Description
The first significant upgrade of Jaguar’s sensational E-Type sports car took shape in October 1964 with the launch of the 4.2-litre version. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior Lockheed brake servo. Apart from ‘4.2’ badging, the car’s external appearance was unchanged, but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements. These mainly concerned the cooling and electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the industry standard negative ground, while the interior boasted a matt black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The top speed of around 150mph remained unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration.
Like its 3.8-litre forbear, the 4.2-litre E-Type was built in roadster and coupé forms, and in 1966 gained an additional 2+2 coupé variant on a 9” longer wheelbase. Intended to extend the E-Type’s appeal beyond the traditional sports car-buying market, the new ‘family orientated’ 2+2 came with improved visibility thanks to an increased glass area, more headroom, improved heating and ventilation, additional luggage space and optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission.
In 1968 all three versions of the E-Type underwent major revision to comply with US safety and emissions legislation, emerging in ‘Series 2’ guise minus the original’s distinctive headlight covers. In addition, enlarged side and rear lights were adopted while a thickened front bumper centre section bridged a larger radiator intake. Interior changes included a collapsible steering column and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles.
This well sorted example has just enjoyed extensive recommission work during 2015, which involved attention to many areas of the car, supported by a sheaf of invoices to support the work completed. The work included the following:
- Remove engine and replace core plugs, and clean water ways
- Replace clutch plates, bearing, slave cylinder and skim flywheel
- Replace brake fluid reservoir
- Replacement of fuel tank, lines, pump, sender and filter
- Refurbish both carburetors and replace choke cables
- Fit new speedometer cable
- Replace exhaust down and centre pipes
- Replace all anti-roll bar links and front ball joints
- Rectify any wiring issues as required
- Perform a full service and give the car a new MoT certificate
Supplied with a UK V5, MoT and heritage certificate, and described as being in good condition in all respects, this lovely Roadster offers a very affordable way to enjoy E-type motoring.
