1969 Jaguar E-Type

The E-Type Jaguar debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motorshow as a replacement for the hugely successful Jaguar XK150. The new E-Type was nothing short of a revelation, with its heady blend of supercar performance, breath taking styling and low price tag, the newcomer left its rivals reeling and customers desperate to own one. Designed by William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer, the E-Type was launched in 1961 in both fixed head coupe and roadster form with design inspiration taken from the Le-Mans winning D-Type sports racer. Built around a steel monocoque chassis with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, all-round independent suspension using coil springs and dampers to the rear with torsion bars and wishbones to the front. Brakes were Dunlop discs all round, mounted inboard to the rear alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight. Powered by Jaguar’s XK 3.8 litre twin-cam straight six engine, the E-Type offered breath taking performance to rival both Ferrari and Aston Martin. The 3.8 litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres in October 1964. The 4.2 litre engine produced 265bhp and boasted a top speed of 150 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just under 7 secs. A 2+2 version of the coupe was introduced in 1966 with a 9” longer body and offers seating for four occupants.

The Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series II (chassis number 1R26588) offered here at Autostorico is finished in Opalescent Blue metallic with red leather interior. This original LHD example was manufactured on 8th July 1969 and supplied new by British Leyland New York to its first owner. Remaining in the USA until 1995 when it returned to the UK. Spending its early life in the USA before returning to UK shores in 1995. Purchased by its current owner who undertook a sympathetic restoration. Works included removing the engine and gearbox and stripping the whole body, before a respray was carried out. The car was also subject to a full mechanical overhaul including engine, gearbox, and suspension rebuild. Other notable works included overhauling the braking system and interior re-trim.