1965 Jaguar E-Type

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

The Series 1 4.2 is considered by many enthusiasts to be a real ‘sweet spot’ in the Jaguar E-type’s production run, and this Roadster is in exceptional condition following a ground-uprestoration by renowned specialist E-type UK.

Originally built at the Browns Lane factory on 29 October 1965, chassis number 1E 11856 was dispatched to Jaguar Cars, New York, on 9 November. It was then sold to Charles Kovacs – who is listed on the Heritage Certificate as being the first owner – on 18 May 1966. 

The original invoice from Marquis Motors of Laguna Beach, California, is part of the car’s extensive history file, and it shows that Kovacs paid $6624 for his new E-type. He ended up keeping the Jaguar until August 1980, when it was sold to Gordon Wallace of Victoria, British Columbia. 

More recently, the car was brought back to England and treated to a full restoration at E-type UK that commenced in 2014 and which included a conversion to right-hand drive. The finished E-type was first registered here in June 2015, since when it has been maintained regardless of cost and has benefitted from a number of well-chosen upgrades.

In 2019, a five-speed gearbox conversion was carried out and makes long-distance touring a much more comfortable proposition. EZ power steering was also fitted, along with Coopercraft four-pot brake calipers, plus wider wheels, a modern stereo with Bluetooth connection, LED lighting and inertia-reel seatbelts.

In 2022, the differential was overhauled and the owner enjoyed stretched the Jaguar’s legs by touring Europe for several weeks, their route taking in France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Monaco.

Now being offered for sale, this beautifully presented and well-sorted E-type combines the model’s timeless styling with discerning upgrades that make it an even more enjoyable and versatile example of this enduring classic.

MODEL HISTORY  

Three years after the E-type’s sensational launch at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar introduced the first significant change to its flagship sports car when the 3.8-litre, twin-overhead-camshaft, straight-six engine was replaced with an updated 4.2-litre version of the same unit.

Also developed for use in the Mark X saloon, the bigger engine provided a boost in torque – up from 261 to 283lb ft – and retained the triple-carburettor set-up of its predecessor. A number of other upgrades were introduced at the same time: the old Moss gearbox was replaced by a new all-synchromesh, four-speed Jaguar gearbox, and more comfortable seats were installed, plus improved electrics and a new brake servo.

Elsewhere, the basic layout was retained. With its monocoque centre section and a subframe to carry the engine and front suspension, the E-type owed much to the legendary D-type sports-racer of the previous decade. Independent rear suspension was employed, and disc brakes were fitted all round. Two body styles were initially offered – a roadster and a fixed-head coupé – and a 2+2 model was added to the range in 1966.

When Motor magazine tested a 4.2 E-type, it said that the new model ‘creates its own unique position among the world’s most desirable cars with a combination of performance, handling, looks and refinement that is still unequalled at the price’. The acceleration, in particular, caught their attention, especially ‘the tremendous punch in second gear which would fling the car past slower vehicles’.

Demanding motorists such as Denis Jenkinson – the famous ‘continental correspondent’ for Motor Sport magazine – considered the 4.2 to be a considerable improvement over the earlier 3.8, and that was backed up by ever-increasing sales in vital export markets such as the US. The Series 1 4.2 remained in production until 1968, with Jenkinson’s editor Bill Boddy concluding that it was ‘very near perfection’.