1966 Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type’s inherent beauty is legendary, and it is one of a few cars to ever be exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Production of the car began in 1961, and it originally featured a 3.8-liter double overhead-cam, six-cylinder engine. Its styling, which was the work of Malcolm Sayer and had been overseen by company founder Sir William Lyons, evolved from Jaguar’s Le Mans–winning D-Type race cars.

The E-Type’s construction was a multi-tube front end bolted to a steel body shell. The long, low hood and front fenders were one assembly and hinged at the front for unobstructed engine access. Introduced in 1964, the up-sized 4.2 litre inline-six had 265 horsepower and could accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 149 mph - and in incredible style and comfort.

Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged, but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements, chiefly to the electrical and cooling systems, and also to the seating arrangements. Top speed remained unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved flexibility.

The very special example we are offering for sale is a 1966 left-hand drive Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe that has been beautifully fully restored and upgraded to ‘Classic Specification’ by renowned marque specialists Eagle in Sussex, U.K.

Upgrades include; modern electronic fuel pump conversion, more powerful cooling fans, stainless steel braided brake hoses, performance Ohlins shock absorbers, 3 pot calliper and larger uprated disc brakes, Halogen headlamps, more powerful ventilation and heater blower and a full stainless steel exhaust system. This car also features polished aluminium water header tank, fully modernised wiper system, additional heat resistant material fitted to inside the bodyshell and around the gearbox tunnel, drilled aluminium throttle pedal and an upgraded sound system with Becker Mexico radio. The Classic upgrade package offers enhanced reliability, durability and usability whilst adhering as faithfully as possible to the specification & feel of the original E-Type.

As well as a large amount of mechanical work the car also received a bare metal respray in Opalescent Silver Grey and a full interior retrim in dark Red leather, both of which are the same colours as when it rolled off the Jaguar production line in 1966. No collection is complete without an early E-type, their beauty, wonderful driving dynamics, and big straight-six power make for one of the finest classic motoring experiences one can find. This fully restored and upgraded example wants for nothing and is ready to be enjoyed on Sunday morning drives and long-distance road trips alike.