For collectors, when it comes to the Jaguar E-Type, the earlier the car, the better. True automotive sculptures, the first cars off the line are considered the purest interpretations of the vision of Malcolm Sayer and William Lyons. Grouped under the “Flat Floor” designation, these early E-Types have specific characteristics that make them particularly desirable. Over the course of production, Jaguar gradually modified certain original parts and specifications.
 
The majority of “Flat Floor” cars were destined for the United States, and this car, built in September 1961, is one of them. A certificate from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) confirms that it is the 621st roadster produced in left-hand drive, out of the 1,581 examples recorded in this configuration. It stayed with its first owner for many years, before the current owner acquired it and brought it to Europe.
 
In 2011, the seller’s husband, who ran a company specialising in the restoration of classic cars, undertook an extensive restoration of the car, including substantial bodywork. After discovering the Opalescent Silver Blue colour beneath the old layers of paint, the couple chose to repaint the car in this appealing shade. It is now paired with a black leather interior and a matching hood. These colours do not correspond to the original specification, but this combination shows off the lines of the early E-Type particularly well. The bodywork and paint remain in very good condition, despite some minor imperfections.
 
Mechanically, the car retains its matching numbers, confirmed by the JDHT certificate. The engine and gearbox were rebuilt in 2012. According to the seller, the car drives very well and has no particular issues. It also comes with a Belgian technical inspection announced valid until September 2030, with no advisories.
 
Rare, sought-after and yet usable, this E-Type represents an interesting opportunity to acquire one of the earliest versions of a British automotive icon.
 

The seller says:

“What makes this Jaguar especially special is its very early configuration as a 1961 Series 1 3.8 Flat Floor roadster, its matching numbers and its exceptional ownership history. We are only the second owners since it left the factory.

It drives very well and is stable and well balanced on the road. For us, the appeal of this E-Type lies in the combination of its early Flat Floor specification, its matching numbers, its documented history with just one previous owner, and the personal care taken over its restoration. We believe these qualities make it a particularly interesting example of this British sports car icon.”

 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also accept the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you remain covered by the Car & Classic terms and conditions. 

✓ We require that non-refundable fees be paid if you are the successful winner of the auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for the specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “sold as seen”, on a “as is, where is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it is customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want the transaction to go smoothly, just as you do, which is why cars and motorcycles registered in the United Kingdom and listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify that they carry no insurance database markers for damage or theft and are not subject to a finance agreement, so you can bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off following a total loss at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic, and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. The presence or absence of a label does not, however, guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always worthwhile to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting or delivering the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can help. For more details and to speak with the team, send an email to auctions@carandclassic.com.