1966 JAGUAR E-TYPE

After all the fuss and fanfare of the 1961 launch of Jaguar's original 3.8-litre E-Type had died down, the company quietly introduced the new 4.2-litre car in late 1964. It was more of an evolution than a new model, but was significantly improved with more torque, a user-friendly gearbox, better brakes, brighter headlights and, at long last, reasonably comfortable seats. It remained in production until the arrival of the one-year-only Series I½ in late 1967 followed by the Series 2 in 1968. With the benefit of hindsight, it's generally felt that late Series I cars with their covered headlights, slimline bumpers, 4.2-litre engine, all synchromesh gearbox and improved legroom are the ones to have, retaining the elegant, uncluttered, head-turning lines of the original 3.8s but so much more enjoyable to drive.

HVC 21D is one of two late Series I Roadsters offered from the Collection, both finished in Opalescent Dark Green (ODG) and generally very similar apart from the interior, in this case superbly retrimmed in Suede Green (originally Tan). The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms that it was originally destined for Jaguar Cars New York as a personal export delivery in left-hand drive finished in ODG. It returned to the UK at some point and was subsequently converted to right-hand drive and restored to a remarkable standard (see list below). The odometer indicated an indicated 51,142 miles at the time of cataloguing.

We understand from the Collection that they carried out the following:

A delightfully presented example, clearly well restored, offering the best combination of Series I looks and 4.2-litre engine.

Transmission: Manual