Footnotes

• 'If Les Vingt Quatre Heures du Mans has been responsible for the new E-Type Jaguar, then that Homeric contest on the Sarthe circuit will have been abundantly justified. Here we have one of the quietest and most flexible cars on the market, capable of whispering along in top gear at 10mph or leaping into its 150mph stride on the brief depression of a pedal. A practical touring car, this, with its wide doors and capacious luggage space, yet it has a sheer beauty of line which easily beats the Italians at their own particular game.' - John Bolster, Autosport.
  
  Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. Its design owed much to that of the racing D-Type: a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the XK150. An optimistic 265bhp was claimed, but whatever the installed horsepower, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 500lb (227kg) less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. In 1965 the 4.2-litre version arrived boasting a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear together with the bigger, torquier engine.
  
  Proposed changes in United States automobile legislation would eventually result in the revised Series 2, announced in October 1968, though modifications began to be phased in during 1967. Externally the Series 2 was readily identifiable by its larger sidelights, raised bumpers, deleted headlight covers, twin reversing lights and square rear number plate, while the interior was revised with rocker-type dashboard switches, new seats and collapsible steering column. Beneath the skin, Ad-West power steering, Girling brake callipers and an up-rated radiator were among the many Series 2 mechanical improvements.
  
  This Series 2 roadster was kept by its original owner Mr S Howard to 1977 when it was purchased by Mr William Chapman. In 1983 Mr Chapman sold the car to Mr Robert Glover, who a few years later was murdered by the IRA. His widow, Rhonda, retained the Jaguar, which was run and MoT'd every year. Correspondence and all expired MoT certificates on file confirm the recorded mileage of only 29,000.
  
  'RUN 254H' is said to drive like a new car and is exceptionally original in every respect, even down to its original paintwork and interior trim, the latter showing virtually no wear. Finished in blue with beige leather upholstery, this unmolested E-Type roadster is offered with sundry invoices, MoT to October 2013 and old-style Swansea V5 document.

Auction Notices

• Recorded mileage is 10,844 and not 29,000 as catalogued

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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