1967 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 4.2-LITER ROADSTER. Photo Bonhams

Chassis no. 1E15082. Engine no. 7E12726-9. 4,235cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine. 3 SU Carburetors.265bhp at 5,400rpm. 4-Speed Manual Transmission. 4-Wheel Independent Suspension. 4-Wheel Disc Brakes. Estimate US$ 100,000 - 130,000 (€75,000 - 97,000)

*Highly original example with fewer than 64,000 miles from new
*Matching numbers E-Type presented in factory-delivered color combination
*Few owners since new
*Rally and Concours d'Elegance veteran
*Accompanied by hard top, books, tools, history file and Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate

THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

Introduced in 3.8-liter form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and a 150mph top speed. Nowadays it would be impossible for a single model to cause such a stir but here was a civilized production sports car that looked like a Le Mans prototype and could outperform just about anything else on the road. 

The E-Type's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type: a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular space frame extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-liter, triple-carburetor, '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.  

The first significant up-grade occurred in October 1964 with the launch of the 4.2-liter version. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior Lockheed brake servo. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements, chiefly to the electrical and cooling systems, and to the seating arrangements. The top speed remained unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration.  

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to this E-Type's Heritage Trust Certificate, it was dispatched from the Browns Lane Jaguar works in March of 1967. Denoted as a left hand drive Series 1 Roadster, this car is one of the last Series 1 cars built, and one of the very first to receive the transitional Series 1 ½ headlight treatment, dubbing it a Series 1 ¼ among Jaguar aficionados. The E-Type was finished inBritish Racing Green over a tan Connolly interior, fitted with a black soft top, and destined for Jaguar Cars of New York, where Mr. Howard F. Sargent of Goldsbow, North Carolina became the car's first owner in July 1967. 

Howard Sargent, an Air Force pilot, is believed to have kept the Jaguar for decades in California while stationed at Edwards Air Force Base. The car later migrated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where its second owner offered it for sale in 2004. Dr. Matthew Sell of Boise, Idaho found the highly original, 58,000 mile E-Type, and soon added it to his growing collection of European sports cars of the highest quality, where it has remained since.  

Dr. Sell entered the car in the 2004 Portland, Oregon Concours d'Elegance, where second place honors were bestowed upon the green 'survivor' E-Type, and he also drove it on the 2005 Going to the Sun Rally in Montana, where the fast Jaguar could stretch its legs. The E-Type was toured again in 2008, this time on the Red Rock Rally in Utah.  

With fewer than 64,000 miles from new today, this extraordinarily well-kept and highly original E-Type impresses even the most discerning collectors. With the exception of one exterior repaint and replacement of the seat covers and carpets, the Jaguar remains original throughout. The factory-applied paint can still be found in compartments and jams, and door panels, dash, gauges, chrome and bright work all have a wonderful light patina. Fitted with a period Motorola radio, the E-Type is accompanied by the original seat covers and carpets (still in great shape), the original weather equipment, books and original warranty card, tools and Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate. A more original and better-preserved E-Type will be difficult to find anywhere. 

Bonhams. QUAIL LODGE AUCTION Carmel, Quail Lodge & Golf Club. 15 Aug 2014 11:00 PDT