1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Flat Floor
- Engine
- 3.8L DOHC inline-six with triple SU carburetors, 265 bhp
- Colour
- Black with red interior and black top
A 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 'flat floor' coupe delivered new to American entertainer Jerry Lewis in Beverly Hills on 22 November 1961. After passing through subsequent ownership, the car was discovered in a small Illinois town and underwent a thorough concours-level mechanical and cosmetic restoration by E-Type specialist Harry Fulford. Documented by a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, it retains matching engine and chassis numbers and scored 99.39 points at a JCNA Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$258,500
- 1961-11-22 →Factory deliveryJerry Lewisfull documentation
Delivered new via Jaguar Cars of New York to Lewis in Beverly Hills; confirmed by Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate. Lewis reportedly drove the car frequently and with enthusiasm on Sunset Boulevard.
- Date unknownUnidentified owner in small Illinois townnone documentation
Car was located in a small Illinois community before the current owner acquired it; no further details given about this intermediate custodian.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Commissioned a full concours-level mechanical and cosmetic restoration by marque specialist Harry Fulford at E-Type UK/USA in Newbury Park, California, returning the car to its original Black-over-Red specification.
Competition
- —Jaguar Club of North America Concours d'EleganceJCNA Concours d'Elegance, Fullerton99.39 points
Held in Fullerton, California on 17 May of the catalogue year; judging sheets retained on file, with minor deductions prompting further correction work ahead of a planned second entry.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationE-Type UK/USA (Harry Fulford)
Comprehensive concours-level mechanical and cosmetic overhaul carried out after the car was sourced from Illinois. New parts were fitted throughout where required, the car was finished in its original Black-over-Red colour scheme with a Black hood, and period-correct details were reinstated including counterweighted hood, correct cylinder-head paint colour, and proper factory tags on the master cylinder.
Workshop located in Newbury Park, California. Engine block, head, and chassis all retain numbers matching the JDHT Heritage Certificate.
- —Engine rebuildE-Type UK/USA (Harry Fulford)
Gearbox rebuilt and upgraded to full synchromesh specification to enhance the driving experience.
Carried out as part of the broader restoration programme.
- —RepairE-Type UK/USA (Harry Fulford)
Minor demerits identified during JCNA judging were subsequently corrected at the restorer's workshop in preparation for a further concours entry.
Judging sheets documenting the specific deductions are on file with the car.
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