1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster

875231roadUnited Kingdom

Engine: 3.8L inline-six, numbers-matching
Colour: Black

Chassis 875231 is an early Series 1 Jaguar E-Type Roadster completed on 15 July 1961, retaining its numbers-matching 3.8-litre straight-six and four-speed Moss gearbox. Originally delivered in California in Opalescent Bronze, it was comprehensively restored around 2000 by California specialist Richard Darnell and subsequently achieved a perfect 100-point score in JCNA competition. The car later formed part of the collection of Indianapolis 500 winner and three-time Champ Car champion Bobby Rahal, who owned it across two separate periods.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Estimate US$250,000 – US$300,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1961 →Factory delivery
First owner in California
partial documentation
Car was delivered new in California, finished in Opalescent Bronze with Beige interior and Fawn top.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Bobby Rahal
partial documentation
First of two ownership periods by the noted racing driver; specific dates not given in the prose.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Intermediate owner between Rahal periods
none documentation
Car changed hands between Rahal's two ownership stints; no details provided.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Richard Darnell
partial documentation
California-based Jaguar specialist who performed a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration around 2000; may have been a custodian rather than owner — role in chain of title is ambiguous.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Bobby Rahal
partial documentation
Second ownership period; Rahal repurchased the car, reflecting strong personal attachment to this specific example.

Competition

2001Jaguar Clubs of North America
JCNA National Competition 2001
Perfect 100-point score
Car entered as a show/concours entry following its restoration around 2000, achieving the maximum possible score in JCNA judging.

Maintenance & restoration

2000Restoration
Richard Darnell
Full cosmetic and mechanical restoration carried out to a high standard, documented with photographs; subsequently validated by a perfect JCNA concours score.
Darnell is described as a California-based Jaguar specialist. Restoration documentation and process photographs are included with the car.

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