1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster 3.8
- Engine
- 3.8L inline-six, rebuilt with new pistons, bearings, valves, and timing chain
- Colour
- Black
A 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 roadster, completed on 11 October 1961 and originally dispatched via shipping agent Antonin Besse & Co. to Aden, Yemen — believed to be the sole Series 1 example originally delivered to that country. One of 1,729 open two-seaters produced that model year, it features flat floors, welded louvers, covered headlamps, and a Moss non-synchromesh gearbox. Rediscovered in California in 2012 in partial restoration, it underwent a comprehensive nut-and-bolt rebuild by Classic Showcase of Oceanside, completed April 2015.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$280,000
- 1961 →Factory deliveryAntonin Besse & Co. shipping agentpartial documentation
Original recipient via personal export delivery arrangement; the car was dispatched to this shipping agent based in Aden, Yemen, making it likely the sole Series 1 E-Type delivered to that country.
- 2012 → 2015Private saleClassic Showcasepartial documentation
Jaguar marque specialists based in Oceanside, California, who sourced the car in a partially restored state and undertook a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration completed in April 2015.
- 2015 →Acquisition unknownCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Kept the vehicle in a climate-controlled storage environment with periodic use and regular upkeep by a dedicated on-site technician.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2012Maintenance
Car was found in a partially restored state when acquired; condition indicated prior incomplete restoration work had been carried out before this point.
Exact details of the partial prior restoration work are unknown.
- 2015RestorationClassic Showcase
Comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration encompassing a full engine rebuild with new pistons, bearings, valves, guides, seals, and timing chain; head, clutch, carburettors, brakes, rear axle, and gearbox all rebuilt; driveshaft balanced; suspension hardware renewed and dampers restored; chassis components, hood bows, and seat frames powder coated. Body stripped to bare metal, repaired, sealed with epoxy primer, and repainted in black with a mirror finish; all seals, gaskets, and brightwork replaced or re-plated; interior retrimmed in red leather with a new black hood.
Restoration commenced after acquisition in 2012 and completed April 2015; claimed that no mechanical or electrical component was left unaddressed.
- —Service
Fluids refreshed and general servicing carried out in preparation for sale, within the most recent 50 miles of use.
Work performed by an on-site technician employed by the current owner.
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