1966 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 1 Roadster

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

Originally finished in Cream with red leather trim, as confirmed by its Jaguar Heritage Certificate, the car was dispatched to Singapore just eleven days later – one of only seven Series 1 4.2 Roadsters sold new in the country that year. Its first owner, an Australian engineer stationed in Singapore, returned to Adelaide shortly afterwards, taking the E-Type with him. He retained the car for 21 years.

The second owner, a Qantas pilot residing in Whale Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, purchased the Jaguar from British & European Cars in Adelaide in 1987. He too owned the car for 21 years. During his custodianship, the engine and gearbox were rebuilt by Ian Jordan in Sydney.

In 2009, The Healey Factory in Ringwood, Victoria, acquired this remarkably original E-Type and undertook a comprehensive restoration over the following two years. The body was stripped to bare metal and resprayed in its original Cream using two-pack paint. Five new chrome Dayton double-laced wire wheels with stainless spokes were fitted, and the interior was re-trimmed to an exceptional standard by Garry Blackman.

A host of mechanical upgrades were carried out with parts sourced from V & A Spiteri in Blackburn, Victoria. These included:

• Aluminium radiator with 16-inch thermo fan

• Adjustable Gaz rear shock absorbers

• Custom brushed chrome extractors and performance mufflers

• Stainless steel exhaust system

• Alloy header tank

• Upgraded front brakes with vented discs and aluminium callipers

• Modified front suspension with upgraded torsion bars, adjustable camber, sway bars, and solid steering rack mounts

• New engine and alternator wiring looms

• Bosch alternator

• New engine mounts and rubbers

• Electronic fuel pump

• New clutch slave and brake master cylinders

The third owner, an avid collector of E-Types, acquired the car in 2011 and continued to maintain it meticulously. Renowned E-Type specialist Graeme Lord cared for the car during this period, rebuilding the differential and rear end, and more recently, overhauling the triple SU carburettors.

Most recently, the car has been serviced by Paradise Garage. This matching-numbers Series 1 Roadster is now beautifully presented and mechanically sorted – ready for winding weekend drives. A fine example of the breed, it would make an ideal addition to any garage or established collection and is not to be missed.