1963 – Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Coupé “Fastroad”

French vehicle registration document 

Interesting ‘Fast-Road’ conversion 

The generation of XK 120, 140 and 150 roadsters played a major role in building Jaguar’s sporting image, particularly through its success in competition. But as the years passed, Jaguar needed to find a worthy successor to its glorious history. So the Coventry-based firm worked in the utmost secrecy on what it would name the E-Type, in reference to the C-Type and D-Type that had triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in numerous other international races...

Unveiled in Geneva, rather than London, to clearly signal its ambition for an international career, the E-Type was an instant success and was very quickly voted “the most beautiful car in the world” by motoring journalists and by Enzo Ferrari himself, no less.

Enveloping a very lightweight tubular chassis, the English designer Malcolm Sayer gave his creation that immensely long bonnet which contributes to the magnetism it exerts on audiences past and present. Far cheaper than its direct rivals, with a sporty chassis and first-class performance, the Type E had it all...

Our example comes from the first series, fitted with the 3.8-litre 6-cylinder engine. Like the vast majority of the production run, it was delivered new to the United States before returning to Europe. Its invoice file dates back to 1990 and documents the extensive work carried out to achieve this interesting ‘Fast-Road’ specification.

The list of upgrades includes: a synchronised 4-speed gearbox, a short-ratio limited-slip differential, Dunlop wheels, a Matter roll cage, large-diameter brake calipers… Our example subsequently took part in numerous historic events, notably the Tour Auto regularity rally and the Coupe des Alpes… A former PTH and a three-part FFSA passport are also included in the file. Now in excellent overall condition, both in terms of presentation and running order, this Type E is the ideal compromise between cruising and competition!