"Introduced in 3.8 litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. While, inevitably, the car's stupendous straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines, there was a lot more to the E-Type beneath the skin. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type and, indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular space frame extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint. Firstly, because it weighed around 500lb less than the XK150 and secondly, because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.
Originally despatched from Jaguar Cars on 5th December 1961 to their dealer in New York, this ‘Flat Floor’ E-Type was repatriated to the UK and registered on 1st November 1989. It appears she was restored in the late 1980s and at that time, had a colour change from the original Opalescent Silver Blue to the current colour of red and black interior. Now in right hand drive format, we are advised by the vendor she appears to be a quite sound example and runs well, although she has been used very little over the last few years and would benefit from some time and financial investment. Early Series I E-Types continue to attract commanding prices and this Jaguar appears to be attractively estimate given the fact she is a 1961 ‘Flat Floor’ example.
Photographs courtesy of Luke Papworth of Hampshire Photography"