1961 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES I 3.8 ROADSTER

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

*The 524th example produced, featuring desirable early-production details
*Well-documented example retaining matching-numbers engine
*Stunning factory-delivered livery of Indigo Blue over Grey
*Offered with Heritage Certificate, comprehensive history file, books, tools and many spare parts

Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.


THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

In 1958, Jaguar technical director William Heynes and designer Malcolm Sayer convinced their boss, Sir William Lyons, that a new production sports model was needed. Thus was born the E-Type, one of Jaguar's longest-running and most revered models.

Actually, the E-Type already existed as a concept. Developed from the racing D-Type in 1956, it had been put aside when Lyons abruptly canceled the competition program. Dusting off the prototype, an aluminum-bodied roadster with 3.4-liter XK engine and independent front and rear suspension, Heynes and Sayer reengineered it for steel, and a 3.8-liter engine as used in the Mk IX saloon.

The engine and transmission aside, the production E-Type was all new. It combined a multi-tube front chassis with a monocoque center section. Front suspension was similar to the XK 150's wishbones and torsion bars, but the rear was revolutionary. Comprising transverse lower links and fixed-length driveshafts, its wheels were suspended on coil spring-shock absorber units, two to a side. The differential was mounted to a hefty steel crossmember and hosted inboard disc brakes. Anti-roll bars were installed front and rear.

At 2,520 pounds, it was 500 pounds lighter than the XK 150 and more powerful to boot. The 3.8-liter twin cam engine was fed through three SU side draft carbs and developed 265bhp. A top speed of 150mph was easily achieved with the standard 3.31 to 1 gearing, and some speculated that optional taller gears would be good for more. In its day, the E-Type was bested only by Ferraris and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Its debut came at the March 1961 Geneva Motor Show, to universal applause and plaudits from the pundits.

From the start there were two models, a soft top with roll-up windows, called "roadster," and a fixed-head coupe. At $5,595 for the roadster and $300 more for the coupe it was more than twice the price of an MGA but also twice the car. On the other hand, its sticker was barely half that of a 300SL.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is a desirable, early-production example of the iconic Jaguar E-Type. This car was the 524th example produced, and therefore features the flat floor in the driver's and passenger footwells, the lovely aluminum trim on the center console and dash, and the more Roadster-like bucket seats. All in all, these early production examples offer the purest design and driving experience. Completed at the Browns Lane Jaguar Works on September 13, 1961, the new E-Type was configured as a left-hand drive Roadster and finished in the stunningly beautiful Indigo Blue exterior color, over a grey leather interior and blue Roadster top. The car was dispatched from the Works on September 28, 1961, and destined for Jaguar Cars of New York, USA. According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate on file, the first recorded owner was a Mr. Charles M. Donly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The E-Type Roadster is accompanied by a comprehensive history file, which documents long-term ownership between two separate enthusiasts going back to 1985, and diligent service and maintenance records. The exterior color has been changed from the factory original Indigo Blue to Carmen Red (a period-correct E-Type color), and the interior has been retrimmed in black. Gauges, brightwork, and the classic wood-rimmed steering wheel all appear to be original, and a lovely period radio is affixed to the dashboard. There are some imperfections in the paintwork, but the exterior chrome is in beautiful condition. Some corrosion is reported on the floors, but the car would pass as a great driver-level E-Type as it sits and would then be a great candidate to eventually restore back to the original Indigo Blue over grey livery. Most importantly, the car retains its original, matching-numbers engine and cylinder head.

With spare parts readily and quite inexpensively available, and great club support, these early E-Types are true and tested collector cars to own and enjoy. The car is offered with its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate documenting the matching-numbers status, a large history file containing many receipts and records, full tool set, jack, knock-off hammer and owner's manuals. This charming E-Type Roadster, being an early, first production-year example with covered headlights and dainty taillights, is considered by many to be the purest and most desirable example of the model.