The E-Type Jaguar debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motorshow as a replacement for the hugely successful Jaguar XK150. The new E-Type was nothing short of a revelation, with its heady blend of supercar performance, breath-taking styling and low price tag, the newcomer left its rivals reeling and customers desperate to own one. Designed by William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer, the E-Type was launched in 1961 in both fixed head coupe and roadster form with design inspiration taken from the Le-Mans winning D-Type sports racer. Built around a steel monocoque chassis with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, all-round independent suspension using coil springs and dampers to the rear with torsion bars and wishbones to the front. Brakes were Dunlop discs all round, mounted inboard to the rear alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight. Powered by Jaguar’s XK 3.8 litre twin-cam straight six engine, the E-Type offered breath taking performance to rival both Ferrari and Aston Martin. The 3.8 litre engine produced 265bhp and boasted a top speed of 150 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 6.5 secs.

The 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Series 1 Roadster (chassis number 850051) offered here at Autostorico is finished in Opalescent Silver Grey metallic with Black leather interior. This extremely early, outside bonnet lock specified, example was first registered to South Devon Garages on the 14th July 1961 as their demonstration vehicle. Within a month the car was then sold to Mr E.G Davies who, through his involvement in powerboat racing, was a close friend of T.E.B “Tommy” Sopwith and well known Jaguar racer John Coombes. Whilst taking part in the inaugural Daily Express International Powerboat Race from Cowes to Torquay in 1961, Mr Davies' “Kanita” powerboat finished 11th overall having suffered from fuel problems, whilst his friend “Tommy Sopwith” went on to win in his boat “Thunderbolt” Jaguar felt that Mr Davies’s association with powerboat racing justified South Devon Garages selling their only demonstrator early. Chassis 850051 was regularly seen competing at club racing events as well as taking pride of place in support throughout the Powerboating calendar. This stunning car passed through several UK owners before being believed to be converted to its current “Semi- Lightweight” specification by marque specialist J.D. Classics in 2000/2001. The work is understood to have been commissioned by an ex- F1 executive with invoices totalling over £30,000 with comfortable road/rally use in mind. Works included: sporting lightweight vented hardtop and bootlid, perspex headlamp covers, Le-Mans style sill darts, Dunlop pattern peg drive alloy wheels with spinners, steering overhaul, full rewire including fitting a period look alternator, halogen headlamps, high torque starter motor and electronic ignition system, new header tank and aluminium radiator fitted, triple Webber carburettors and stainless steel exhaust system.

The car has recently been upgraded to full FIA Appendix K specification with valid FIA papers until 2029.

Offered for sale with a current V5 registration document and a history file containing numerous invoices including Heritage Certificate.

This car offers the purchaser a unique opportunity to own a fine example of the most desirable early Series 1 E-Types, which will certainly appreciate further over time.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.