Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
s/n 875191, engine no. R1311-9
Old English White with Red Leather Interior

The E-Type was unveiled in March of 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, following the famous 11th hour disorder (one of the cars was driven to the show from England with just hours to spare). The car was an immediate sensation: its specification was state of the art, its bodywork arrestingly gorgeous, and the price surprisingly affordable. It embodied William Lyons' values beautifully and it is no surprise that the E-Type has become such a legendary part of automotive history. The specification clearly demonstrated Jaguar's racing experience and included semi-monocoque construction, independent suspension all around (at a time when Ferrari was still using live rear axles), disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung weight), and of course Jaguar's legendary twin cam inline-6. The cars were continuously developed, however, the arrival of American safety legislation and the twelve cylinder engine made later cars less attractive and less sporting, making the Series I cars the pick of the bunch. The earliest cars are particularly desirable to collectors, which are distinguished by their flat floors and welded bonnet louvers (as opposed to being integrated into the panel), and even earlier cars also being equipped with external T-handle operated-latches.

This particular car is a matching-numbers example that was originally sold in Canada. It remains in its original color combination of old English white with red interior and retains its matching numbers engine block and cylinder head. It received a restoration some years ago, which is holding up nicely, and the car recently had a $3500 service at Steve Gordon’s Vintage Auto Service, which included new brake master cylinders, rebuilt calipers, new brake lines, miscellaneous new hoses, resleeved wheel cylinders, new exhaust manifolds, new rear sway bar, brackets, end links, and mounts.

The car received a thorough restoration some years ago and is still holding up well. The body is straight with good fit to the bonnet and very good door and trunk lid fit. The paint is glossy and makes a strong impression, although there is some orange peel on the bonnet, a pair of surface cracks, and a few other minor blemishes. The chrome is very good, with minor aging in places but is nice overall and does not need to be redone. The front windscreen has a few marks and delamination at the edges, while the remaining lights and glass are very nice. The car is equipped with European specification amber turn signal lenses and Lucas tri bar headlamps.

The interior is in excellent shape, with high quality workmanship and materials throughout. The leather shows the slightest of mellowing and is in excellent shape. High quality wool and correct hardura are used for the floors and other areas and correct type rubber Jaguar mats cover the carpets. The door panels are in excellent shape, as is the dashboard pad. The aluminum trim is also in excellent shape while the fascia is in very good condition, not freshly restored but honest, correct, and attractive. The instruments, switches, and controls are in very good to excellent shape and the car has a correct type shift knob as well. The steering wheel has a pleasant patina and is the correct 16-inch item with proper horn button.

The engine compartment is not quite detailed to show level but is well-above that of most drivers, with clean chassis, firewall, and nicely detailed engine. The new exhaust manifolds and polished valve covers and carburetor float bowls look particularly smart and act as a visual focal point, while the remaining aspects of the engine compartment are tidy, correct, and representative of a well-maintained car that has been used but not abused. The trunk is correctly restored in tan and the car comes with two knock-off hammers.

The car runs and drives well. The engine is responsive and once warm, and the gearbox works as it should, with good synchromesh on the gears that are equipped with it (first is unsynchronized). The brakes are effective and the steering and chassis are tight and precise. The performance remains remarkable 55 years on, and serves to underscore what a sensation the E-Type was when it first appeared.

This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a very early E-Type. A flat floor, welded-louver, outside latch car, this example has all of the unique features that gradually disappeared as E-Type production got underway. This one is finished in its original colors, retains its original engine, and is an attractive driver level car that would be an ideal example to use and enjoy without worrying excessively about spoiling a fresh restoration.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608