In designing what would become the venerated E-Type, Jaguar’s engineers would borrow much of the design from their raucous D-Type, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans a stunning three consecutive times from 1955–1957. Central to the E-Type’s design was keeping the D-Type’s monocoque construction. Revolutionary in its day, the aeronautically inspired design consisted of a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension, and steering assembly bolted directly to the body tub. This new design not only significantly lightened the car, but also lowered its center of gravity for excellent cornering. Rear suspension was also fully independent, using jointed axles as upper links and tubular lower links, with twin coil springs and shocks on each side.

Presented in dark blue over cognac leather trim, this example of Jaguar’s automotive masterpiece wears several tasteful performance upgrades. Cosmetically, the car’s exterior has been altered to subtly resemble Jaguar’s infamous “Lightweight” E-Types including removal of the front and rear bumper as well as replacing its usual chromed wire wheels with 15-inch center-lock Dunlop ventilated steel wheels. Twin driving lights have also been flush-fitted into the bonnet on either side of the grille. Inside, the car maintains the early E-Type hallmarks of high-back bucket seats and aluminum-trimmed dash and console.

Under the bonnet lies the car’s numbers-matching engine and cylinder head which, while wearing performance upgrades, present much as they would have when new. The mill’s original triple SU carburetor setup has been replaced with a trio of two-barrel Weber carburetors which wear velocity stack air intakes and are mounted to a Redline aluminum intake manifold. The original exhaust manifolds have likewise been swapped for a high-flow header system.

With a handsome color scheme and exquisite performance upgrades, this early E-Type roadster promises endless enjoyment, both at concours events and roaring down the road.