Lot 173 - 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster (Flat floor)
| Lot Number | 173 |
| Registration | VSN 534 |
| Chassis Number | 850221 |
| Engine Number | R-2213-9 |
| Result | Sold - £61,600 |
- A matching numbers example
- Appears to be complete with a number of parts in boxes
Launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type was nothing short of a revelation. With its heady blend of supercar performance, breathtaking styling and low price tag, the newcomer left rivals reeling and customers clamoring. While early sports car racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori amongst others helped cement its reputation. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, the model's combination of all-round independent suspension (torsion-bar front/coil-sprung rear) rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes gave it excellent road holding and handling capabilities. Fed by triple SU HD8 carburettors and topped with a 'straight port' DOHC cylinder head, its indomitable 3781cc straight-six engine was quoted as developing some 265bhp and 260lbft of torque. Allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox (with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th), it reputedly enabled the E-type to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 150mph, the E-type remains for many the ultimate production Jaguar.
This Jaguar has been stored for a number of years and will require a full restoration. The vendor started some of the preparatory jobs, however, due to other work pressures, he has decided to part with this flat floor E-Type. Items like the heater box, headlamps and washer bottle have been removed although they come with the car in separate boxes, the vendor has prepared a full inventory of parts. We believe the car is complete with all the ancillaries; this genuine UK supplied right hand drive flat floor example is certainly a project that is well worth completing as it retains all the features from these early E-Types.
The Jaguar Drivers Club along with other Owners Clubs ensure parts are in plentiful supply along with any help and advice that may be required. The car is sold without a V5 document, however the Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms the car to have been manufactured on 18th October 1961 and supplied by Ritchies in Glasgow. More importantly, this is a matching numbers example. The registration number of VSN 534 is still registered according to the HPI on file and assigned to this early Jaguar E-Type which would indicate obtaining a V5 document should be a relatively simple process. Without doubt Series I E-Types are aesthetically beautiful and whilst this example requires a bit more than a T-Cut and polish to bring it back to its former glory, the finished article will be well worth the effort and once again a fabulous flat floor E-Type will grace our roads!
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.