Though Jaguar produced the Series 1 E-Type between 1961 and 1967, it was the original 3.8-litre model that captured the public’s imagination and earned the “XKE” its now iconic status. Distinguished by their sporting character, sculpted bucket seats, and aluminum dashboard, the earliest E-Types were the darlings of the international show circuit, graced the covers of magazines and even raced with success. That the Museum of Modern Art in New York acquired a 1963 3.8-litre E-Type for its permanent collection speaks to the model’s profound aesthetic and cultural significance.

This 1961-built Fixed Head Coupe is a rare example featuring two highly sought-after, early production features – welded bonnet louvers and flat floors. Completed at Jaguar’s Coventry works in fall 1961, this E-Type was originally finished in Opalescent Gunmetal Grey paint with black leather upholstery and delivered to British Motor Car Distributors Ltd. of San Francisco, California.

The Jaguar’s first owner, Barry Sine of Salt Lake City, Utah, purchased the new E-Type on January 27, 1962. As recorded on the accompanying original purchase order, the Jaguar cost Mr. Sine $6,609 and was equipped with a radio, two outside mirrors, seat belts, and chrome wire wheels wearing whitewall tires. Remarkably, Mr. Sine retained his prized Jaguar for nearly six decades, during which time it remained in regular service, sympathetically maintained and restored as needed. Around 2005, the E-Type was entrusted to Vintage Jag Works of Blackfoot, Idaho for an engine rebuild and mechanical sorting, as documented by invoices on file. Recently acquired by the consignor, an admirer of unrestored, low-mileage cars, this Jaguar is being offered at auction for the first time in its history.

Significantly, this early production E-Type retains its original, matching-numbers engine (as stamped on the block and head), as confirmed by the accompanying JDHT Certificate. Additionally, the Jaguar is offered with its original owner’s manual, tool kit, manufacturer’s warranty, and purchase paperwork, as well as an extensive file of original records that attest to its superb provenance.

Having benefited from the care of just two private owners since 1962, this well-documented, low-mileage E-Type Fixed Head Coupe is a magnificent prize for the collector who has been searching for an outstanding example of Jaguar’s finest.

*Please note that this vehicle is registered 1962 and as J62885211.