1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1
- Engine
- 3.8L inline-six, fully rebuilt
- Colour
- Silver
A very early Series 1 Jaguar E-Type roadster, completed on 5 October 1961 and originally supplied new to Los Angeles, featuring the desirable first-series hallmarks of flat floors and covered headlamps. After a period of long-term storage beginning in 1971, the car received a thorough nut-and-bolt restoration by Classic Showcase of California in 2004, emerging in silver over black leather with a Tremec five-speed added for touring use. It subsequently scored 99.26 points at a JCNA concours and passed through the collection of Houston collector John O'Quinn.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$198,800
- 1961 → 1971Factory deliveryBurt Sugarvianpartial documentation
Original California owner based in Los Angeles; the car carried California black-plate registration during this period.
- 1971 →Unknown storage owner or custodiannone documentation
Car was placed in a climate-controlled storage facility in 1971; subsequent history prior to restoration is not documented.
- 2005 →Private saleJohn O'Quinnpartial documentation
Respected Houston-based collector who acquired the car after its concours debut; described as deceased at time of cataloguing.
- 2012 →Acquisition unknownPrevious owner prior to current consignorpartial documentation
Undertook a 3,000-mile touring drive without mechanical incident during their ownership tenure.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Described as a dedicated Jaguar enthusiast; fewer than 4,000 miles accumulated on the odometer since restoration at time of consignment.
Competition
- 2005-06-01Jaguar Clubs of North America ConcoursJCNA Concours at the Stanley Hotel, Estes ParkBest in Class, scored 99.26 points
First public appearance following the comprehensive restoration completed by Classic Showcase; held at the Stanley Hotel in Estes, Colorado.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1971Maintenance
Car placed into long-term climate-controlled storage.
- 2004RestorationClassic Showcase
Full nut-and-bolt restoration carried out, covering the entire drivetrain, chassis, body, and interior. The original engine was comprehensively rebuilt with replacement pistons, bearings, valves, valve guides, seals, and timing chain; the cylinder head, clutch, carburetors, brakes, rear axle, and gearbox were all overhauled, and the driveshaft balanced. Suspension components were refreshed and new hardware fitted; much of the chassis, top bows, and seat frames received powder-coat treatment. The body was stripped to bare metal, repaired, sealed with epoxy primer, and refinished in silver with colour-sanding and polishing to a high gloss. All seals, gaskets, and brightwork were renewed or re-plated, and the cabin was retrimmed in black leather with a new hood and carpet.
Workshop located in Oceanside, California. The original four-speed gearbox was retained and accompanies the car.
- 2004ModificationClassic Showcase
A Tremec five-speed manual transmission was installed in place of the original four-speed unit to improve long-distance touring usability; the original gearbox was preserved and kept with the car.
Carried out as part of the broader 2004 restoration programme.
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