamo, and the four-speed manual transmission was now fully synchronized in all forward gears. And, of course, there was the 4.2-liter motor, which produced 265 brake horsepower the same output as the previous 3.8-liter cars, but with additional torque for greater usability.

This E-Type Fixed Head Coupe, chassis 1E 30799, was completed on 4 March 1965 and distributed in the United States through Jaguar Cars, New York. It was originally finished in Opalescent Silver Blue over a Dark Blue interior.

Acquired by the consignor in 2014, it was soon sent to Georgia-based marque specialist Richard Jenkins for a mechanical restoration. The car retains its numbers-matching engine per the accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate; it was, like every other major mechanical component of the car, overhauled during the restoration, and it is now fitted with a big-bore exhaust system with stainless steel headers. Its transmission has been upgraded to a Tremec five-speed manual unit for enhanced drivability. Further upgrades include wider wire wheels (now six inches wide, versus the factory five inches), Wilwood brakes, and an aluminum radiator with improved cooling fan.

After enjoying the mechanically perfected car for a time, the consignor decided to undertake a cosmetic restoration as well. It is now finished in Willow Green; this lovely exterior color pairs spectacularly with its tobacco leather interior, with upholstery work undertaken by Gran Turismo of Los Angeles. Finally, a retro-look modern audio system with Bluetooth connectivity has been seamlessly integrated into the cabin. Since this recently completed repaint and interior retrim, the car has seen only limited mileage.

It is well established that the Jaguar E-Type is one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Whether one gives the edge to the open-air exhilaration of the Roadster or the sophistication of the Fixed Head Coupe is a matter of personal preference; this stunningly restored Series 1 4.2-Litre, however, complete with a slate of well-considered improvements and accompanied by documentation of its restoration and a tool roll, makes a very compelling case for the latter. To view this car and others currently available, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/home/private-treaty-sales/.