1962 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


* Stunning factory Opalescent Silver Blue over Red interior
* Single family owner for nearly half a century
* Matching numbers chassis, engine, and gearbox
* Meticulously restored and documented by marque expert
* Accompanied by heritage certificate, owner's manual, restoration records


THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

'Here we have one of the quietest and most flexible cars on the market, capable of whispering along in top gear at 10mph or leaping into its 150mph stride on the brief depression of a pedal. A practical touring car, this, with its wide doors and capacious luggage space, yet it has a sheer beauty of line which easily beats the Italians at their own particular game.' There have been few better summaries of the Jaguar E-Type's manifest virtues than John Bolster's, penned for Autosport shortly after the car's debut in 1961. Introduced in 3.8-litre form, the E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and a 150mph (241km/h) top speed. The newcomer's design owed much of that to the racing D-Type, a monocoque tub forming the main structure, with a tubular space frame extending forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburetor 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. An optimistic 265bhp was claimed, but whatever the installed horsepower, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 500lb (227kg) 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. Taller drivers though, could find the interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor modifications) early in 1962. But of all the versions of Jaguar's long-lived and much-loved sports car, it is the very early 'flat floor' 3.8-litre cars built prior to February 1962, which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Manufactured in July 1962, this stunning Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Roadster Series 1, presented here in a gorgeous and rare factory color combination, Opalescent Silver Blue with Red interior, along with black soft-top.

First in display to English imports, then transferred to a Jaguar dealer in Albuquerque, New Mexico and sold to its first owner, Dr. Wayne Peay, a local orthodontist. Shortly after, Dr. Peay sold the car to his good friend, Dr. Edward Johnson, an Albuquerque urologist, in the late 60s, who kept the car for 40+ years. According to his family, Dr. Ed purchased the car as a gift for his wife, Alice, a former nurse, who was the main driver of the car until she passed away in 2014, after 56 years of marriage.

In 1982, the car was repainted in Sudden Royal Blue, very much like the color of the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Jaguar recently unveiled. Dr. Edward Johnson passed away in 2018, when the car was showing 81,000 miles on the odometer.

In 2020, a garage sale was held by Dr. Johnson's two sons. The E-Type was found buried under boxes and bicycles, and finally sold to its current owner, known to be specialized in early E-Type restoration. The car was very original and complete with no visible damage or rust, which made it a perfect candidate for a full nut and bolt restoration. The restoration was performed by a marque specialist over 2+ years.

The car was disassembled and taken to bare metal, the engine, transmission, and rear end were rebuilt, and the car was resprayed in its original Opalescent Blue, with an Original Spec red leather interior installed. A gear reduction starter was also installed, as were an alloy radiator, heater core, and overflow tank. Suspension parts were powder coated or cadmium plated, and the car received an electronic ignition, a partial tool kit, and EDC Green brakes. The car also got a stainless exhaust system and modern alternator conversion, among other subtle improvements to improve reliability and performance. The car has been driven about 600 miles since the work was completed.