2021-10-28 13:04:02 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.carandclassic.co.uk/auctions/1966-jaguar-e-type-42-series-1-22-gNjwEg

Auction description:

1966 Jaguar E-Type

Colour Opalescent Silver Blue

Odometer 77,957 Miles

Engine size 4235

Location London

Country United Kingdom

• Desirable 4.2-litre Series 1 Right-hand drive

• Absolutely enormous history file

• Beautiful body restoration in its original colour

• Rebuilt engine and gearbox

With just four former keepers since 1966, it’s clear that this is a Jaguar that’s always been successful at working its way deeply into the affections of its owners.

And the history file demonstrates just how keenly this has manifested itself over the years: the car has received a huge amount of care and attention, most notably at the hands of marque specialists M and C Wilkinson, carrying out a full body restoration, engine and gearbox rebuild around 36,000 miles ago.

It’s a wonderful car to drive, beautifully finished with all the right details, and it has an incredible amount of documentation to back it up.

The Paperwork

The file of paperwork that accompanies this E-Type is so massive, it’s verging on ludicrous. Indeed, it’s not a file but a large cardboard box, within which we find the V5 showing just 4 former keepers, MOTs stretching back many years, and file after file of receipts and invoices. A lot of cosmetic and mechanical work was undertaken in the mid-1990s, and this is all carefully documented.

There’s a vast quantity of receipts from M and C Wilkinson for parts and labour, as well as documents from Derek Watson Jaguar Restoration, Winfield and Fearn in Rotherham, and SNG Barratt. The restoration work is illustrated by a huge number of period photographs. There are handwritten notes detailing all of the work that’s been carried out over the years, itemising every single part, as well as listing the servicing.

Crucially, there’s a Heritage Certificate from Jaguar, showing that this car was originally supplied in Edinburgh on 6th June 1966 (having been built on 18th May), in Opalescent Silver Blue with Dark Blue trim. At some point in its history it had been painted a darker blue, but as you can see it’s now been gloriously restored to its original shade.

The Interior

The cabin of this E-Type is beautifully presented, its original-spec Dark Blue leather trim in splendid condition with just a sprinkle of appropriate patina.

The front seats tilt correctly to allow access to the back. The carpets and headlining are in good order, and the dash is superb with all the gauges working correctly. The wood-rim steering wheel is a lovely item.

The door cards are complete and secure, as is the trim on the centre console. It’s all factory-spec in there, save for an aftermarket radio-cassette that we’d guess was probably fitted in the nineties, and would be very simple to replace.

The side-hinged boot opens easily and rests secure on its stay; inside the boot it’s impeccably trimmed, with a correct spare wire wheel and knock-off mallet under the floor.

The Exterior

The looks of this E-Type are little short of sensational. All eyes were on us as we test-drove the Jag through London, and it’s not just a car that looks pretty from afar either – all of the details are sublime throughout. 

The paintwork has a deep and liquid lustre to it, and the chrome trim and embellishments are all in place. You can see the level of care that’s gone into the restoration, as even all of the screws securing the trim are shiny and new.

The window glass is all good, as are the light lenses. The car wears a beautiful set of gleaming wire wheels, which are fitted with a recent set of high-quality Blockley tyres with plenty of tread.

The Mechanicals

This is a very smooth and enjoyable E-Type to drive, testament to the quality of its engine rebuild. It starts easily, idles happily, registers the appropriate temperatures and pressures, and is eager to cruise in effortless style. 

It has a recent battery, starter motor, alternator, brake servo and brake discs, and rides beautifully on Gaz suspension. Truly a joy to drive.