1965 JAGUAR E-TYPE Series I 4.2 Litre

Jaguar E-Type, or the Jaguar XK-E for the North American market, was manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975.

Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world. On its release in March 1961 Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made”.

The E-Type was based on Jaguar’s D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three consecutive years. The E-Type’s 150 mph top speed, acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds , monocoque construction, disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes.

The Series I cars were produced from 1961 to 1968. Except for late 1967 models, Series I cars can be recognized by their glass-covered headlights, smaller “mouth” opening in the front, signal lights and tail-lights above the bumpers and the exhaust tips under the number plate in the rear.

In 1964 the 3.8 litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres. The 4.2-litre engine produced the same power as the 3.8-litre and had the same top speed, but increased torque approximately 10%. Acceleration remained pretty much the same and 0 to 60 mph times were around 6.4 seconds for both engines, but maximum power was now reached at 5,400rpm instead of 5,500rpm on the 3.8-litre. That all meant better throttle response for drivers that did not want to shift down gears. Other engine upgrades included a new alternator/generator and an electric cooling fan for the radiator. The 4.2L cars have more comfortable seats than the 3.8L. They also have improved brakes and electrical systems, and an all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox. 4.2-litre cars also have a badge on the boot proclaiming “Jaguar 4.2 Litre E-Type” (3.8 cars have a simple “Jaguar” badge).

In May of 1965, Auto car road tested a UK spec E-Type 4.2L fixed head coupe. The maximum speed was 153 mph. They summarised it as “In its 4.2 guise the E-Type is a fast car (the fastest we have ever tested) and offers just about the easiest way to travel quickly by road.”.

In October of 1964, Motor magazine road tested a UK spec E-Type 4.2L fixed head coupe. The maximum speed was 150 mph, and the 0-60 mph time was 7 seconds. They summarised it as “The new 4.2 supersedes the early 3.8 as the fastest car Motor has tested. The absurd ease which 100 mph can be exceeded in a 1⁄4 mile never failed to astonish. 3,000 miles of testing confirms that this is still one of the worlds outstanding cars”.

This 100% original E-type Series I – 4.2 litre, fixed-head coupe in a left hand drive example is in the stunning color combination of Opalescent Silver Grey with Dark Blue leather interior. This car has been maticlously maintained and is in excellent condition. It is Jaguar Heritage Certified and has extensive documentation regarding its history, maintenance and preservation, including it’s orignal 1st title from Germany.

Just a sample of some of it’s history… is that this car was delivered at the factory to it’s 1st owner, a Army Doctor Captain stationed in Germany. He added the radio and the side view exterior mirror and drove the car 12,000 miles in just 8 months. His Army mate and friend, who was a mechanic, maintained the car for the Doctor, as they were both utterly fascinated with the car. In January of 1966, the Mechanic asked to buy the car he cherished from his Doctor friend and shipped it back to the United States where he kept the car for 43 years. Driving it occasionally and only in good weather. During the winters, even though the car was garaged, the seats and wheels were removed and kept inside the house.

This car is the quintessential example of orginalnality and preservation and truly is an exquisite car.