1961 Jaguar XK-E

With the success of its XK series of sports cars, Jaguar Cars became a major player in the rapidly evolving postwar sports car market. With a reputation to uphold, its much-anticipated replacement needed to be something special. Under the watchful eye of Sir William Lyons, Jaguar again turned to motorsport-proven technology, and clever, production-friendly engineering. Lyons and chief designer Malcolm Sayer drew inspiration from the Le Mans-winning D-Type through the use of a semi-monocoque tub with bolt-on front subframes supporting the engine and independent front suspension. Departing from the live axle-equipped XK series, the E-Type utilized modular independent rear suspension with inboard brakes, pioneered on the Mk10 saloon. The E-type also boasted such exotic tech as four-wheel disc brakes, torsion bar front suspension, and initially, the XK150 Ss 3.8-liter twin-cam inline-six pumping out an impressive 265 horsepower.

Unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Auto Salon, the stunning new E-Type was met with near-universal acclaim, including the oft-repeated legend that Enzo Ferrari declared it the most beautiful car he had ever seen. Yet, even with all of the exotic style and technology, Jaguar offered the sensational new E-Type at a price point that was half of its nearest competitor. It was no surprise then that the E-Type was a resounding sales success, with over 74,000 examples built across three series and a 13-year production run.

Even among those three distinct series, Jaguar made continual running improvements to the E-Type, resulting in myriad unofficial sub-models and variations. Our featured E-Type is a very early example, hailing from 1961 and is considered to be one of the most desirable variants of the Series 1 3.8, featuring flat floors, welded-in bonnet louvers, and external bonnet latches.

According to the accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis 875227 was produced on July 14, 1961, completed to left-drive, USA specifications, making it the 226th of 385 External Bonnet Latch roadster built. Initial demand was so high that these cars were largely hand-assembled before production was streamlined. Production records show this car was delivered new to Louis Gould Associates of Studio City, California surely making quite a splash in its original shade of Opalescent Bronze over Beige trim.

In the early 1990s, this car was restored and refinished in its current Carmen red over black trim, and records on file show that the most recent owner acquired it from a Florida dealer in 1994. Shortly after acquiring it, the car was handed to Brian Joseph of Classic & Exotic Service in Troy, Michigan, for additional detailing, and sorting of the restoration. Records show consistent service and maintenance over the past 30-plus years in the owners care, and while the restoration is older, the excellent presentation reflects those decades of enthusiastic stewardship.

The body retains the all-imported outside bonnet locks operated via a T-handle wrench and the welded-in louvers are evident when you lift the bonnet. The build is set off by new wide whitewall tires, as often fitted to early E Types when new, but rarely seen today. The original, numbers-matching 3.8-liter XK engine resides in a gleaming engine bay, with beautifully polished cam covers, carburetor dashpots, and a proper pumpkin-orange cylinder head. New porcelain exhaust manifolds were fitted in preparation for sale, maintaining a near show-quality presentation. Similarly, the interior is beautifully finished in black leather on the proper early-type seats, showing only minimal signs of use.

Offered for the first time in over 30 years, this rare and desirable early external bonnet lock E-Type roadster has clearly been cherished since its restoration, and it represents an outstanding opportunity to add one of the most coveted variants of the Jaguar E-Type to your collection.

Offers welcome and trades considered.