1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre FIA Competition Coupé

• Engine rebuilt to racing specification by Sigma Engineering (2019)
• Last serviced in June 2023 (not driven since)
• Reportedly very quick, competitive and well balanced
• FIA HTP on file

Offered here is a very rare early 'flat floor' E-Type built to the highest FIA specification. '885140' is the 140th left-hand drive fixed-head coupé built. As part of its racing build, it has been converted to right-hand drive and was granted an FIA HTP in 2016 in Category E. The vendor advises us that the car is competitive and exceptionally well-balanced, with a previous impressive showing at the Donington Historic Festival, where it qualified 0.1s off pole despite a gearbox issue. At the 2022 Silverstone Classic it missed out on a podium by a few hundredths of a second following a puncture.

This E-Type is handsomely finished in British Racing Green, accented by silver 'bumperettes' at front and rear. It rides on 15" wire wheels with two-eared knock-offs, shod with Dunlop Racing tyres in size 6.00L-15 front and 6.50L-15 rear. Inside, the cabin has been largely stripped out, featuring a lightweight composite Tillett bucket seat and a Takata safety harness. There is a full roll cage; suede-trimmed steering wheel with a digital timer; Smiths instrument dials; a bank of toggle switches; and an emergency cut-off switch. Our vendor reports that the four-speed gearbox incorporates a straight-cut gear kit from Denis Welch Motorsport, including steel baulk rings and new bearings. The suspension has also been fitted with a stiffer anti-roll bar. Engine specifications are available on request. The vendor advises that there are some stone chips to the paintwork, as would be expected from racing use, and that he is not aware of any mechanical or electrical faults.

The E-Type was serviced in June 2023, and reportedly has not been driven since. Prior to this, maintenance was carried out at around 12,000 miles (current odometer reading 14,330 miles) by DW Motorsport, which included an oil change and a gearbox refresh. The vendor reports that the car has also received regular oil changes and servicing as part of its competition preparation. An invoice on file relates to a comprehensive racing-specification engine rebuild carried out by Sigma Engineering in 2019. This included a new straight-port cylinder head casting; new inlet and exhaust valves and springs; race camshafts;a new crankshaft and flywheel assembly; new con-rods and pistons; and new main and big-end bearings. A new timing chain was installed together with a reconditioned water pump; new starter motor; oil cooler; and new gaskets and seals. A new clutch plate and cover were fitted also, and a new exhaust system fabricated and installed.

This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC is an appealing classic racer to FIA-compliant specification and with HTP on file. It is reported to be a quick and very well-balanced car that is a pleasure to drive, and now ready to be taken on by another enthusiast seeking a desirable 1960s coupé to compete in any number of historic motor sport gatherings.