Jaguar E-type OTS 3.8 'Outside Bonnet Lock' (1961)

The Jaguar E-Type is a British automobile legend, 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 marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. 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".

Completed at the factory on July 26th 1961, this very early left hand drive E-type was finished in Opalescent Dark Grey over a red interior. Supplied new to the Belgian Motor Company, this outside bonnet lock example was the 4th car to be exported through the Brussels based importer.

From the Jaguar Heritage Certificate that accompanies the car, it is noted that whilst it was intended to find its first keeper in Belgium, such was the demand, this car would in fact cross the Atlantic to find residence in New York state with the Silcox Assembly Company.

It looks as though the car remained in the state for the majority of its life, until it was sold from the Tonnesen family estate of Saugerties, NY in June of ’89. The car was briefly owned by Mr Konesky of Elma, NY for a period of just a couple of months before it was subsequently purchased and imported into the UK in August of the same year.

First registered in the UK by Mr Burton of Norfolk in 1989, its arrival would see it in the care of avid collector and racer of the marque. With Mr Burton having competed in significant rallies including the Mille Miglia, Tulip rally and Monte Carlo rally in an XK150 S, and the subsequent ownership of the 58th E-type completed, there was a clear predilection for great early examples of Jaguars.

In 2005 the car was purchased by its current custodian, the owner and founder of a globally renowned business specialising in the restoration and repair of three of the most iconic names in classic motoring; Jaguar, Aston Martin and Ferrari.

It would be hard to find a more fitting custodian to manage the restoration of an E-type, not least a remarkably preserved and original car at the time of purchase. Between 2014 and 2017, this example was taken back to bare metal and comprehensively restored by R.S. Panels of Warwickshire. Its accompanying history files include countless invoices and illustrate the extent and diligence of the restoration works carried out.

Retained post restoration, stored carefully and used very sparingly, this E-type presents superbly. Fresh from a recommissioning service in our workshops, this example presents on the button ready to enjoy. A sought-after outside bonnet lock example, significantly the fourth example exported to Belgium, this roadster presents in original colours and retains its matching numbers engine and gearbox from new. This E-type roadster is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.

• Completed at the factory on 26th July 1961
• The fourth car supplied new to Belgium
• Thought to have remained in New York state between 1961 and 1989
• Purchased by its current custodian in 2005
• Comprehensively restored including metalwork by R.S Panels
• Presenting in original colours
• Matching numbers engine and gearbox