I was watching a video on how to determine whether a Series 1 E-Type was "original" or not. The presenter mentioned that very few cars still have their "passenger-side foot-well toe-board". Can anyone shed some light on this item?

 

Well cared for E-types have a passenger toe board. The purpose is to give a surface for feet to rest on rather than hang out in the footwell. This is necessary for shorter riders to prevent leg distress. It just slips in and out as necessary.

 

What I would like to know is what year models was this factory-installed? Also, is the Toe Board available as a reproduction part and from what vendor?

 

Your 66 E would have come with one. Check the sponsors web sites. It is an easy part to make and they all provide them.

 

Apparently, this is a Toe Board. It appears to be a specific-dimensioned cardboard piece that has been upholstered with carpeting and trimmed-out. I have taken the recommendation of the Coventry Foundation by contacting SNG Barratt, one of this forum's featured sponsors, inquiring into the availability of this item.

I am wondering whether this toe board simply "shortens" the space in front of the passenger seat by fitting somewhere well back from the firewall area. If someone can post a photo of their toe board fitted in the footwell, it would be helpful.

 

66 you are holding it in the correct relationship to the footwell. Simply slide it in and it will find its correct location. It will not fit any other way.. And yes it shortens the space so legs are not hanging out and causing cramps or other discomfort. See above posts.

 

Since I first posted, I have learned more about the toe board. It is not cardboard but, plywood. And, it is covered in Hardura, not carpet. I found that Welsh had a few for sale and I bought one. If you want one, he only has them in three colors, you'll most likely need to have it recovered. The trick with that is to find a vendor who will sell you only the small amount needed rather than an entire interior kit of material.

 

All of that information is correct 66 and you will find the reverse side is not finished. The majority of toe boards were black.

 

Today, I received the toe board that I ordered and I was pleasantly surprised that the vendor found one covered in biscuit Hardura. These photos show my car's passenger-side footwell before the insertion of the toe board and afterwards when my short (5'1") wife is using it to brace herself for spirited cornering. This is a nice addition to the tool roll and the jack that I bought a couple of years ago. None of these items were with the car when I bought it. However, the removable hard-top DID come with the car.

 

For those that wish to buy a toe board for their E-Type, here are the options:
Welsh Enterprises has a few (limited color selection) NOS toe boards for sale.
BAS Jaguar Trim sells the material to recover your old toe board and also sells brand new (reproduction) toe boards for $275 (U.S.).