1966 Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 2+2 Coupe
£67,950
- Make
- Jaguar
- Model
- E-Type S1 4.2 2+2 Coupe
- Year
- 1966
- Mileage
- 73,000 mi
- Body
- Coupe
- Engine
- 2+2
Overview
A landmark example of the iconic 1966 Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 2+2 Coupé – the longer-wheelbase variant offering enhanced interior space alongside the celebrated design and performance. Jersey-registered from new, this early 2+2 has been comprehensively refurbished over two years, including cylinder head renovation, new timing chains, refurbished rear axle, and a new steering rack. The original red leather interior remains in excellent condition, the bodywork is solid with fresh paint, and the car remains in very good driving order. A genuine classic ready for leisurely drives or longer journeys.
From the Dealer
- •Comprehensive refurbishment: cylinder head renovation, new timing chains, water pump, alternator, rear axle refurbishment, steering rack and brake servo
- •Original red leather upholstery in great condition; complete instrument set and period radio
- •Stainless exhaust system fitted; very clean engine bay with gleaming brightwork and chrome wire wheels
- •Early 2+2 model with separate door lock barrels – noted point of interest for model experts
- •Jersey-registered from September 1966; light use since 2012 acquisition with comprehensive maintenance
About the Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 2+2 Coupe
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The Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 2+2 Coupe represents the practical evolution of Jaguar's iconic sports car, introducing a rear bench seat and extended wheelbase to accommodate occasional passengers. Launched in the mid-1960s, this variant appealed to buyers seeking E-Type performance and prestige without sacrificing usability for small families or longer journeys. The 4.2-litre engine brought improved torque and refinement compared to earlier 3.8 variants, though critics noted the 2+2's slightly heavier, less nimble character compared to the two-seater. It occupied an unusual market position between pure sports car and grand tourer, attracting those prioritising practicality over ultimate performance.
Pros
- +Exceptional styling and timeless design language
- +Improved 4.2 engine with better torque delivery
- +Genuine four-seat capability with reasonable boot space
- +Strong performance for the era
- +Highly collectible with strong heritage appeal
Watch out for
- −Handling compromised by added weight and wheelbase
- −Cramped rear seats suit only children or short journeys
- −Complex Lucas electrics prone to failures
- −Expensive restoration and maintenance costs
Common issues
- !Electrical gremlins typical of period Jaguars
- !Rust in sills, floors, and chassis members
- !Overheating issues in summer driving
▶See full dealer details
Overview **Overall Comments** A very good example of the iconic Jaguar E-Type - "the most beautiful car ever made" according to Enzo Ferrari, with performance to spare - road tested to 150mph at the time. Being the 2+2 Coupe, it has a little more interior room to play with and is equally ready for leisurely cruising or cross-continent jaunts. The car is currently Jersey registered. The 4-digit registration is not included but could be available through separate negotiation. We can assist with (international) shipping and importation processes if required. **Body** Restoration work has seen any bodywork repairs needed being completed, before a full repaint of the car was undertaken. As might be anticipated, the E-Type is solid and smart from every angle – very clean in the engine bay, with a good paint finish to the body, gleaming brightwork and chrome wire wheels. Of interest to model experts, being a very early example of the 2+2, the car has separate door lock barrels. **Mechanical** The mechanical work undertaken as part of the general refurbishment has included: • cylinder head renovation - with new seats, guides and springs • new timing chains & guides; new water pump; new alternator • refurbished rear axle • new steering rack • new brake servo & master cylinder A stainless exhaust system is fitted and the E-Type remains in very good driving condition. **Interior** The original red leather upholstery is in great condition (any necessary repairs having been made) as are the carpets, headlining and the dashboard. The E-Type instrument set is complete and a period radio is fitted. Asking Price £ 67,950 History On its introduction in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type was swiftly recognized as an outstanding design, boasting both stylish looks and excellent engineering. It has since been acclaimed as an icon of the motoring world and remains one of the most widely recognized and highly regarded classic cars on the planet. The first cars, which subsequently became known as Series 1 vehicles, were available as either a 2-seat Fixed Head Coupé or an Open 2-seater (‘Roadster’) model, powered by the 6-cylinder, 3.8 litre XK engine from the outgoing Jaguar XK150. In 1964 the engine size was increased to 4.2 litres and in 1966 a longer-wheelbase 2+2 Coupé model was introduced, together with an automatic transmission option. The Series 2 models were released in 1968, largely in response to vehicle legislation in the USA, requiring a number of safety-related changes which altered the appearance of the car. Revised bumpers, grille and lighting arrangements mostly, but the update also included power steering and air conditioning options. The Series 3 models appeared in 1971 introducing further, more radical alterations and a new V12 powerplant. This early, long-wheelbase 2+2 Coupé is a Jersey car from new, having been first registered in September 1966. In the hands of island owners throughout its life, it was acquired by its current keeper in 2012 with 73,000 miles recorded. He embarked upon a comprehensive refurbishment of the car – mechanical, bodywork and interior - with Le Riche Automobile over the following 2 years. The Jaguar has subsequently been very well maintained with relatively light use.
