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.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
