Description
Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3. 8 Coupé – History, Provenance, Technical Specifications and Condition
Produced on 31 May 1963, this prestigious Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3. 8 Fixed Head Coupé was shipped on 14 June 1963 to the Jaguar distributor for France, Delecroix, who oversaw its importation through the brand's official network. Subsequently, through the Jaguar dealership in Paris Royal Élysées, the motor car was delivered to its first owner, Mr. Peter Beneville.
As testament to its history and exceptional documentary traceability, the car still retains in its documentation the original Fiche from the Royal Élysées dealership, a document of considerable historical and collecting interest that records the automobile's configuration specifications at the time of sale and the first owner's address. The presence of such original documentation constitutes an important element of authenticity and value for any collector of historic motor cars.
An absolute icon of world motoring
Introduced to the public in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type is universally regarded as one of the most beautiful and revolutionary motor cars ever built. Its extraordinarily modern lines, high technological content and exceptional performance for the era made it immediately a benchmark in the international automotive landscape.
Even Enzo Ferrari described it as "the most beautiful car ever built", definitively consecrating it in the pantheon of sports cars of all time.
Specimens produced in 1963 belong to the highly sought-after first series 3. 8-litre, considered by enthusiasts and experts to be the purest version and most faithful to Malcolm Sayer's original design. These models are particularly prized for numerous exclusive details, including:
• Aluminium dashboard and centre console;
• Seats with original Series 1 design;
• Specific interior panels;
• Dashboard with first-generation Smiths instruments;
• 3. 8-litre XK engine;
• Four-speed Moss manual gearbox;
• Original styling characteristics of the first series.
Technical Specifications
The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3. 8 is equipped with the celebrated Jaguar XK six-cylinder in-line engine, derived directly from the experience gained by the company in international competition.
Key Data
• Engine: Jaguar XK 6-cylinder in-line
• Displacement: 3, 781 cc
• Fuel system: three SU carburettors
• Maximum power: 265 bhp
• Gearbox: 4-speed Moss manual
• Drive: rear-wheel
• Chassis: monocoque with tubular front subframe
• Brakes: disc brakes on all four wheels
• Maximum speed: approximately 240 km/ h
• 0-100 km/ h acceleration: approximately 7 seconds
For its era it represented one of the most advanced road cars in the world, thanks to the use of disc brakes, independent rear suspension and aerodynamic solutions derived directly from Jaguar's experience at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Rarity and Collecting Interest
Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3. 8 examples built in the early years of production are today considered among the most desirable of the entire E-Type family. Specimens with complete historical documentation, known provenance and configuration conforming to original specifications represent a particularly sought-after category in the international classic car market.
The presence of original documentation from the French dealership, together with clear identification of the first owner and preservation of the correct technical characteristics for the year of production, constitutes an element of considerable historical and collecting significance.
Maintenance and Servicing Work Carried Out in 2026
In 2026 the motor car underwent an important programme of maintenance and servicing aimed at ensuring mechanical reliability, functional efficiency and excellent aesthetic presentation.
Principal Work Carried Out
• Replacement of servo brake unit.
• Replacement of 2 brake fluid reservoir tanks.
• Replacement of 2 float caps.
• Replacement of 2 rubber float covers.
• Replacement of clutch fluid reservoir.
• Replacement of clutch reservoir cap.
• Replacement of 2 front headlight seals.
• Replacement of 2 front sidelamp seals.
• Replacement of 2 rear lamp seals.
• Replacement of 3 carburettor gaskets.
• Replacement of 3 air filter gaskets.
• Replacement of 2 manifold gaskets.
• Replacement of 2 exhaust gaskets.
• Replacement of 3 litres of coolant.
• Replacement of 2 litres of brake fluid.
• Replacement of brake hose.
• Replacement of alternator heat shield pan.
• Installation of 6 new spark plugs.
• General engine tuning.
• Thorough cleaning of engine bay.
• Complete polishing of the motor car.
Previously Carried Out Work
• Complete replacement of exhaust system and silencers.
• Installation of electronic ignition system to improve reliability, smooth operation and ease of starting.
