Jaguar E-Type 3.8 FHC (1961)

At its reveal at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused quite a stir, a beautiful 150mph car available at half the price of an Aston Martin. Manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975, a combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing ensured the car was an instant legend. In period, a Ferrari cost three times more and supplied less horse power which established the E-Type as an icon not just of 1960s motoring but of British culture. The model became a great success for Jaguar; at its release Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made". The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½". For collectors today, the earlier cars are the most desirable.

Presented here is one of the earliest E-Types produced by Jaguar. Falling within the first 100 Series 1 3.8-litre Fixed Head Coupes builr, this flat-floor example was originally finished in Opalescent Silver Grey over a Red leather interior. Not immediately earmarked for an end user, the E-Type was delivered to Ashton Preston Garages in Preston to be used as a dealer demonstrator. Dispatched from the factory on December 18, 1961, this surely would have been the first E-Type seen by many and undoubtedly a car that won over many hearts and minds to what Enzo Ferrari called “the most beautiful car in the world”.

A buff logbook accompanying the car shows that it passed through the hands of two previous owners in Surrey in 1972 and 1973 respectively before finding its way to Barry Tickle, also of Surrey, in 1976. In a recent conversation with DK Engineering, Barry stated that he purchased the car as a restoration project for the princely sum of £150 from his neighbour. Barry restored the car himself in his spare time over the course of roughly twenty years. Photographs on file show that it was stripped to bare metal and resprayed in red with a red interior to match. A full mechanical overhaul followed suit, which included a full engine rebuild. Over the course of the ensuing twenty years after the completion of the restoration, Barry continued to own and enjoy the car as his pride and joy, taking it to various events and shows. Barry finally parted ways with his E-Type in 2015, trading in the car against a 1929 Vauxhall Herlingham

At this time, the car was acquired by another enthusiast who had been on the hunt for an early Series 1 E-Type for quite some time. Upon his purchase in 2016, the car was returned to its original Opalescent Silver Grey and the engine was rebuilt. Since the completion of that work, the car has seen minimal use and presents in wonderful condition throughout. Truly an excellent example of its breed, an early E-Type is a must have for any collector. With timeless good looks and exceptional performance for the era, the E-Type is an automotive icon and a car that will undoubtedly never go out of style.

Ready to be driven and enjoyed, this E-Type is presently located at our Chorleywood headquarters just outside of London.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.