Description
- Matching numbers & colors
- One of only 386 LHD Roadsters in 1961
- Nuts & bolts restored
Launched in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, the E-Type’s arrival seemed like a spaceship that had been transported back through time from the late nineties. The coupe’s long flowing bonnet, gorgeous proportions, and powerful engine made it a game-changer in the early sixties. Compared to rival models, the E-Type was much lighter due to it's semi-monocoque arrangement over the traditional body-on-frame configuration. With the engine mounted behind the front axle, weight distribution was near perfect (51:49). Handling was also better than most others thanks to a fully independent suspension set-up and having been the first manufacturer to go racing with disc brakes, it came as no surprise Jaguar chose to install them on all four wheels of the new E-Type. Jaguar’s ambition was to leverage its Le Mans-triumphs into commercial success and as orders poured in, the E-Type did just that, surpassing all expectations with around 72. 515 cars being built during its 13 year production span.
Our early Jaguar E-Type 3. 8L Series 1 "Flatfloor" was produced on November 21th 1961 at the factory in Coventry, England. On the following December 2nd, she was finished and delivered via Jaguar Cars New York to C. H. Harry Jr, the first owner. Harry chose the beautiful Opalescent Silver Blue-bodycolor which was naturally only combinable with a grey or dark blue interior. This car however being very special, is equipped with a Light Blue-interior, which makes it a truly unique color combination. Wearing VIN '876163', this car is an early Series 1, recognizable by the typical flat floor but also by some details such as the welded louvers on the hood. Of these left-hand-drive Roadsters only 1500 were produced. In 1961, the sought-after first year of production, only 386 LHD Roadsters were built, with this car being one of them.
A couple of years after delivery, the Jaguar was parked aside due to a problem with the transmission. It remained untouched for years to follow and when discovered, it was immediatly clear that getting the car back on the road wasn't happening without a total restoration. The big advantage was the E-Type being all original, matching numbers and extremely complete. Many cars sitting that long are often sold in parts, but here this is absolutely not the case. This E-Type herself was so original, it was used by Dr. Thomas F. Haddock and Dr. Michael C. Muller, appearing multiple times as VIN-number 876163, when writing their 'Jaguar E-Type originality guide', known to enthusiasts as the one and only E-Type bible.
The result of this restoration is, if we say so ourselves, something we can be very proud of. The Jaguar finds itself in absolute concours condition and was restored according to the rules of the art. It doesn't only look good - it's a piece of art on wheels, and rarely do you come across a car as perfectly finished as this one. Once behind the wheel you immediately notice that this car has not one, but two personalities. Besides being a beautifull automobile meticulously restored, it is also a perfect driver: an abundance of power, very direct steering and simply a pleasure to go on the road with.
This 1961 Jaguar E-Type S1 3. 8 Flatfloor is everything you could ask from an E-Type. Being one of the mere 386 LHD Roadsters built in the first year of production, this car boasts both its matching numbers engine and transmission as well as its original Opalescent Blue color-combination. Are you looking for a rare, perfectly restored Jaguar E-Type Flatfloor?
This beautiful Jaguar is now available at Rock 'N Roll Classics!
- details above
