Benbros Zebra Toys

103 (10) Jaguar E-Type

The Zebra Toys Jaguar E-Type was possibly the best model Benbros created. It was an accurate copy of an iconic vehicle produced to a high standard with fine detail.

The body was a single casting which included the front oval grille and the rear number-plate 'AVS 104'. All models had windows and detailed plastic interior seats and a steering wheel. Underneath, the full-length flat base was rivetted onto the body at the front and rear. Various details were cast on it, the number '103', 'Jaguar 'E' Type, 'Zebra Toys' and 'Made in England'. 

The E-Type models were issued in a variety of different combinations of colours. The bodies were always painted in metallic colours, either blue, green or brown. The interior could be red, blue or yellow, and the windows clear, pale-blue, amber or green. There were also three different types of wheel, metal with large hubs, or red or blue plastic, all with black treaded tyres, and the steering wheel started white but soon was switched to brown.

The first issue was painted metallic blue with a red interior, white steering wheel and clear windows. The wheels were metal with large hubs and black tyres similar to those used on other early Zebra Toys models. The grille, front and rear bumpers and the rear number-plate were finished with silver trim and on the bonnet a number-plate decal was added. The base was painted matt black.

The second metallic blue model and the first metallic brown one were also fitted with metal wheels but after that all variations had plastic wheels, either red or blue.

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The Jaguar E-Type was sold in a black & white striped Zebra Toys box with a metallic-green vehicle pictured on the faces and the number '10' on the end-flaps.

Because of the variety of different wheels, windows, exterior and interior colours, there are many possible variations of the Jaguar E-Type but models in good condition are scarce. Many examples are heavily playworn and the base section is prone to breakage and metal fatigue. As a result, E-types in good condition can fetch a premium at auction.

Variation 1: metallic blue, clear windows, red interior, white steering wheel, metal wheels

Variation 2 : metallic blue, clear windows, yellow interior, metal wheels, with box

Zebra Toys Jaguar E-type

Some of the known variations

Variation 1 had a white steering wheel, all others had brown ones

1)   METALLIC BLUE         CLEAR windows                            RED interior            METAL wheels

2)   METALLIC BLUE         CLEAR windows                            YELLOW interior    METAL wheels

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3)   METALLIC BROWN    CLEAR windows                            YELLOW interior    METAL wheels

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4)   METALLIC GREEN     CLEAR windows                            YELLOW interior     BLUE plastic wheels

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5)   METALLIC GREEN     CLEAR windows                            YELLOW interior     RED plastic wheels

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6)   METALLIC GREEN     CLEAR windows                             BLUE interior         BLUE plastic wheels

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7)   METALLIC GREEN     CLEAR windows                             BLUE interior          RED plastic wheels

8)   METALLIC GREEN     GREEN windows                            BLUE interior          RED plastic wheels

9)   METALLIC GREEN     AMBER windows                            BLUE interior          BLUE plastic wheels

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10  METALLIC BROWN   AMBER windows                             BLUE interior          BLUE plastic wheels

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11) METALLIC BLUE        PALE-BLUE windows                     BLUE interior          BLUE plastic wheels

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12) METALLIC BLUE        PALE-BLUE windows                     BLUE interior          RED plastic wheels

Variation 3: metallic brown, clear windows, yellow interior, metal wheels

Variation 6: metallic green, clear windows, blue interior, blue plastic wheels

Variation 7: metallic green, clear windows, blue interior, red pw with box

Variation 8: metallic green, dark-green windows, blue interior, red pw