22nd Nov, 2006 0:00
The Pavilion Gardens
1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Roadster
Estimated at £30,000 - £35,000
Lot details
Registration No: BSV 422
Chassis No: 850288
Mot Expiry: Nov 2007
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 E-type to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 150mph. Seemingly borrowed from a light aircraft, the wonderful turned aluminium centre console that adorned its dashboard was complemented by scalloped 'Dunlopillo' seats and a wood-rim steering wheel. Achingly beautiful yet viciously quick, the E-type remains for many the ultimate production Jaguar. While any roadster is desirable, the so-called 'flat floor' cars enjoy a particularly exalted status. Dating from early in the production cycle before Jaguar responded to popular demand and had footwell recesses pressed into the model's previously 'flat-floor' platform so that it could better accommodate tall drivers / passengers (a change that is thought to have occurred on right-hand drive roadsters after chassis 850357), they arguably represent the automotive icon in its purist form.
Finished in Carmen Red with black upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (four-speed manual gearbox, chassis, bodywork, paintwork) condition. Reportedly supplied new to Henleys of London in November 1961, chassis '850288' entered the current ownership during 1992. Apparently treated to a "full body restoration" (1995) and "engine rebuild" (2002), the Jaguar is said to have only covered 200 miles or so since the latter work was completed. An original UK market RHD roadster, the E-type is believed but not warranted to still retain its factory-fitted engine and gearbox (certainly, the quoted engine number relates to an approximately pre-March 1963 powerplant). Upgraded with a Kenlowe fan (though, the Jaguar alternative still accompanies the car), it is hoped that chassis '850288' will possess a new MOT certificate by the time of sale.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle now has an MOT until November 2007 and the registration number is actually BSV 422 and not BSV 423 as stated in the catalogue.
Registration No: BSV 422
Chassis No: 850288
Mot Expiry: Nov 2007
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 E-type to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and onto 150mph. Seemingly borrowed from a light aircraft, the wonderful turned aluminium centre console that adorned its dashboard was complemented by scalloped 'Dunlopillo' seats and a wood-rim steering wheel. Achingly beautiful yet viciously quick, the E-type remains for many the ultimate production Jaguar. While any roadster is desirable, the so-called 'flat floor' cars enjoy a particularly exalted status. Dating from early in the production cycle before Jaguar responded to popular demand and had footwell recesses pressed into the model's previously 'flat-floor' platform so that it could better accommodate tall drivers / passengers (a change that is thought to have occurred on right-hand drive roadsters after chassis 850357), they arguably represent the automotive icon in its purist form.
Finished in Carmen Red with black upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (four-speed manual gearbox, chassis, bodywork, paintwork) condition. Reportedly supplied new to Henleys of London in November 1961, chassis '850288' entered the current ownership during 1992. Apparently treated to a "full body restoration" (1995) and "engine rebuild" (2002), the Jaguar is said to have only covered 200 miles or so since the latter work was completed. An original UK market RHD roadster, the E-type is believed but not warranted to still retain its factory-fitted engine and gearbox (certainly, the quoted engine number relates to an approximately pre-March 1963 powerplant). Upgraded with a Kenlowe fan (though, the Jaguar alternative still accompanies the car), it is hoped that chassis '850288' will possess a new MOT certificate by the time of sale.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle now has an MOT until November 2007 and the registration number is actually BSV 422 and not BSV 423 as stated in the catalogue.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 22nd Nov, 2006
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
Do you have an item to sell?
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035
Other lots in this sale
