The Jaguar E-Type was a British sports car manufactured between 1961 and 1975. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. At a time when most cars had drum brakes, live rear axles, and mediocre performance, the E-Type sprang on the scene with a 150mph top speed, a 0-60 time of less than 7 seconds, monocoque construction, disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and unrivalled looks. On its release Enzo Ferrari famously called it "The most beautiful car ever made".
Though it retained the name and overall look of earlier models, the Series 3 V12 was a very different car. It was less road-racer and more luxury cruiser, but with pace to match or even exceed its predecessors, delivered with smoothness and sophistication.
Frustrated by the American market’s obsession with cubic inches and V8s, which put many off buying an E-type due to it having ‘only’ six cylinders despite its superb performance, Jaguar dusted off an old four-cam alloy V12 Le Mans engine proposal, gave it compact single-cam heads and squeezed it under the E-type bonnet; the 5.3 V12 is just 39kg heavier than the 4.2 ‘six’.
Extended wheel arches accommodated a wider track and wheels with low-profile tyres; the original short wheelbase was dropped, the roadster body being stretched to fit the same wheelbase as the 2+2 fixed-head. The vast majority of panels were different, especially on the roadster.
Equipment
Clarendon Blue Paintwork, Dark blue leather upholstery, Clarendon Blue hardtop, Dark blue soft-top, Dark blue tonneau cover, Wire wheels, Rear seats, Wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, Becker Europa radio, Leather gear knob, Lockable glove compartment and centre console storage, Dash clock, Front seat belts, Stainless steel luggage rack, Spare wheel, Spare key.
Exterior
The gleaming Clarendon blue paintwork presents very well throughout with only a handful of blemishes to report. The paint itself boasts a deep shine and is a very classy combination with the interior hue. All the brightwork appears in fantastic condition and really pops against the dark paintwork. The light clusters are all crystal clear and moisture-free. The blue soft top is in good order with no damage to the fabric or windows. A matching blue tonneau cover is also present which covers the soft top, keeping a clean and smart appearance.
Interior
The interior space is a very charming place to sit. The blue leather seats are in excellent condition, as are the centre console, door cards, and dashboard upholstered with blue vinyl. The three-spoke wooden Moto-Lita steering wheel really looks the part and feels beautiful in-hand to operate. Another charming period correct item to be found is the Becker Europa radio. The blue carpet and over-mats remain in excellent condition throughout the cabin with no damage to report. All switchgear, dials, and interior brightwork are found to be in fine fettle, operating exactly as they should.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
At the heart of the E-type is the legendary 5.3-litre V12. Upon road test it is immediately clear how well this example has been maintained – feeling tight and precise, pulling strong through each gear and climbing the rev range with ease. A huge amount of torque is also available, making this a very usable classic to drive in modern traffic. We have just had the car inspected, serviced, the power steering pump refurbished, and the coolant flushed.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The E-Type sits on 15-inch wire wheels, all presenting in great shape with little or no curb marking to speak of. The wheels are wrapped in high quality Pirelli tyres all round, each with ample tread remaining. The vented front discs provide ample stopping power, slowing the car quickly and in a straight line.
History File
The E-Type was first registered in the UK in January 1973. It was subsequently purchased by a Doctor from Germany who, for many years, was the proud owner until 2015 when it was re-registered in the UK. Having spent most of its life in Europe the car is fitted with LHD headlights and a KM speedometer.
Within the large history file there is photographic evidence of an engine re-build and bodywork repairs dated 1991. There is a stack of invoices from Germany dating from 1990-2015.
The Jaguar E-Type FHC (Fixed Head Coupe) is a classic sports car that was produced by the British automaker Jaguar Cars from 1961 to 1974. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever produced, with its long, sleek hood, flowing curves, and aggressive stance.
The E-Type FHC was derived from the D-Type race car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957. It was powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six engine that produced up to 265 horsepower and featured advanced suspension and braking systems, with independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels.
The E-Type FHC was known for its exceptional handling and performance, with a top speed of up to 150 mph and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 6.7 seconds. Its design was also innovative for its time, featuring an independent rear suspension and a monocoque construction.
The Jaguar E-Type FHC became an iconic car of the 1960s and was favored by celebrities and enthusiasts alike. OTS i.e The Jaguar E-Type Roadster became an iconic car of the 1960s and was favored by celebrities wanting to be seen in their car.