1966 Jaguar E-Type SI

Estimated Price: £60,000 - £70,000

The Jaguar E-Type is an icon of British automotive history, and it isn't difficult to see why. Sensational looks, the ability to reach close to 150mph and all for half the price of an Aston or a Ferrari at the time. Jaguar's sports car was an instant sensation as its curvaceous good looks - equally good in Fixed-Head Coupé or Roadster forms - were clearly related to the Le Mans-winning D-types of the 1950s, sculpted by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer. Its structure was similar too, with a monocoque central tub and a tubular front section carrying the engine and front wheels. The E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor.

Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type throughout its life. The first results of this programme of improvements came in 1964 when the newly enlarged 4.2-litre XK engine was installed under the bonnet and although maximum power remained unchanged at 265bhp, torque was usefully increased, improving driveability. Other improvements included the arrival of a fully synchronised Moss gearbox and twin SU petrol pumps. A Lucas alternator was adopted along with a change to the electrics, now with a negative earth, a pre-engaged starter was designed, and a Lockheed vacuum servo replaced the Kelsey Haynes unit originally fitted. The seats were redesigned and were plusher and pleated, whilst an all-black instrument panel replaced the original aluminium one.

The car presented here is a 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2-litre Fixed-Head Coupé – arguably the most desirable of all E-Type models – and is chassis #1E 21451, a UK-market, right-hand drive car. Finished in Opalescent Silver Grey with a red leather interior, it was dispatched from the factory on 12th December 1966 to Henlys of London and onwards to its first owner, registered as EJO 900E.

In 1983, our vendor’s late father bought the car from renowned classic car and Ferrari aficionado Stephen Pilkington, as a complete but unrestored example, which was in need of work. It was subsequently restored, made good and enjoyed for a decade or more. By the 1990s the decision was made to restore it again, with our vendor recalling seeing the car fully dismantled awaiting attention; it was also returned it to its original colour of Silver Grey at this stage. Our vendor’s father had a real affinity with Jaguar, being one of the early members of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club (JEC), member #51, but regrettably he wasn’t able to participate in that many club activities over the last 25 years; appropriately, his JEC membership number passed to our vendor a few years ago.

For reasons various, including work commitments and latterly health problems, this striking E-Type was seldom used after its second restoration. Our vendor recalls that, amongst the other cars his father owned and sold, he vowed to always keep the E-Type to pass onto his sons, which he duly did. The car was always maintained well and had work done as necessary over the years, with some accompanying paperwork relating to this upkeep.

In 2023, our vendor had the car fully checked over and re-commissioned, an invoice for £4,700 appertains to this, and it has recently gone back to the same engineer for a similar health check and a few small jobs, in preparation for sale. With busy lives and no real outlet to enjoy the car fully, the family have made the tough decision to sell their beloved Jaguar and would dearly like it sold to a fellow enthusiast, much like their father. We understand the car remains a matching numbers example and has much potential to offer any new owner.

This is not a Concours example, but rather a very wholesome Series 1 E-Type, with the more desirable 4.2-litre engine, that can be driven and appreciated as intended. Whether enjoyed in its current form or taken to the next level, it represents a compelling opportunity to acquire a UK-supplied, right-hand drive FHC - a cornerstone of any serious classic car collection.