The Jaguar E-type is a British automobile legend, manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975. A combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing ensured the car was an instant legend. In period, a Ferrari cost three times more and supplied less horsepower which established the marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. The model became a great success for Jaguar; at its release Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made". Leveraging the monocoque construction of the D-type, the design enables two advantages. The front subframe for engine mounting, suspension and steering assembly affords excellent aerodynamic properties whilst keeping weight low and more importantly, centre of gravity low. The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½", and before even the 1½, around 300 interim cars exist. The Series 1 4.2-litre roadster is often thought of as the most desirable specification E-type striking the perfect balance between the early and pure looks of the first cars with the benefit of additional torque and power from the enlarged motor. Sir Robert Ropner’s request for an E-type Lightweight for the road came after the completion of the 12 competition cars. A prominent name and an avid collector of the marque, the Browns Lane factory made it happen. Fitted with the 5-speed ZF gearbox as the lightweights did, this example is further equipped with countless details that were on the Ropner-special. The devil is truly in the details with this restoration and the combination water temperature and oil temperature gauge is arguably to greatest nod to Ropner’s exacting request lifted from his earlier XK120! From the outside, it would be a challenge to notice the differences on this E-type from when it was supplied new through Charles Hornburg of Los Angeles in July of 1967. Resplendent today in the very same British Racing Green over Suede Green interior and black soft top, perhaps the addition of period-correct Dunlop cast wheels hints at its mechanical prowess. Purchased by the current keeper five years ago form California, the car had enjoyed just two previous keepers. The first owner had enjoyed the car sparingly for a few years and after falling pregnant, placed the car into storage in 1969. The Californian ‘black plates’ were renewed until 1974, but the car would remain in dry storage for over 50 years. Boasting all original metalwork, the car was imported to the UK and sent to marque specialists E-type UK for a comprehensive bare metal restoration. Once taken back to a bare shell, it was evident that the Californian climate had been kind to the Jaguar and supported by an evident lifetime of generous care, remained completely rust-free. Just one floor panel was replaced after a misplaced jack in the late 60s had created and unfixable dent! With the bodywork being prepared for paint, a decision was made to return the car to its original close headlamp configuration. A change in U.S. law had seen the original headlight covers outlawed and Jaguar’s short-term fix was a revised chrome surround. Original chrome surrounds with lense covers were fitted. With this minor amendment carried out, the car was once more refinished in its original British Racing Green hue. Having owned several E-types previously including UPM 400, CUT7 and countless others, the restoration of this example was intended from the start to be the ultimate iteration. Supporting a fascinating engine build, this E-type further received a wealth of upgrades with both performance and reliability in mind. 5- speed gearbox Fuel-injection Vented discs and 4 pot E-Type UK calipers Fully-adjustable cable-operated throttle assembly Aluminium radiator and header tank Modern electronic cooling fans Oil cooler Full tubular stainless steel big bore exhaust system Uprated anti-roll bars Uprated torsion bars Fully adjustable suspension front and back The engine has been stroked from the original 4.2-litre unit to 4.7-litres, allied to E-Torque’s bespoke ‘twin-spark’ cylinder head with electronic fuel injection. Integration of a new ECU sees the twin spark plugs per cylinder optimising combustion efficiency, power delivery and responsiveness. The result of this engine work sees this E-type deliver 430 bhp paired with a thumping 390 lb ft, a power to weight ratio that rivals a Porsche 991 Turbo! 0-60 drops well below 5 seconds and the top speed is north of 160 mph; in-gear is where this example really shines. Intended as the ultimate ‘fast-road’ E-type, this example further benefits from fully adjustable front suspension, four-pot calipers over vented disc brakes, performance anti-roll bars and torsion bars and a five-speed gearbox. The interior sees lightweight, period bucket seats trimmed in Suede Green as per original specification. A subtle Retrosound headunit blends in seamlessly and a series of upgrade dials are installed to monitor oil temperature and pressure along with a water temperature gauge. Fresh from its comprehensive restoration, this one-of-a-kind E-type pairs a wealth of motorsport learnings with the ultimate and arguably prettiest road going form to provide the ultimate ‘fast-road’ experience. With every inch of this restoration paying tribute to Ropner’s special, this meticulously restored E-type is ready for its next custodian. This stunning E-type is available to view at our showrooms immediately, accompanied by its history folio, spare key and fully documented restoration book.