1961 Jaguar E-Type 'OBL' Roadster
Chassis number 38 is among the first 92 right-hand drive Jaguar E-Types built, distinguished by its outside bonnet locks and flat-floor construction. Manufactured in June 1961 and first used as a dealer demonstrator by Appleyards of Leeds, it passed through private ownership and remained with one family for approximately five decades. A comprehensive body and mechanical restoration was carried out in 2004, and further specialist mechanical work was completed in 2022–23. The car retains its original Opalescent Dark Blue livery, factory hardtop, red leather interior, and largely matching-numbers status.
Ownership
- 2024-02-24Auction saleEstimate £220,000 – £250,000
- 1961 → 1961Factory deliveryAppleyards of Leedspartial documentation
The dealership used the car as a demonstration vehicle before selling it to its first private buyer.
- 1961 → 1963Private saleMr Straughanpartial documentation
Purchased as a temporary measure while awaiting a Mk2 Jaguar; returned the E-Type to the dealer in part-exchange approximately 18 months after acquiring it.
- 1963 →Private saleSecond private ownerpartial documentation
Retained the car for roughly 50 years until death in the 1980s, after which the car stayed within the family but remained in storage until 2004. The engine block was damaged during the severe 1963 winter frost shortly after purchase and required replacement.
- → 2004InheritanceFamily of second private ownerpartial documentation
The car was kept unused in family storage from the 1980s until 2004, when the decision was made to commission a full restoration.
- 2004 →Acquisition unknownFamily of second private owner (post-restoration)partial documentation
Following the 2004 restoration the car was held by this ownership group before being sold to the current vendor approximately two years before the auction.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorfull documentation
Acquired roughly two years prior to the auction listing; commissioned extensive specialist mechanical work costing approximately £60,000 at Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth to address minor imperfections.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1963Repair
The engine block suffered frost damage during the exceptionally cold winter of 1963 and was replaced; the body, chassis, gearbox, and rear axle retained their original numbers.
Recorded in the history file accompanying the car.
- 2004RestorationAlan Proctor; Beamish Morgan
A comprehensive restoration was carried out with bodywork handled by Alan Proctor of Worksop, Nottinghamshire and mechanical refurbishment undertaken at Beamish Morgan of Durham. The low odometer reading of approximately 32,000 miles at the time meant relatively limited work was necessary to bring the car back to a high standard.
A photographic record of the restoration is included in the car's history file.
- —MechanicalClassic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth
Extensive specialist mechanical work addressing various minor imperfections identified by the current owner, at a cost of approximately £60,000.
Work carried out in 2022 or 2023; invoices included in the history file.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.