1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 'Flat Floor' 3.8-Litre Roadster
Registration no. 863 FAY
Chassis no. 850227

Its gorgeous appearance notwithstanding, taller drivers could find Jaguar E-Type's interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor modifications) early in 1962. But of all the versions of Jaguar's long-lived and much-loved sports car, it is the very early 'flat floor' 3.8-litre cars built prior to February 1962 which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable.

Dating from the first few weeks of production, this stunning example is one of the earliest surviving right-hand drive Jaguar E-Type roadsters (the chassis number sequence commenced at '850001') and was sold via Henlys Limited, London to first owner Miss E Roberts of London W2. Chassis number '850227' was despatched from the works on 14th October 1961 and was originally finished in Opalescent Dark Green with Suede Green interior trim and French Grey soft-top.
By March 2010, the E-Type was registered in Monaco in the ownership of Mr Peter J Bentley, who drove the car regularly to keep it in good running condition. Email correspondence on file confirms that '863 FAY' is the original registration number, and Mr Bentley goes on to say that the E-Type had been rebuilt to concours winning standard with several show wins in the UK, including the Midlands JDC Concours (for originality). In his estimation, the car was 'an older restoration with a great patina and a lived in feel but still in great condition'.

Further email correspondence reveals that '850227' had been purchased as a restoration project in the late 1970s and restored by Classic Cars of Coventry in 1980/1981, its colour scheme being changed to the present red/black in the process. This E-Type has also been displayed on the JDC's stand at the NEC Classic Car Show, appeared on BBC Television's Top Gear programme, and been featured in Supercar Classics magazine (Autumn 1985 edition). On Top Gear, the E-Type was driven at Jaguar's Brown's Lane works by the company's former Technical Director and Vice Chairman, William Heynes CBE.

Representing a wonderful opportunity to own the most desirable of all E-Type models, '863 FAY' comes with the optional works-specification hardtop, sundry restoration invoices, UK V5C registration document, and a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate confirming matching numbers.