1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Coupé Project

Registration no. 7806 UK Chassis no. 860418

Footnotes

Ever since its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the Jaguar E-Type has made headlines around the world for not just its sheer beauty, but also its effortless performance. Its design has been described as perfect from every angle, and it harks back to an era long before safety regulation had an impact on car design. Its faired-in headlights, centred twin exhausts, independent rear suspension and all-round disc brakes were thought to be revolutionary features for a sports car at the time. With a price tag of just £2,250 (approximately £42,000 in today's money), the E-Type was also astonishingly good value, and as a result it was a great success for Jaguar.

Presented is a rare opportunity to acquire an early 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Fixed Head Coupe. Sold as a project, the car has been in storage for approximately 15-20 years and will require a full restoration. The mileage is remarkably low as a result, and the odometer shows just 13,816 miles. It's also reported to be moveable, and there is air in the tyres (the brakes are not seized). Sadly there is little history with the car bar its original buff logbook, however it comes from single ownership since 1971. It was originally finished in Gunmetal grey but was resprayed in the 1960s prior to the present vendors ownership to the current purple colour that you see today. Structurally the car is in good condition and is remarkably solid, however there is some rust appearing in places, such as on the NSR wheel arche and rear window surround. This is a matching numbers vehicle.

Vendor Score Total: 26/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 9/25
Body Work: 2
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 1
Glass: 2
Paint: 2
Wheels/Tyres: 2

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 4/20
Axles: 1
Brakes: 1
Gearbox/Clutch: 1
Suspension: 1

INTERIOR TOTAL: 5/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 2
Headlining: 1
Seats: 1
Trim: 1

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 2/10
Ancillary components: 1
Main components: 1

ENGINE TOTAL: 5/20
Mechanical components: 1
Running: 1
Starting: 2
Under Bonnet: 1

Car History File: 1