Highlights

Verified early RHD ‘Flat Floor’ OTS Roadster
Retains its correct Carmen Red colour scheme
Full matching numbers example with correct ‘R’ prefix engine number
Appeared in the 60's TV program "The Avengers"
Comprehensive £60,000 restoration by XK Engineering between 1989-1991
Extensive history file with complete restoration documentation

The Appeal

It is hard to believe, but Jaguar didn’t expect to sell many E-Types. The car was not really designed for series production, which is why the firm quickly introduced changes to speed the build process and make the cars more durable.

For enthusiasts, that makes the early cars the most desirable because they are the purest iteration of Malcolm Sayers’ and William Lyons’ vision. These cars have a huge number of features that differentiate them from later cars, but they are collectively known as ‘Flat Floor’ models. Since Jaguar gradually changed even the Flat Floor cars, the earlier the chassis number, the more features it retained.

All of which is a lengthy preamble to why this car is important. Most Flat Floor cars were LHD export models, because that’s where the bulk of production went. This car is a genuine UK market RHD OTS. It is car number 218, built in October 1961, just 6 months after production began. The Heritage Certificate verifies the current Carmen Red finish and Biscuit leather cabin as correct and also that it is a matching numbers model with the correct pre-march 1963 ‘R’ engine prefix.

During the car’s early life it played a starring role alongside Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg in The Avengers’ episode ‘Dead Man’s Treasure.’ Despite that vital provenance, by the mid-'80s the car was in a sorry state. It was entrusted to E-Type experts XK Engineering, who began a two-year renovation that delivered the car you see in the photos. The work cost the equivalent of £60,000.

MOT records show that it has been used regularly but sparingly in the years since. It remains in very good order, just a few minor cosmetic points to note in photos. These don’t detract and would be easy to remedy if the buyer wishes. Alternatively, there is an argument to say they add to this illustrious car’s character.

Original, RHD Flat Floor cars are now exceptionally rare. They are the pinnacle of E-Type collecting. With its interesting history and XK Engineering restoration, this is an impressive example that we expect to be in strong demand.

History and Paperwork

Originally delivered by Henlys of London on 30th October 1961
First keeper G.C. Cussens of Enfield, Middlesex
Seven registered keepers according to DVLA
Current keeper since November 2023
Featured in the 60's TV program "The Avengers" in "Dead Man's Treasure" episode
Comprehensive restoration by Jaguar specialists XK Engineering 1989-1991
Total restoration cost of £25,000 (when labour charges were £20.00 per hour)
This equates to around £60,000 with inflation taken into account
JDHT production record trace certificate confirming original Carmen Red coachwork
Same certificate verifies the car as matching numbers
Engine number R2247-9 is correct for a pre-March 1963 E-Type
Chassis number 850218 confirms car as an early OTS RHD
Comprehensive file containing every invoice from the restoration period
Well-presented photographic record documenting the entire restoration process
MOT records support displayed mileage for recent usage

The Condition

Extensively restored over two years to 1991 by XK Engineering
Carmen Red exterior paintwork presents in very good order
Light marks to note in photos to paintwork
Flush panel fit, including doors, bonnet and boot which can be checked in photos
Chromework presents well and is correct for an early Series 1 car
Chrome wire wheels in good order
Black fabric roof with matching tonneau
Original specification Biscuit leather interior appears in smart condition for its age
Light age to driver’s bolster and to driver’s door trim as shown in photos
Sympathetically used since restoration, helping preserve its condition we are told
Aluminium trim, classic radio and correct three-spoke wood-rimmed wheel
Biscuit carpets in good order with light age to the driver’s footwell
Biscuit vinyl trim to boot area

The joy of an early ‘Flat Floor’ is spotting the retained features. Restoration can mean some get lost, so the trick is to entrust any work to a reputable repairer who knows these cars inside out. This car's renovation in the late '80s by specialist XK Engineering firmly ticks that box.

Alongside the original features, this car retains its correct Carmen Red over Biscuit leather colour combination. These materials are in very good order, with only some light marks associated with the passage of 34 years to note in the photos.

The Mechanics

3,781cc XK straight six engine
Triple SU carburettors
Correct ‘R’ prefix engine number
4spd Moss gearbox
Vendor states that the car is fully matching numbers
Sparingly used but well-maintained since
Engine pulls strongly according to the vendor

Alongside retaining those all-important early features, the value in an early Flat Floor car lies in it being a matching numbers car. The vendor states, and the Jaguar Heritage certificate verifies that this is a matching numbers car with the 3.8L straight six XK engine and ‘Moss’ gearbox. Before early 1963, these cars were fitted with ‘R’ prefix engine numbers, which this car has.

The car’s restoration included the mechanicals, and it is reported to run and drive very well. It has been used sparingly since completion, as confirmed by MOT records, but maintained well. This is a collector-owned car that will grace any new collection.

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