"When introduced at the 1961 Geneva Motor show, the new Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation with its sleek and timeless design backed by its staggering performance. Its design owed much to the racing D-Type, in fact, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition predecessor. Just as with the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis while the engine and gearbox were supported by a tubular spaceframe. The engine was the same 3.8 litre, triple carburetted ‘S’ unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150 model. With a claimed 265bhp giving a top speed of 153mph, the E-Type was in the same league as the Italian V12 engined cars of the time. Features on the E-Type included disc brakes all round, rack and pinon steering, coil springs and double wishbone, and independent front suspension. The rear suspension broke new ground for a large capacity sportscar being independent at a time when most of its rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Often called the most beautiful production car of all time, the E-Type remains an automotive icon of design, engineering and speed.
This excellent 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster is one of the first 500 E-Types produced, all of which were fitted with external bonnets. This matching numbers car was supplied new to the USA and originally presented in Opalescent Green. Number 339 of 385 cars built with left hand drive steering, this Jaguar was rescued in 2008/9 after being stored in a barn, believed to be in West Virginia, for over thirty years. The car was subject to a complete ‘ground-up’ rebuild and restoration which was completed in 2012. It was then shipped to Europe before being purchased and imported to the UK in October 2013 with 247 miles on the odometer. When the car was restored in the USA the colour was changed to Carmen Red, the interior retrimmed with black leather and it was fitted with a black soft top. This excellent and rare E-Type is supplied with a UK V5C registration document. Being the 339th left hand drive E-Type manufactured, this is a very rare opportunity to purchase a stunning example of the ‘Holy Grail’ of E-Types and one of the most desirable British icons available today."