Chassis number 52
1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 'Flat Floor' Coupé

• First owned by Fred Rimell
• Exported to Australia in 1966
• Matching chassis and engine numbers
• Returned to the UK in 2014 (UK taxes paid)
• Restored and dry stored since circa 2015

Despite having one of the most elegant and aerodynamically efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car, the E-Type's first iteration was somewhat lacking in interior space for the taller driver, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells early in 1962. By this time, other more minor modifications had been made, such as deleting the external bonnet locks and adopting pressed-in bonnet louvres instead of the earlier welded-in type. But of all the many versions of Jaguar's long-lived and much-loved sports car produced over the years, it is the very early 'flat floor' 3.8-litre cars built prior to January 1962 which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable.

A desirable early 'flat floor' model, chassis number '860052' was sold new via Imperial Motor Mart of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire to its first owner, a Mr T F Rimell, on 6th December 1961. The 52nd right-hand drive Coupé off the production line, the car comes with a Heritage Certificate confirming matching numbers and its original colour combination of Old English White with red leather interior.

The aforementioned T F Rimell was better known as Fred Rimell, the three-time champion National Hunt jockey and celebrated trainer often referred to as 'Mr Grand National', a sobriquet earned as a result of him training four winners of the world's most famous horse race. He also trained two Cheltenham Gold Cup winners.

In 1966 the E-Type was sold and exported to Australia, its new owner living in Portarlington, Victoria. While in Australia the car enjoyed 30 years in the continuous ownership of a Salvation Army captain. In 2010 the car underwent an extensive cosmetic and mechanical recommissioning by Classic Throttle Shop in NSW, including refinishing in its original colour combination of Old English White with red leather trim. The car also retains its correct bucket seats, aluminium dashboard and wood-rim steering wheel. The E-Type remained in the hands of Australian collectors until 2014 when it was shipped back to the UK. Having been preserved in the favourable Australian climate, the E-Type was described a rust free and in excellent order.

In December 2025 the E-Type went through the Furlonger workshops for an extensive service at a cost of £13,634 (detailed bill available). It also comes with a small file of various invoices, receipts and email correspondence. Dry stored since circa 2015 and offered with UK taxes paid, '860052' represents an opportunity to own one of the earliest 'flat floor' E-Types, restored in its original and beautiful colour combination.