Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 65
1962 Jaguar E-type Series I 3.8 'Flat Floor' Roadster Chassis no. 877215 Engine no. R4850-9
Estimate: US$120,000 - US$150,000
Lot 65
1962 Jaguar E-type Series I 3.8 'Flat Floor' Roadster
1962 Jaguar E-type Series I 3.8 'Flat Floor' Roadster
Chassis no. 877215
Engine no. R4850-9
Chassis no. 877215
Engine no. R4850-9
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
*Classic Series I E-Type Roadster in attractive White over Red livery
*Factory LHD, with matching-numbers engine
*Amongst the last of the desirable 'Flat Floor' OTS examples
*Documented by Heritage Trust certificate and history file
THE JAGUAR E-TYPE
When introduced at the 1961 Geneva Salon, Jaguar's E-Type stirred passions with its extremely sleek and timeless design backed by staggering performance. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor.
Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-liter, triple-carbureted, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance furthered the standards set by the preceding XK models: firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs 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.
Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward sub frame. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight.
Often called the most beautiful production car of all time, the E-Type remains an automotive icon of design, engineering and speed.
THE CAR OFFERED
Offered here is an early, 3.8-liter example of the classic first-generation E-Type, completed during the latter part of the production run. Finished at the Browns Lane Jaguar factory in May of 1962, this car was produced in the 10th month of E-Type production. The new Jaguar was built in the Roadster form - or Open Two-Seater as they would be referred to - equipped with a left-hand drive steering arrangement, and finished in a lovely combination of Cream exterior color over a red interior and a black convertible top. The E-Type Roadster was slotted for North American delivery and was dispatched to Jaguar Eastern Canada in May of 1962 who then delivered the car to its first owner, a Mr. A. R. White of Edmonton.
The car is recorded to have been in California for many decades, where it was in single ownership for over 20 years. The blue California license plate on the car is believed to date back with this car, which would indicate that the Jaguar would have resided in the Golden State for a long period of time. The previous long-term owner of this Roadster was the "Doctor to the Stars", Charles Brass of the San Diego area. He owned the car for many years and was noted to enjoy his convertible cars. The car then traded hands back in 2001 by an aspiring businesswoman who fell in love with E-type at a very young age. The car was acquired with 71,868 miles back in 2001 and has driven just over 2,500 miles since the purchase over 22 years ago. The odometer shows around 74,400 miles, which is believed to be true mileage.
This Roadster received a respray many years ago, showing in a brilliant white hue. Riding on lovely chrome wire wheels and with a beautiful low stance, the E-Type looks just right. As is correct for the pre-1963 Jaguar E-Types, this fine example features the neat aluminum trim on the center console, and the early-type, more-pointy Roadster-like seats. A great example of the legendary E-Type, this car retains its original matching numbers engine as well. The Jaguar is offered with a binder of receipts and notes, as well as the Jaguar Heritage Trust issued certificate, confirming the cars original details. The car shows honest and original details, many improvements were completed to make this a more usable driver, with much concentration performed on the cooling system. Recently serviced, and given a clean bill of health, this would be an eager and capable example for spirited drives and vintage rallies.
Additional information
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