Description
Matching numbers & colours One of only 386 LHD Roadsters from 1961 Nuts & bolts restored Launched in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, the arrival of the E-Type has felt like a spaceship transported back in time since the late nineties. The coupé's long, flowing bonnet, superb proportions and powerful engine were game changers in the early sixties. Compared with rival models, the E-Type was much lighter thanks to its semi-monocoque structure than the traditional body-on-frame configuration. With the engine mounted behind the front axle, weight distribution was almost perfect (51:49). Handling was also better than most other cars, thanks to the fully independent suspension. Having been the first manufacturer to race with disc brakes, it's not surprising that Jaguar chose to install them on all four wheels of the new E-Type. Jaguar's ambition was to turn its Le Mans triumphs into commercial success and, with orders flooding in, the E-Type did just that, exceeding all expectations with some 72, 515 cars built in its 13 years of production. Our Jaguar E-Type 3. 8L Series 1 'Flatfloor' was produced on 21 November 1961 at the Coventry factory in England. On the following December 2, it was completed and delivered by Jaguar Cars New York to C. H. Harry Jr, the first owner. Harry chose the magnificent Opalescent Silver Blue body colour, which of course could only be combined with a grey or dark blue interior. This very special car is fitted with a light blue interior, making it a truly unique colour combination. Carrying VIN '876163', this car is an early model of the Series 1, recognisable not only by its typical flat floor but also by details such as the welded louvres on the bonnet. Only 1, 500 of these left-hand drive roadsters were produced. In 1961, the highly sought-after first year of production, only 386 LHD Roadsters were built, including this car. A few years after delivery, the Jaguar was sidelined due to a transmission problem. It remained untouched for years and when it was discovered, it was immediately clear that the car would not be put back on the road without a total restoration. The great advantage of the E-Type is that it is entirely original, bears the same numbers and is extremely complete. Many cars that have sat for so long are often sold as parts, but that's absolutely not the case here. This E-Type itself was so original that it was used by Dr Thomas F. Haddock and Dr Michael C. Muller, appearing several times under 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 do say so ourselves, something to be very proud of. The Jaguar is in absolute concours condition and has been expertly restored. It's not just beautiful, it's a work of art on wheels, and it's rare to come across a car as perfectly finished as this. Once behind the wheel, you immediately notice that this car has not one, but two personalities. As well as being a beautiful, meticulously restored automobile, it's also a perfect driver: an abundance of power, very direct steering and simply a pleasure to drive. his 1961 Jaguar E-Type S1 3. 8 Flatfloor is everything you'd expect from an E-Type. As one of only 386 LHD Roadsters built in the first year of production, this car features an identical engine and transmission, as well as the original Opalescent Blue colour scheme. If you are looking for a rare and perfectly restored Jaguar E-Type Flatfloor, this magnificent Jaguar is now available from Rock 'N Roll Classics!
