Collectible Car: The 1966 Jaguar E Type Series 1 Convertible

Some men spend their time trying to collect old, antique, or even vintage items not just because of its monetary gain, but rather because it imposes a great significance in their childhood, some have just like the elders says, sentimental value while others, they simply just find those things pretty in the eyes.

If you consider yourself into Cars, one particular Automobile that is so tempting to have is The Jaguar E Type.

The Jaguar E-Type, or the Jaguar XK-E for the North American market, is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1974. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world. The E-Type's claimed 150 mph (241 km/h) top speed, sub-7-second 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration, unitary construction, disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes. The E-Type was based on Jaguar's D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for three consecutive years beginning in 1955, and employed what was, for the early 1960s, a novel racing design principle, with a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension and front bodywork bolted directly to the body tub. No ladder frame chassis, as was common at the time, was needed and as such the first cars weighed only 1315 kg (2900 lb).

It is rumored that, on its release on 15 March 1961 Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made", but this statement is not fully confirmed. In 2004, Sports Car International magazine placed the E-Type at number one on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s. In March 2008, the Jaguar E-Type ranked first in The Daily Telegraph online list of the world's "100 most beautiful cars" of all time. Outside automotive circles, the E-type has featured in the Diabolik comic series, Austin Powers films and the television series Mad Men.

The Jaguar E-Type has different models, including the Jaguar E-Type roadster & E-Type Coupe. The value of each model is slightly different. If you are shopping for a new Jaguar E-Type, make sure you check the Jaguar E-Type price guide to know the MSRP and how much you can get this lovely car for. The Jaguar E-Type has three series – Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3. These three different series come with different price tags, which is why there are different Jaguar E-Type price ranges out there.

The value of the car is affected by several factors such as the bodywork, mechanics, how it has been cared for, as well as the particular model you want to purchase. Typically, the Jaguar E-Type price can range from $55,000 to $280,000 depending on the model, condition, and customization of the car.

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 was introduced in 1961, and it was initially for export only. However, they launched the option for the domestic market four months later. At its launch, it was using the triple SU carbureted 3.8L Inline-6 engine. The earlier models had a flat design, and they came with external bonnet latches that you need a tool to open.

Jaguar later increased the engine from 3.8L Inline-6 to 4.8L Inline-6 in October 1964. The 4.8L Inline-6 engine was as powerful as the 3.8-liter engine. The speed was also the same, while the torque increased by about 10 percent. This series runs production until 1968.

The 1966 4.2 liter Jaguar E-Type Series I convertible, also known as "Black Beauty" on display with Jaguar North America on Peter Hay Hill at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Calif.

The E-Type had certain factors working against it as a true high-end collectable. As beautiful and timeless as the E-Type is, it was produced in high numbers when compared against Ferrari Daytonas or BMW 507s. Also, most E-Types had been in the hands of “hobbyists,” who cherished and maintained their cars extremely well, but also often drove them religiously and which caused them to suffer the vagaries of the road accordingly.

Jaguar E Type Series 1 Convertible
"Black Beauty"

But when the hammer rang came down on Lot number 147 at this year’s Gooding and Company’s Pebble Beach Auction, a beautifully original Opalescent Green 1965 Series I E-Type Convertible stunned observers by bringing in $269,500.00, the highest price ever paid for a non-competition or “Lightweight” E-Type.

Overnight, Jaguar owners began to question whether their cars had become too valuable to enjoy and drive. Then, on November 21, 2013 at RM Auctions’ event at “Art and the Automobile” in New York, the record was shattered yet again. A car known on the Concours circuit as “Black Beauty”, sold for an astonishing $467,500.00.

Accordingly, “Black Beauty” has been recognized as a three-time JCNA National Champion. It was also “First in Class” winner at the Dana Point Concours and the Desert Classic. Most recently, it was invited by Jaguar North America to be part of its corporate display on Peter Hay Hill at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it was the E-Type selected to share space with a C-Type, D-Type, and its successor, Jaguar’s first true sports car in 40 years, the all-new F-TYPE.

Cheerio!