1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I External Bonnet-Latch Roadster
- Engine
- 3.8L DOHC inline-six, triple SU carburetors, 265 bhp at 5,500 rpm
- Colour
- British Racing Green
A very early first-generation Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster, chassis 875180, built on 6 July 1961 and dispatched to New York ten days later. It is the 180th external bonnet-latch Roadster produced for the North American market, retaining its original numbers-matching 3.8-litre engine. Certified by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, the car underwent a comprehensive rotisserie restoration in 2007 by Southern California marque specialists Classic Showcase, emerging in British Racing Green with a tan leather interior. Approximately 1,550 miles have been covered since that restoration.
Ownership
- 2022-01-27Auction saleSold US$350,000
- 1961-07-17 →Factory deliveryJaguar Cars New Yorkpartial documentation
Vehicle was dispatched from the factory and exported to this US distributor; the specific retail dealership that ultimately sold the car is not recorded in the Heritage Certificate.
- Date unknownSouthern California owner or ownersnone documentation
The car eventually found its way to Southern California, though no individual owner names or precise dates are provided for this period.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2007RestorationClassic Showcase
Full rotisserie, body-off restoration to show level by marque specialists. Bodywork was stripped to bare metal, prepared, and refinished in British Racing Green with primer, sealer, base coat, clear coat, colour sanding, and buffing. New seals, rubber, tan leather interior, panels, carpets, and black soft top were fitted. Engine, gearbox, rear axle, and hydraulic systems were rebuilt and resealed with new hardware; NOS parts used throughout where available. Electrical systems, accessories, and brightwork were sorted and restored. A stainless-steel exhaust by Bell was installed, and the underbody, suspension, and braking system were fully refurbished and correctly coated.
A DVD documentary of the restoration process was produced and accompanies the car. The early Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio was retained and correctly reinstalled.
- —ServiceClassic Showcase
A general recommissioning service carried out after the car had accumulated roughly 1,550 post-restoration miles, to ensure mechanical readiness for use.
Described as a recent service at the time of cataloguing.
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