Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Roadster (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".

The car we offer is the ultimate collectors E-Type, with, in our opinion, the very best and most desirable specification - a Series 1, "Flat Floor" example with desirable "Outside Bonnet Catches". This extremely early example was ordered new at the 1961 Paris Salon by Maclean's magazine editor Ralph Allen. The car was dispatched from the Jaguar factory as only the 53rd E-Type Roadster constructed on June the 9th 1961 and subsequently exported to Canada.

Ralph would keep the E-Type until the late 70s before selling it to its second owner Mr William Roy Foster. Mr Foster, the cars longest standing owner would keep the car for over 22 years before it was sold from his estate in 2002 to Mr Eric Trembley. During Eric's ownership he would enter the car into a most comprehensive "nut and bolt" restoration via well respected Jaguar specialist Martyn Izod. Over an 8 year period every part of the motor vehicle was meticulously restored to concours condition and it was finished in the glorious colour combination of Opalescent Blue over a light Tan Hide with a Fern Grey soft top. After completing circa 80% of the restoration it was relocated to marque experts RM Restoration in Ontario, Canada to be completed. RM Restoration installed a number of upgrades commonly seen on E-Types including a new Borg Warner T5 syncro gearbox and 4 core aluminium radiator each of which can be easily returned to factory form. Invoices accompanying the cars history file account for a restoration costing in excess of $200,000 testament to the detail of the restoration. Post restoration it was entered into the 2011 National Jaguar Concours where it took 1st place scoring 99.50 out of 100 points by Jaguar Club of North America official judges.

It was subsequently sold later in 2011 to only its 4th owner from new. Upon purchase it was entrusted to his own Jaguar specialist who thoroughly inspected the car for its condition and correctness. Whilst there it received a comprehensive service and a thorough interior and exterior detail at a cost of almost $10,000.

DK Engineering helped source this car for the current owner who was looking for the ultimate collectors E-Type in the best condition. Upon purchase it was brought to the United Kingdom where it received a thorough inspection by DK Engineering as well as any necessary maintenance to ensure it both looked and drove "on the button". During said maintenance work it received a major service, thorough tune of the carburettors, and a rebuild of the rear differential output flanges amongst other work.

Today this example remains in the condition one would expect having been stored in our clients own private collection of concours motorcars. Accompanied by a most comprehensive history file documenting each stage of the restoration as well as a photographic record, complete tool kit & wrap, and the exceedingly rare Shelley bottle jack. As one the earliest examples produced combined with its exceptional level of restoration, and stunning condition of this rare, early E-Type is surely one of the finest available at present. (Swiss taxes paid and registered)

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.