On its introduction in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type was swiftly recognized as an outstanding design, boasting both stylish looks and excellent engineering. It has since been acclaimed as an icon of the motoring world and remains one of the most widely recognized and highly regarded classic cars on the planet.  

The first cars, which subsequently became known as Series 1 vehicles, were available as either a 2-seat Fixed Head Coupé or an Open 2-seater (‘Roadster’) model, powered by the 6-cylinder, 3.8 litre XK engine from the outgoing Jaguar XK150. In 1964 the engine size was increased to 4.2 litres and in 1966 a longer-wheelbase 2+2 Coupé model was introduced, together with an automatic transmission option.

The Series 2 models were released in 1968, largely in response to vehicle legislation in the USA, requiring a number of safety-related changes which altered the appearance of the car. Revised bumpers, grille and lighting arrangements mostly, but the update also included power steering and air conditioning options. The Series 3 models appeared in 1971 introducing further, more radical alterations and a new V12 powerplant.

The early Series 1 Roadster model offered here was built in November 1962 and as such, has the useful recessed footwells added earlier that year but retains the aluminium dashboard and transmission tunnel of the very first models. Destined for the export market, the left hand drive car was shipped to Jaguar Cars, New York and found its first owner in California in early 1963. Seemingly, it changed hands quite soon afterwards, a new owner taking over in November 1963 (we have a photo of the appropriate ‘pink slip’). The car remained in the same hands for several decades, until sold via a California dealer and repatriated to the UK in 2014.

The new Jersey-based owner embarked on a full professional vehicle recommission/renovation at considerable cost between June 2014 and February 2016, to produce the stunning looking E Type now pictured. The car has been very well cared for subsequently with limited use – less than a further 5,000 miles have been added.