Background
So much has been written about the Jaguar E Type that it is hard to know where to start. Is it the most beautiful car ever to roll down a production line? According to Enzo Ferrari, it was, and we tend to agree. Iconic in profile, it features inch-perfect lines, some of the best engines in the business, and a cockpit straight out of every schoolboy’s dreams.
The E Type debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961 and caused quite a storm. Autocar got their hands on a 4.2 fixed head coupé in May 1965 and their test figures make for interesting reading. Acceleration from 0-60mph was just 7.6 seconds and maximum speed just topped the magic 150mph mark. They summarised the car: “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.”
Production lasted until 1975, with different series being produced, though the basic concept remained the same. The E Type was designed to be aerodynamic rather than beautiful, which goes to prove the engineering adage that if it looks right then it probably is.
Offered initially with the gorgeous 3.8-litre straight-six engine that develops 265bhp, the Jaguar was a democratic car, for all its potent symbolism and mouth-watering performance. Independent rear suspension and all-round disc brakes brought an air of modernity to the sports car market too. Launched at an attractive price of around £2,250, the E Type was surprisingly affordable, more so than many of its immediate rivals. Its engine capacity grew to 4.2-litres in 1964. The changes also included bigger disc brakes and an all-synchromesh gearbox.
The Series II was introduced in 1968 and was made for just three years. During that time 18,809 were produced, with under a third being the fixed head coupé.
Most distinctive feature is the absence of the glass headlight covers, due to American safety regulations. A wrap-around rear bumper, larger front indicators and an enlarged grille with twin electric fans to aid cooling also figured.
More USA inspired interior features include a steering lock and plastic rocker switches replacing the metal toggles on the dashboard. New seats allowed the fitment of headrests too.
One of those series II examples is on offer here today.








