1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster
- Engine
- 3.8L DOHC inline-six, three Weber DCOE carburetors, ~300 bhp at 5,800 rpm
- Colour
- Gunmetal grey
A matching-numbers 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster with desirable early-production details including a flat-floor cabin, covered headlights, and aluminium interior trim. Believed delivered new to the United States, it passed to a noted American collector in 1999. A thorough nut-and-bolt restoration completed in 2018 by Houston-based Jaguar specialist Paul Mellenger preserved the original Gunmetal Grey bodywork and blue interior while adding sympathetic performance upgrades — including Weber DCOE carburettors, ported cylinder head, and competition-specification wire wheels — making it a capable rally entrant, as demonstrated by participation in the Copperstate 1000.
Ownership
- 2022-08-19Auction saleSold US$185,000
- 1961 → 1999Factory deliveryOriginal US-market ownerpartial documentation
Car believed delivered new to the US market and reportedly stayed with this first owner until 1999. No specific documentation cited for this period.
- 1999 →Private saleUS-based collector and consignorpartial documentation
Well-known American collector specializing in high-performance sports and racing cars; commissioned a full nut-and-bolt restoration completed in 2018 by Houston-based Jaguar specialist Paul Mellenger.
Competition
- —Copperstate 1000Finisher
Car is described as a confirmed participant in this 1000-mile touring rally, having completed the event successfully.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2018RestorationPaul Mellenger
Full nut-and-bolt restoration completed by Houston-based Jaguar specialist Paul Mellenger. Bodywork was stripped to bare metal and refinished in the factory Gunmetal Grey shade; interior retrimmed in original dark blue leather with matching soft top; steering wheel restored; period-correct seatbelts fitted.
Restoration aimed to retain the original character of the car while incorporating period-appropriate performance enhancements for rally use.
- 2018Engine rebuildPaul Mellenger
Original matching-numbers 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine fully rebuilt and upgraded with a fully ported cylinder head, three Weber DCOE triple-choke carburettors, free-flowing exhaust headers with a complete stainless steel exhaust system, and a dual-point distributor. A higher-capacity aluminium radiator and uprated cooling fan were also installed.
Original triple SU carburettor setup and original gearbox were retained and are offered with the car.
- 2018MechanicalPaul Mellenger
Suspension refreshed with upgraded bushings and dampers; a Bob Tullius-designed anti-squat kit fitted at the rear. A later fully synchronised E-Type gearbox was substituted. Performance-painted Dunlop wire wheels fitted — triple-laced at the rear in period competition style — shod with Dunlop racing tyres.
Hard top was fully restored in body colour; original gearbox retained and supplied with the car.
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