Lot details Registration No: Un-Reg Chassis No: 850375
- 1 of just 943 RHD examples made and supplied new to Australia
- Restored to concours standard in Sydney during 2007
- Matching numbers car, original colours and recently repatriated
Famously launched at the 1961 Geneva Salon, the Jaguar E-Type created a furore. With its stunning looks, outrageous performance and low price tag, the newcomer left rivals reeling and customers clamouring. While, early competition success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori amongst others helped cement its reputation. Built as a monocoque with an engine cradling front sub-frame, 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 road holding and handling capabilities. Fed by triple SU HD8 carburettors and topped with a 'straight port' DOHC cylinder head, its 3781cc straight-six engine was quoted as developing some 265bhp and 260lbft.
Allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox, the free-revving unit 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. Responding to popular demand, the Coventry marque had footwell recesses pressed into the model's previously 'flat-floor' platform so that it could accommodate taller drivers / passengers; a change that occurred on right-hand drive Roadsters from chassis 850358 onwards.
We are very grateful to the vendor for supplying the following description: 'Dispatched from the factory on 21st February 1962, chassis number 850375 was the ninth earliest Right Hand Drive roadster to be delivered to Australia. It was freighted to the Australian Distributor, Bryson Industries in the State of Victoria, and from their custody it was sold new, first registered on 10th April 1962. With all matching numbers, the vehicle was restored in Sydney during 2007 to Concours standards and still presents in excellent condition and drives superbly. The vendor adds the following important points; fully matching numbers car, early aluminium dashboard, 4 speed Moss gearbox, original Carmen Red with Biscuit leather trim, extensive history file, Jaguar Heritage certificate'.
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