A good e-type will be an e type delight to drive – the pace, the soundtrack and the grip of a properly maintained car all combine to give it a visceral pleasure. However, a bad one can be a real pain in the arse – so it’s worth doing your homework to avoid an expensive mistake.

One of the key factors to consider is whether you want a Series 1 E-Type or a later 3.8 or 4.2 litre model. The earlier cars have the Moss gearbox whereas the later ones have an all-synchromesh four-speed unit. Both are perfectly acceptable to use but the Moss gearbox has a distinctive whine to its unsynchronised first gear and demands you have superb double-declutching skills. Many owners find this more demanding and rewarding than the less-demanding four-speed option, which can be a bit clunky under pressure.

Driving into History: Unveiling the Timeless Appeal of the E-Type Jaguar

You should also decide whether you want an early E-Type ‘flat floor’ car or the later Series 2. The latter had a lower, more comfortable seating position and, as a result, are now much sought after by collectors. However, they don’t necessarily offer the optimum driving experience and the earlier, flat-floor cars are still a better choice for most enthusiasts who want to enjoy their car as it was originally intended.

You should also check whether the car you’re interested in is an export version from the US or UK-spec. The former are often cheaper than UK-spec models but it’s important to ensure the engine has been rebuilt as they can be prone to oil burn and other issues.