The E-Type Jaguar debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motorshow as a replacement for the hugely successful Jaguar XK150. The new E-Type was nothing short of a revelation, with its heady blend of supercar performance, breath-taking styling and low price tag, the newcomer left its rivals reeling and customers desperate to own one. Designed by William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer, the E-Type was launched in 1961 in both fixed head coupe and roadster form with design inspiration taken from the Le-Mans winning D-Type sports racer. Built around a steel monocoque chassis with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, all-round independent suspension using coil springs and dampers to the rear with torsion bars and wishbones to the front. Brakes were Dunlop discs all round, mounted inboard to the rear alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight. Powered by Jaguar’s XK straight six engine, the E-Type offered breath taking performance to rival both Ferrari and Aston Martin. The first significant up-grade occurred in October 1964 with the launch of the 4.2-litre 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 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 1 Roadster (chassis number 1E1245) offered here at Autostorico is finished in Signal Red with Beige leather interior. This original UK example was Supplied to its first owner via Henlys London on 1st July 1965. Passing through several owners before being purchased in 2003 by a Jaguar enthusiast who has maintained it to a very high standard with no expense spared. Recent works have included a mechanical refresh, brake overhaul, full suspension setup, new exhaust system and a new Mohair hood.