Series I Jaguar E-Types remain among the most collectible British sports cars of their era, with numerous details that set them apart (in a good way) from the later cars. This particular E-Type is a 1966 model benefiting from a series of upgrades made to the later Series 1 cars including the larger 4.2L engine. This one also features an automatic transmission and matching numbers on all drivetrain components. Find it here on eBay with a £28,000 Buy-It-Now.
My favorite detail of the Series 1s are the covered headlights, a wonderful detail removed from later generations due to the U.S.’s silly safety laws at the time. It’s hard to deny the E-Type still has one of the most sensuous profiles in the business today, and this example has been in longtime ownership with the same caretaker for the last 37 years. The body looks fairly straight with evidence of surface rust in places; mainly, it’s just duty.
Aside from the automatic transmission, the interior is a treat. Leather looks like it’s just a cleaning away from becoming presentable, and the door panels, console and side sills all appear to be very well preserved. Another wonderful feature of a Series 1 car is the toggle switches on the dash, which were also eliminated from later cars. The E-Type seen here is one of several the New Jersey-based seller puts on eBay UK for export; hopefully, someone closer to home rescues it.
The engine bay is pleasingly clean but no word from the seller if it turns over by hand. The matching numbers helps justify the eventual restoration it will likely receive, and we hope there are no major mechanical gremlins that could prevent the next owner from using the original mill. With the increased power and classic good looks on the outside, it’s little wonder the Series 1 cars remain as desirable as they are today. Would you restore this one or wait for a manual transmission?
As I’ve said before as found shots are fine and dandy. But you also need some shots of it all cleaned up so you can see what your buying. I’ve always liked these and in this case a careful refurbishment might be in order with some careful touch ups to the original paint fallowed by a good polishing. JMO.
I agree with you. Hard to tell just how good / bad the body is with photos like these, as charming as they may be.
Auto/2+2 :(
Seller has 7 E types listed, aBIN All below the general market price, even for project level cars, quite a collection , posted on UK ebay but located in NJ, all in all makes me somewhat Leary.
Great prices on great cars if real.
I find it a bit concerning when I see statements such as “silly safety laws”. The fact of the matter is that the glass covers did diffuse and reduce the already weak 1960s headlights, especially when dirty. Please ponder on intent before just assuming people did stuff just to reduce your fun level.
P.S. you think that engine bay is clean?
Can a 2+2 still be a flat floor?
No, but it can be flat tired!
Dashboard looks like an airplane instrument panel
There’s a Jaguar memo in May 1962 that shows all cars having a “dished footwell” (i.e., non-flat floor) from that time on, and the 2+2 came out in 1966. So none came from the factory with flat floors.
A 2+2 can not be a flat floor, those were the very early 3.8L coupes only. And that interior looks more like a trick than a treat, mold perhaps?
I had a 61 roadster that had a flat floor. If I had known how valuable it would become, I would not have beaten the stuffing out of it. I got it after it was used a parts car and I bet the guy that used it to restore another car would be sick to know what it brought after I sold it to a friend who did a very nice amateur restoration.
looks like a flood car
Looks like maybe a flood car.
Sorry, I forgot how early the early flat floors were…
Hi DRV,
As HBChris stated, a 2+2 cannot be a flat floor car. There were about 2000 cars that had flat floors. That would make flat floor car 1961 and early 62. The 2+2 didn’t arrive till 1966.
The asking price is high for a USA 2+2 project. If I remember correctly, there will be a 30% duty/tax re-importing the car back to the UK.
2+2 is The (Lee )model E Type THE UGLEE MODEL
A 2+2 with an automatic must be the least desirable E-Type to own, and this one’s going to need at least some major mechanical work – meaning lots of money thrown at it – just to bring it back to life.
On the plus side, the upholstery should be salvageable, if my experience with cleaning up moldy interiors is anything to go by.
I’m guessing that the seller’s looking for a wealthy UK collector to overspend on purchasing it…
Ah, the link provided goes to a complete different jaguar-1968 roadster?????
That’s how eBay now handles ended listings. There’s a small link at the top that let’s you see the original ad we linked to. Or you can just visit this link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-E-type-1966-2-2-Serie-1-matching-numbers-rust-free-true-Barn-find-LOOK-/282993093995?nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=qgczK2YNNHZGuqCWr0Kpz6eHLao%253D&orig_cvip=true
Thanks Josh!!!!!!
I didn’t notice the link on top, and this change has been a major annoyance.
Now, if I can just figure out why I’m not receiving emails from posts I’ve subscribed to…. I’ve tried a bunch of things and nothing has helped.
Beautiful car but the auto transmission kills it for
me
I sent this seller’s multiple E-type ads to some Jaguar experts.
The “nicest ” comments back were, uncooperative- – a rogue — not a friend of the marque.
No chassis numbers NO SALE
PRA4SNW – You mentioned: Now, if I can just figure out why I’m not receiving emails from posts I’ve subscribed to…. I’ve tried a bunch of things and nothing has helped.
You’re not the only one with this problem, I’ve had the problem for over a year, and I know others who have said they don’t get the feedback either.
2+2. Yeah.
I remember when Nissan did the same thing with the Z-car. It didn’t work out any better than this did.
Maybe the owner just “gave up” when it would not run, that is what I did with my 1960 XK 150, in 1971. All of a sudden, one day, it stalled, and would not restart. Turned over like a champ. Local garage, which “specialized” in foreign cars had it for a month, could not make it start. Towed it to a barn, where it sat, and eventually sold it for $350 a few years later. And, today, I saw a ’38 Chrysler Royal business man’s coupe on a trailer, looking like it just came out of a barn in my neighborhood. Paint was worn, but no obvious missing trim, and tires were holding air. So they are out there, and maybe, they can be made to run again.
Flood, run..