In 1964 Jaguar upgraded its popular E-Type with a larger version of the inline six-cylinder XK engine, increasing its displacement to 4.2 liters with factory output rated at 265 horsepower.

The Series I roadster offered here left the factory in triple-black livery and was shipped to Jaguar Cars New York on June 1, 1966. In 1989, it was acquired by W.D. “Bill” Nelson of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, who reportedly had the car repainted in Carmen Red, the interior reupholstered, and the engine rebuilt by Jaguar specialist Joe Maletsky of Motorcraft Inc. in Rutherford, New Jersey. Nelson is believed to have sold the car to a New York area dealer in the late nineties.

Invoices from XK’s Unlimited of San Luis Obispo, California, ranging from 2009 to 2017 and totaling $31,000 US, show a rebuild of the numbers-matching 4.2-liter engine and the addition of a Getrag five-speed manual transmission. An original-style four-speed synchromesh gearbox is supplied with the car. Additional invoices from XK’s Unlimited and specialist suppliers totaling $18,600 US show that the differential was also rebuilt.

Modifications to this E-Type include an aluminum radiator and header tank, thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan, six-branch exhaust manifold and stainless exhaust system, electronic ignition with silicon HT leads, adjustable torsion bar reaction plate, Gaz adjustable shock absorbers, Wilwood brake calipers up front, and Zeus calipers at the rear. The wheels are 72-spoke ‘curly hub’ chrome wire units shod in Pirelli P4000 rubber. The black leather interior features a period-style Nardi steering wheel and is complimented by a replacement black soft top.

This Series 1 4.2-liter was imported to the United Kingdom in 2020 and is accompanied by a JDHT Heritage certificate, tool roll, jack, service invoices, and historic imagery from the 1990s provided by the car’s previous owner.