Jaguar’s revolutionary E-Type first appeared to an amazed public at the 1961 Geneva Auto Salon. Jaguar boss Sir William Lyons and his chief aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer paired up to design the new sports car, meant to replace the ageing XK 150. The new car employed a semi-monocoque tub that utilized ingenious bolt-on front subframes to support the engine and independent front suspension. The rear was handled by the now ubiquitous modular independent rear suspension, pioneered on the Mk 10. The E-Type boasted four-wheel disc brakes, torsion bar front suspension, and initially a 3.8-liter version of the XK’s twin-cam inline six.

This high tech chassis was wrapped in a gorgeous body that was quite unlike anything that had been seen before. Beautiful, curvaceous and with just the right amount of aggression, the E-Type was a smashing success from day one. Amazingly, co-designer Malcolm Sayer had no interest in making the car beautiful. He was more interested in aerodynamics and applying his theories toward a functional design. Ironically, the E-Type was not terribly aerodynamically efficient, but it was achingly beautiful.

In 1965, Jaguar performed some updates to make the E-Type an even better performer than ever before. The engine was updated to 4.2-liters and 265 horsepower. The new engine was more powerful and gave a generous show of torque at the low end. To cope with the extra power, the early Moss gearbox was replaced with a fully synchronized four-speed that was monumentally easier to operate. Braking was also improved with the addition of a new servo to add extra shove to the four-wheel discs. The resulting E-Type Series I 4.2 could hang with a contemporary Ferrari or Aston Martin at a fraction of the price of more exotic machines. Long considered one of the most beautiful production cars of all time and with the performance to back it up, the E-Type is a perennial favorite among collectors and drivers alike.

This beautiful 1967 4.2 Open Two-Seater, (Jaguar parlance for roadster) is a very fine car with its correct engine backed up with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate. An original black-plate California car, it is finished in attractive Primrose yellow with a black leather interior and correct black vinyl top. It was restored from the ground up to a very high standard by the renowned restoration shop at XKs Unlimited in California. It is simply beautiful and is ready to be thoroughly enjoyed. This is the most desirable specification for an E-Type: the iconic covered headlamps, the deliciously torquey 4.2-liter engine and the magnificent drop-top bodywork. Chromed wire wheels with knock-offs also adds to the prestige.

It has been restored to a wonderfully honest and usable standard, sensibly upgraded with a five-speed transmission and an alloy radiator to aid in cooling. Panel fit is very good, paint quality is gorgeous, and all chrome trim is beautifully restored and expertly fitted. The black interior has been restored using the correct materials throughout. Leather seats are just slightly broken in and delightfully inviting, with the cockpit rounded out by the iconic three-spoke steering wheel and a period-correct radio in the dash, which features full instrumentation and an aircraft-like bank of toggle switches.

Performance is strong, with an addictive howl from the 4.2-liter twin cam. Strong four-wheel disc brakes bring the fun to a halt in the correct manner and the suspension has been perfectly set up by XKs Unlimited. This is a very fine restoration that would make a seriously good event car while at the same time be welcomed at a British car show or concours event. The Series I E-Type is the cornerstone of many car collections and is considered to be a must-have for any fan of classic sports cars. This fine example is sure to satisfy collector and driver alike.