Lot details Registration No: HFO 863 Chassis No: 875428 Mot Expiry: May 2012
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 they arguably represent the automotive icon in its purist form.
This 3.8 `flat floor' Roadster was an export car manufactured in October 1961 and is finished in Gunmetal Grey complemented by a Red leather interior. It was reimported from the USA in 1993 and converted to right-hand drive during a two-year restoration that included the renewal of the floors, bulkhead and hood. The exhaust was replaced with a stainless system and in the last two years new Coopercraft brakes have been installed and new tyres fitted. The vendor regards the bodywork and trim as "very good", the paintwork and gearbox as "good" and the engine as "sound". `HFO 863' is taxed and MOT'd into next May.
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:
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