Lot 188 - 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster (Outside bonnet lock)

• Rare, early outside bonnet lock model
• Received a light restoration in the US
• Good car retaining many original features

When introduced at the 1961 Geneva Motor show, the new Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation with its sleek and timeless design backed by its staggering performance. Its design owed much to the racing D-Type, in fact, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition predecessor. Just as with the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis while the engine and gearbox were supported by a tubular spaceframe. The engine was the same 3.8 litre, triple carburetted ‘S’ unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150 model. With a claimed 265bhp giving a top speed of 153mph the E-Type was in the same league as the Italian V12 engined cars of the time. Features on the E-Type included disc brakes all round, rack and pinon steering, coil springs and double wishbone, and independent front suspension. The rear suspension broke new ground for a large capacity sportscar being independent at a time when most of its rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Often called the most beautiful production car of all time, the E-Type remains an automotive icon of design, engineering and speed.

This delightful left hand drive Jaguar E-Type Roadster, fitted with the correct ‘external bonnet locks’ was supplied by Jaguar Cars, New York on 28th June to R. Donan, Excelsior, Minnesota. It is thought the car went to California shortly after registration, where it has spent most of its time, confirmed by its rust-free and original condition. Chassis number ‘875119’ was supplied with engine number R1156-9, which was replaced with a 3.8 litre engine number R2131-9. This was also manufactured in 1961. The original engine block is supplied with the car and we are advised it could be restored and refitted to the car, should the new owner choose to do so. At the time of the engine change the original Moss gearbox was removed and replaced with a much more user-friendly synchromesh gearbox from a later 4.2 litre example. The car was purchased by the current owner in California and repatriated to the UK in February 2014, however prior to the car leaving the US she received a light restoration, retaining its original colour combination of Opalescent Gunmetal Grey with light blue interior. During the restoration it was found that the body still had most of its original features including three-piece, handmade doors, welded in bonnet louvres, additional drain holes in the boot channel and petrol filler aperture. Other notable original features are the Butler rear number plate lights, Dunlop brakes and the factory supplied cooling fan. The only other significant upgrade, other than the all-synchromesh gearbox is an aluminium radiator. This lovely E-Type is supplied with a V5C registration document, a copy of the Californian title, the Heritage certificate, a file containing photographs and various invoices and the original ‘First Edition’ handbook. Being the 119th left hand drive E-Type manufactured this is a very rare opportunity to purchase a good example of the ‘Holy Grail’ of E-Types and is one of the most desirable British icons available today.