1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 'Flat Floor' 3.8-Litre Roadster
Registration no. RFF 734
Chassis no. 850312
Engine no. R3110-9

Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (XKE in the USA) caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. While, inevitably, the car's stupendous straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines, there was a lot more to the E-Type beneath the skin. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint: firstly, because it weighed around 500lb less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward subframe that supported the engine. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight. Of all the versions of Jaguar's long-lived and much-loved sports car, it is the very early 'flat floor' 3.8-litre cars built prior to February 1962 which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable. We are advised that this 'flat floor' E-Type was purchased in 2005 from a Mr Chalmers, who had bought it from The E-Type Centre in 1996. Accompanying documentation includes a photographic record of a full restoration carried out during 1998/1999; a large folder of bills; all expired MoT certificates dating back to 1995; and Heritage certificate. More recently the car has benefited from an engine rebuild, including 'lead-free' conversion, by Jaguar XK specialists VSE (2002) and a full gearbox overhaul (2007). Coopercraft brakes were installed in 1997. Maintained by an independent specialist since acquisition, the car is described by the private vendor as in generally good/very good condition and offered with road fund licence to April 2014, MoT to August 2014 and Swansea V5C registration document. We are advised that only 18,041 miles have been covered since the rebuild.