Few cars have achieved the iconic status of the Jaguar E-Type, and even fewer examples check the right boxes for collectors the way this one does. Now up for grabs here on eBay is a 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster, showing just 45,122 miles and carrying its matching-numbers 4.2-liter engine and four-speed gearbox, confirmed by a Jaguar heritage certificate and the original data card.
This example is finished in a timeless combination: Opalescent Silver with a red interior. The car is currently painted red, but the work was done professionally, and photos in the listing confirm how straight and solid the body remains. A return to its factory-correct silver would certainly enhance its authenticity, but even as it sits, the styling is as striking as ever. The long hood, sculpted fenders, and covered headlights remind us why Enzo Ferrari famously called the E-Type the most beautiful car ever made.
According to the seller, this is a very solid car that will need a mechanical restoration. That means the bones are right: the structure looks straight, the panels line up well, and it comes with important documentation. The focus will be on sorting the drivetrain, suspension, and other systems to bring it back to the road. For serious Jaguar enthusiasts, that’s an appealing starting point since so much of the originality remains intact.
The Series 1 Roadster is the most sought-after of all E-Type variants, combining purity of design with the later 4.2-liter engine’s improved torque and usability. With its matching-numbers powerplant still in place, this car retains the pedigree that matters most for long-term collectibility. The interior shows the classic red leather that sets off the exterior beautifully, and even in its current condition, the cockpit still captures that unmistakable mix of elegance and sport.
Whether you view it as a project to restore to concours standards or a driver-level build to enjoy on weekends, this 1966 E-Type checks every important box: correct engine, clean title, solid body, and supporting paperwork. With values of Series 1 roadsters continuing to rise, opportunities like this are becoming harder to find.
Would you restore this Jaguar to its original silver-and-red glory, or keep the red respray as part of its story?
Shiny on the outside, grungy everywhere else. Headlight covers gone, wires (or something) hanging down behind the right front wheel, exhaust missing rear section and the small pipes left look pretty small to be original. Am I missing something here?
It’s not just that the headlight covers are gone, this is an incorrect bonnet. It is from a ’68 or later E-type, which will not accommodate the headlight covers. There is a company out there selling conversion kits that require welding. They will also perform the conversion in house. It’s either that or buy a new bonnet (2 fenders and the center section will be required).
The car is definitely worth restoring, but for the price I’d expect a more complete and original example.
New buyer should be prepared to spend some serious money on this one.
Probably best to buy a more expensive car, but this one is a good spec and at least sits and looks right. Worth an inspection if you want to do an E-type build.
I would frame off, if I got it dirt cheap. These e-types are extremely time consuming to restore. It would show when I got thru, but again, I need it real cheap. Yes, I would take it back to Silver and red.
Time consuming for sure. Did a complete on a coupe and said I’d never do another and haven’t. Customer wasn’t happy with the bill.
That shade of red looks out of place on an E-type. Also, it doesn’t look like it’s sitting at the right height, interior is completely shabby, no shots with the hard top removed or of the convertible top. Lots and lots of money and time required here.
That shot of the front “smiling” like saying, C’mon mate …. why not ??
Enzo was gone 25 years too soon the see the BRZ. My bella.
Hello from Tyrol!
Yes, there is nothing wrong with a Jaaag E-type! But as befor mentioned, wrong bonnet and I would like to shout out “oh these vinyl seats” and the cylinder head is from early 1967. So probably not original to a 1966 car.
not a 4.2 it is a 3.8
Ended at $30,200 and 40 bids.
Reserve Not Met.