- Unusually original Series 1 3.8 Roadster right down its factory installed body number plaque and carburettor sequence tags etc

- Currently displaying an unwarranted but not inconceivable 22,400 miles

- Recently repatriated from a Massachusetts barn. Running and driving but in need of recommissioning and / or restoration

Famously launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type created a furore. Its combination of supercar performance, superb styling and a low price tag left rivals reeling and customers clamouring. While, early sportscar racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori amongst others helped cement its reputation. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, the model's combination of all-round independent suspension (torsion-bar front / coil-sprung rear) rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes gave it excellent roadholding and handling capabilities. Fed by triple SU HD8 carburettors and topped with a 'straight port' DOHC cylinder head, its indomitable 3781cc straight-six engine was quoted as developing some 265bhp and 260lbft of torque. Allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox (with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th), it reputedly enabled the low-slung two-seater to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 150mph. While any E-type roadster is desirable, the lithesome free-revving 3.8 litre cars enjoy a particularly exalted status. Dating from early in the production cycle before Jaguar responded to popular demand for greater comfort and refinement, they arguably represent the automotive icon in its purest form.

Supplied new to America, this particular example - chassis 880134 - has only recently been repatriated from a Massachusetts barn. Among the most original left-hand drive E-Type 3.8 Roadsters that we have encountered, the two-seater pleasingly retains its factory-fitted body number plaque, engine and carburetor positioning tags! Although, the present odometer reading of 22,341 miles cannot be warranted it is lent some credence by the lack of wear to the Black leather upholstery and camshaft cover / cylinder head nuts etc. Indeed, renowned marque specialists XK Engineering of Coventry believe that the car's front suspension has yet to be apart since leaving Browns Lane. Running and driving but not on the road for the past dozen years or so, the Jaguar is ripe for recommissioning and using 'as is' or as the basis of a concours standard restoration. The Black mohair hood has self-evidently been renewed at some stage and the Primrose Yellow paintwork has plenty of age to it but from what we could gather chassis 880134 seems to be free from any major structural corrosion. Something of a 'timewarp', this delightful E-Type 3.8 Roadster is worthy of close inspection.