3,781cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
265bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Ultra desirable, early external bonnet-latch E-Type
*Gorgeous color combination
*Widely regarded as one of the world's most collectable cars
*Original, numbers matching engine, head, and transmission
*Offered with Jaguar documentation, and invoices

THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

When introduced at the 1961 Geneva Salon, Jaguar's E-Type stirred passions with its extremely sleek and timeless design backed by staggering performance. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor.

Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-liter, triple-carbureted, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance furthered the standards set by the preceding XK models: firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.

Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward sub frame. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight.

Often called the most beautiful production car of all time, the E-Type remains an automotive icon of design, engineering and speed.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This highly sought after, hard to find external bonnet-latch, flat-floor E-Type Roadster was dispatched from the factory on August 3rd, 1961 and exported to Jaguar Cars, New York. Chassis No. 875274 is the 274th E-Type Roadster constructed and initially left the factory sporting a Carmen Red exterior with a black interior and hood. The cars first registered owner is listed as Executive Leasing Co., in Clayton, Missouri. At some point during the 1990s, the vehicle is believed to have received nut and bolt restoration and was meticulously brought back to pristine condition by marque specialists, JK restorations. During the restoration, the car was adorned with a stunning Opalescent Green Metallic paint job and a Biscuit leather interior, protected by a black top. The transmission was upgraded with a new Tremec 5-speed all synchro gearbox while the original, numbers matching Moss box and bell housing were retained and are supplied with the car. The modern transmission makes the car a real joy to use in modern traffic while also being completely reversible with the possession of the original equipment.

Upon acquiring the roadster, the consignor, a southern Californian based collector, sent the early E-type to the experts at Classic Showcase in Oceanside, California to be fully sorted. A near $10,000 invoice documents the work performed which included the replacement of the shocks, bushings, and the fitment of a new exhaust system. After enjoying the car for the next 3 years, the consignor would again have the car sent to another marque specialist, XKS Motorsport, to further fettle and perfect its operation. Receipts for the recent work is included in the cars history file. The car has been a real hit at local events and gatherings, always drawing a crowd of onlookers who are thrilled to see the rarest of the E-Types. In addition to retaining the numbers matching engine, head, and transmission, the bonnet also possesses the body number stamping showing that it is original to the car.

Featuring the initial, purest iteration of the famed E-Type styling, this Roadster contains the prized features unique to the earliest examples produced (of which this is), including the exterior bonnet-latches, welded louvers, and flat floors. All of these features were later abandoned in the name of practicality and production costs, and make this a particularly notable, rare example of one of the world's most iconic sports cars. Accompanying the car is a tool kit & wrap, service invoices, and Jaguar documentation. Unquestionably one of the earliest and most desirable examples of the breed, Chassis no. 875274 is a must-have for any serious collector.