Jaguar E-type

Conceived and developed as an open sports car, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in Coupe form. The car caused a sensation - spontaneous applause breaking out at the unveiling - with its instantly classic lines and 150 mph top speed. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the Le Mans-winning D-Type sports-racer, 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. 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.

With a claimed 265bhp available, E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. Taller drivers though, could find the interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor modifications) early in 1962. Today, the E-Types graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time.

Unusually this E-Type's previous owner has known the car since new, knowing all but one of the owners as he purchased it back in 1973 (an owner of some 43 years). With this in mind we have a superb service history which has been passed on and comes with the car, in fact it is one of the best and most charming service histories that we have seen in a long time. Included is his original purchase invoice where he traded in a BMW, a succession of old registration documents (including the original buff logbook) and then a Heritage Certificate which further confirms that the car remains on its original number BAD 483B and is supplied in its original colours of Opalescent Dark Blue with light blue trim. The Distributor was Henleys of London who in turn supplied it to Dealer Plough Motors of Gloucester (hence the Gloucester plate). Plough Motors subsequently looked after the car for quite some time and there are original MOT certificates and invoices from them which run on into the 1970's (e.g. specialist radiator repair £1.50, check over engine running, strip clean and balance carbs and fit thermostat £10.00!) This is then followed with photographs detailing a lengthy restoration which began in the 1990's and continued into the 2000's. This is further backed up by inches of invoices from various suppliers (mainly SNG Barrett). Today the car presents wonderfully with just enough patina to please and with superb under-bonnet presentation.

We are informed that the engine was changed under warranty by a Jaguar Main Agent under warranty in 1965, otherwise the car is standard apart from a conversion from dynamo to alternator (original dynamo supplied) and upgraded wire wheels have been fitted (although we would be happy to supply an early exchange set if required). Furthermore the low mileage of 74,000 has been confirmed to us which we feel makes this car a very attractive and interesting proposition