-Chassis 876409
-Matching numbers example
-Original and highly desirable colour combination
-Maintained regardless of costs
-European registered

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Roadster

With the debut of Jaguar’s sensational new sports car, the E-Type, at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, they had once again proven to the world that they could build an incredible performance car with svelte looks to match, which was a hallmark of the brand. From the moment of its introduction, dealers could hardly keep their E-Types on the showroom floor. The E-Type was intended as the next-generation replacement to Jaguar’s XK 120–150 series of sports cars, and it was the culmination of lessons learned from that series, as well as those learned in the heat of competition with the revolutionary D-Type. It was powered by Jaguar’s venerable 3.8-liter, straight six-cylinder engine, which first appeared in the XK 150 S the year before. Its horsepower was rated at a respectable 265, and it could muster a top speed of 150 mph. The E-Type was also equipped with a modern independent rear suspension that masterfully mixed precise handling, comfort, and grip.

So popular was it that the small Jaguar factory was behind on orders for the next four years, meaning there was no compelling reason at all to make major changes to the car until 1964. Rather than large-scale differences, early E-Type enthusiasts look for the small clues that differentiate their cars, such as this car’s chromed escutcheon external bonnet latches, which are the famed “outside latches” that identify a very early E-Type. Very few outside-bonnet-latch cars were ever produced. This car, number 331 in production order, also sports flat floors and welded louvers, which were soon changed to more cost-efficient pressed metal.

This Motorcar

The E-Type that we are offering here is an original flat floor model, chassis number 876409. The engine number is R 3291-9 (matching numbers). Its original livery, which it still bears today, is Opalescent Gunmetal red interior with black top. The car left the works in December 1961 and was delivered new in January 1962 by Jaguar Cars dealership in New York.Although delivered new by the main East Coast official dealer, its first owner, Mr. RL Birke was based in Eugene, Oregon on the West Coast.

The transmission has been changed to a 4-speed synchronized Type-E 4.2L type. 876409 will remain for much of his life in the United States. It was then imported to Denmark in 1992 by a collector who kept it until 2015! Acquired by Aston Sales Kensington, it was subsequently sold to its current owner who will have the mechanics improved with the installation of new hoses, new rubbers, adjustable shock absorbers, 4 ventilated disc brakes, overhaul of the rear transaxle. The electric gas pump is new as well as the master cylinder. A Kenlowe cooling system was discreetly installed. The car retains much of its original flat floor details such as the electric beam path, the radiator fitting of the original fan’s power supply, the original door mirror, the wooden steering wheel with wider metal strap, longer rear silencers, Blaupunkt radio with antenna, black battery etc. , The mechanical settings were tastefully improved which makes its use highly pleasant. The car is accompanied by a large file and features a superb original livery.

French registration.