One of only 69 'flat floor' roadsters delivered new to France
1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre 'Flat Floor' Roadster

Footnotes

Introduced in 3.8-litre specification at the Geneva Salon in March 1961, the E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and a 241km/h top speed. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type: a monocoque tub forming the main structure, while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor '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 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.
Today, the E-Type's graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time. Indeed, even Enzo Ferrari felt obliged to concede that the E-type was 'the most beautiful car ever made'. 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.

An original left-hand drive model, this Series 1 'flat floor' roadster was sold new in January 1962 Through French Jaguar importer Delecroix in Paris and Jaguar dealer David Lacroix in Monaco to Madame Simon, owner of the hotel 'Le Continental'. Chassis number '875889' is one of only 69 'flat floor' E-Type roadsters delivered new to France according to Philip Porter's reference book. Originally cream over a dark blue interior with a blue soft-top, the Jaguar Heritage Certificate further lists that '875889' was delivered with body no. R 2136 and gearbox number EB 1190 JS. In 1983 the E-Type was sold in Lausanne, Switzerland to the racing driver, Pierre de Siebenthal, known for racing with Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche and Lotus in the early 1960s. The car was sold to the last owner in France in 2006. Extensively restored in 2014 in the stunning colour combination of Opalescent Dark Blue with beige leather interior, the car retains its matching numbers engine as confirmed by the accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate.