1961 Jaguar E-Type
- Engine
- 3.8L DOHC inline-six, 265 bhp
- Colour
- Carmen Black over black with black top
A June 1961 Jaguar E-Type roadster, one of the earliest examples of an iconic British sports car, this car spent decades in secure dry storage in Texas, which preserved it from corrosion to a remarkable degree. After passing through a long period of single-family American ownership, it was acquired by a European enthusiast and comprehensively restored by CMC Jaguar, working alongside E-Type UK and master trimmer Mick Turley, to its factory-correct specification of Carmen Black over black. CMC Jaguar reportedly described it as among the most original early E-Type bodies encountered in twenty years of restoration work.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$412,500
- 1961-06-01 → 1966-05-01Factory deliveryHollis A. Smithpartial documentation
Initial owner, took delivery via a New York dealership; based in Midland, Texas.
- 1966-05-01 → 1998Private saleVance K. Irwinpartial documentation
Purchased through Knotts Sports Car Centre in Longview, Texas; car spent most of this period in dry indoor storage in Texas.
- 1998 → 2010InheritanceRick Irwinpartial documentation
Son of prior owner; continued keeping the car in secure dry storage in Texas.
- 2010 →Private saleColin Pearcyfull documentation
European buyer who commissioned a full restoration by CMC Jaguar in collaboration with E-Type UK and trimmer Mick Turley; car returned to factory-correct specification and completed a 1,000-mile European shakedown run post-restoration.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownAmerican collectorpartial documentation
Most recent custodian prior to the auction sale; maintained the car to a high standard.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationCMC Jaguar
Full restoration to original factory specification, including correct Carmen Black over black colour scheme, conducted by CMC Jaguar in collaboration with E-Type UK and master trimmer Mick Turley. Trunk floor, number plate panel, and both outer sills were replaced due to minor accident damage; all remaining bodywork is original 1961 Jaguar metal.
Restoration scope confirmed against the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate. A 1,000-mile European shake-down drive followed completion, after which any remaining issues were addressed.
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