Range | Daily driver range |
Brand | Jaguar |
Type | Type E série I 3.8l ''flat floor'' |
Body | Cabriolet |
Production | |
First print | |
Body color | Rouge |
Interior color | Noir |
Motor | XK 6 cylindres en ligne carburateurs SU |
Displacement | 3871 |
Powerful | 268 ch SAE |
Gearboxe | Mécanique à 4 rapports. |
Dimensions | L : 4,58 - l : 1,79 |
Options | |
Features | Excellent état et rareté. |
Mileage | |
Guarantee | 12 Mois |
Price | 190 000€ |
Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Series 1 ‘flat floor’
The Geneva Motor Show in March 1961 saw the introduction of a new and unusually elegant sports car which would leave its mark on its era. That car was the Jaguar E-Type, and it was an enormous success. The order books filled up at once. The first coupé versions were soon joined by the equivalent roadster models. It had breathtaking styling. The long bonnet with its power bulge and faired-in headlamps and its wire wheels gave it an incredible charm which accentuated its delicate lines. Enzo Ferrari himself was moved to call it “the most beautiful car in the world”. Its design had its origins in racing. Its architecture was based on the same principles as the famous D-Type. With a tubular subframe at the front, four-wheel disc brakes (mounted inboard at the rear) and independent suspension all round, with four shock absorbers at the rear, it was technically ahead of its time and its handling and abilities made it a modern car to drive. The engine was carried over from its predecessor, the XK 150 S. A 3.8-litre in-line six, it had twin overhead camshafts and was fed by three SU carburettors. It was derived from the famous XK engine fitted to the XK 120 in 1948 and which would be used in the XJ40 until 1995. The 3.8-litre unit produced 268bhp and delivered exceptional performance for the period. Jaguar claimed a top speed of 150mph! It was a rival for other prestigious models like the Ferrari 250, but at a much lower price. Its superb styling, high performance, modern handling, ‘reasonable’ cost and whiff of ‘Old England’ were probably key to its success and to the growing interest it attracts today. After progressing through Series 2 and 3 models equipped with a 4.2-litre six-cylinder engine and then a 5.3-litre V12, it was replaced in 1975 by the XJ-S, which had more conventional styling.
The model presented here
The model offered for sale is the most sought-after by collectors. It is one of the rare early versions, a roadster with the 3.8-litre engine, known as the ‘flat floor’ model on account of the design of the first cars built until January 1962. This example was delivered new in California in December 1961. It came to France 28 years ago, where it was refurbished. It was resprayed in its original colour and the engine overhauled. It has been with the same owner ever since, and a major service has just been carried out. The interest of this car is that it is in perfect condition without having just undergone a complete restoration. The floor pans, for example, are original, without any corrosion. Its slight patina gives it a charm not found on a car restored to be like new, but which is nonetheless more expensive. It is made to be driven in the best possible conditions. The braking system has been upgraded and is more effective and resistant to fade. A second-generation gearbox, which is more pleasant to use, has been fitted. The original Moss box, with its unsynchronised first gear, has been stored in a separate crate. This car’s original shade of red is distinctive and sets it apart from the colours normally seen on this model. An extensive file retraces the car’s history and the Jaguar Heritage certificate confirms its original specification. Its condition and specification make this roadster unique. It will be sold serviced and with a 12-month warranty.