1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

This Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 1 rolled off the production line on March 3rd, 1966, as the 501st right-hand drive roadster.

Originally finished in Cream with red leather trim confirmed by the Heritage certificate this E-Type was dispatched to Singapore just eleven days later – one of only seven 4.2 Series 1 roadsters sold new there in 1966. The original owner was an Australian engineer stationed in Singapore who returned home to Adelaide soon afterwards - with the Jaguar in tow - and he ultimately kept the E-Type for 21 years.

The second owner was a Qantas pilot who lived at Whale Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, who bought the Jaguar from British & European Cars in Adelaide in 1987 and he too kept it also for 21 years. During this gentleman’s ownership both the engine and gearbox were rebuilt by Ian Jordan in Sydney.

The Healey Factory of Ringwood, Victoria managed to secure this very original Jaguar in 2009 and completely refurbished the car over the next two years – the body was stripped back to bare metal and repainted in Cream. using 2-pac paint, five new chrome Dayton double-laced wire wheels with stainless spokes were fitted and Garry Blackman completely re-trimmed the interior to the highest possible standards of fit and finish.

Meanwhile a long list of mechanical upgrades were carried out, with the following parts sourced from V & A Spiteri of Blackburn, Victoria; a new aluminium radiator with 16-inch thermos fan, adjustable Gaz rear shock absorbers, custom E-Type brushed chrome extractors, performance mufflers and stainless steel exhaust system, a new alloy header tank, upgraded front brakes with vented discs and aluminium callipers, upgraded front suspension with modified torsion bars, adjustable height camber, sway bars and solid steering rack mounts. Brand new engine and alternator wiring harnesses, a new Bosch alternator, new engine rubbers and electronic fuel pump, new clutch slave and brake master cylinders were all fitted.

The third owner added this Series 1 Roadster to their growing collection of E-Types in 2011 and continued to maintain the car keeping it in fantastic condition. As with each of their cars, Graeme Lord has been responsible for looking after it; he rebuilt the differential and rear end and recently overhauled the triple SU carburettors.

Recently overhauled by Paradise Garage, this matching number E-Type makes this car perfectly ready for winding weekend roads. The roadster would make the perfect addition to any garage or established collection and is not to be missed.