Lot 211 - 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster ‘Flat Floor’
| Lot Number | 211 |
| Registration | CSU 396 |
| Chassis Number | 850294 |
| Engine Number | 2742-9 |
| Odometer reading | 65,579 miles |
| Estimate | £165,000 - £190,000 |
We all know that Enzo Ferrari called the Series I Roadster “the most beautiful car in world”, that it came in three or four incarnations and that the engine is a work of genius. So much so that these have been campaigned the world over. A ‘fast-road’ specification offers spirited performance and, with good brakes, better cooling and maybe a bespoke stainless steel exhaust manifold is certainly a front runner in most classic events. Furthermore, modern digital radios with blue tooth, fully re-upholstered seating and electronic ignition makes for very useable motorcar indeed.
And this is all fine. But let’s not forget the purists, the collector who is looking for an early car; a car that would have rolled out and onto a waiting transporter, its engine ticking over in the Browns Lane loading area. A car envisaged, designed and finally built by the man himself, Sir William Lyons. This is not just a Series I E-Type but one of the now highly-prized 3.8 litre, ‘flat floor’ examples and with only 631 righthand drive ‘flat floor’ cars ever built out of some 72,515 E-Types, it is quite special.
Originally distributed through Jaguar Leeds in 1961 to H. Crossley & Son Ltd. in Halifax, it appears to have been well used until, sometime later, a comprehensive restoration took place involving six full pages of parts used alone. 1993 saw a full engine rebuild whilst in 1997, a brake master cylinder and servo rebuild took place. Fast forward to 2014 and further works are detailed including the renewal of seals, rubbers and hoses, clutch/brake reservoirs, brake pads front and rear and a distributer kit, coil and leads. As recently as April last year, both doors have been stripped back and the door handles and catches have been re-set. This includes striker catches and new brackets for the boot. Also undertaken was a MoT test certificate and service including tuning the carburettors. Sitting on chrome wire wheels, the overall condition is very good, made all the more striking by the addition of a period hard-top. The soft-top has recently been replaced and a new service and MoT test certificate has been issued. Old English White with a contrasting blue leather interior is a great combination and sets off its lines beautifully. Is it the most beautiful car in the world? As a flat-floor roadster with this colour scheme, yes I think it is.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.