1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster

This Car

The E-Type presented here is an early “flat- floor” example, with welded louvers in the hood, but without the exposed hood latches of the first cars. It was originally delivered to marque distributer Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles and is accompanied by a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate.

This roadster received a recent restoration and is described as well sorted. The undercarriage is powder coated, and the engine bay is impressive, with a slightly later 1962 or 1963 rebuilt motor appropriately polished. The E-Type was rewired and has a correct Lucas battery. An aluminum radiator is fitted, though painted black to match the original. This E-Type is fitted with Dunlop high-performance period tires on chrome wire wheels with stainless steel spokes.

The paint and chrome are described as stunning, and the car is finished in striking Indigo Blue. The interior is beautifully upholstered in blue-gray leather, with a gray top, and gray boot. The XKE is fitted with blue carpets and rubber floor mats, and has a period-correct radio.

This Jaguar is accompanied by an owner’s manual, dealer warranty cards, a period spare parts catalogue, service manual, and complete tool kit.

For the British sports car enthusiast or collector looking to add this all-important benchmark of design to the stable, this recently restored E-Type is sure to impress. The Jaguar Series 1 E-Type

The first E-Type was driven directly from England to the 1961 Geneva Salon by Jaguar tester Norman Dewis. It was designed by Malcolm Sayer and William Lyons, and used many of the D-Type styling cues, this time in steel. The bonnet was one piece and hinged forward, while front and rear subframes were attached to an immensely strong center section. Headlights were located under glass cowls and taillights were placed across the top of the rear bumpers. The throaty dual exhaust jutted out in the center, but aerodynamic improvements made the E-Type much quieter inside than the XK150.

The 3.8-litre, 265 bhp DOHC six-cylinder engine delivered 0–60 mph in 6.5 seconds, 0–100 mph in 16.2 seconds, and a top speed of 150 mph. Triple wipers kept the windscreen clear. The E-Type had independent suspension and disc brakes all around, with the rear brakes mounted inboard. The aerodynamic coupe cost $5,895, with a side-opening rear hatch, while the roadster sold for $5,695.

The dash featured a large speedometer and tachometer in front of the driver, with a row of gauges in the center and toggle switches below them. The seats were leather and the precise rack and pinion steering encouraged drivers to power out of corners. The flat floor and Moss gearbox demanded finesse from drivers, who were in turn rewarded with a driving experience unparalleled by other cars from the period. Production of Series 1 models was almost evenly divided between 7,827 coupes and 7,669 roadsters, and they are considered among the most desirable examples of the E-Type.