The Pick of the Day is a 1961 Jaguar E-Type convertible, a highly desirable early production model in sparkling condition and serving to mark the 60th anniversary of the E-Type’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 15, 1961.
This E-Type, commonly known in the US as the XK-E, has been immaculately restored to concours standards, according to the Houston dealer advertising the iconic sports car on ClassicCars.com.
The Series 1 roadster was completed by the factory on August 29, 1961, the ad says, and it’s essentially similar to the E-Type convertible and coupe that received resounding acclaim when they appeared in Geneva, including Enzo Ferrari’s famous description of the new Jaguar roadster as “the most beautiful car ever made.”
Chassis No. 87423 has been restored to its original Cotswald Blue paint with dark-blue-leather interior and a matching-numbers 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter inline-6 engine and cylinder head, says the dealer, who described in the ad how all cosmetic and mechanical work was done by top-drawer experts.
The roadster has been authenticated with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate and is documented with complete ownership and service history, the seller notes.
“During the first year of production, numerous running changes were made to the E-Type blueprint, and this early production model retains the desirable welded louvers and flat floors synonymous with those cars,” the seller says. “875423 was constructed just after the inside bonnet latch transition and features a unique fitment of outside bonnet-latch retaining screws on the inner top sills where the prior latch catches were mounted. This is a documented occurrence on the very early succeeding cars.”
The Jaguar has appeared in a number of prestigious settings, the seller adds.
“Following the restoration, this lovely Cotswold Blue E-Type was given pride of place at the entrance of The Quail Motorsports Gathering in August 2014, and presented as an ambassador for its model in October 2014 at the Niello Concours at Serrano in El Dorado Hills, California.
“Today with 56,275 recorded miles, the XK-E presents well enough for continued concours display, Jaguar Club events and spirited vintage touring. A 2021 inspection and scheduled service also included a tune-up and new period-style 6.40-15 Champion Deluxe tires with Michelin tubes for excellent continued drivability.
“In addition to the JDHT Certificate and Record Dossier, 875423 is supported by a complete and concours-worthy tool kit, jack in pouch, operating, maintenance and service handbook, Thor hammer and matching boot cover for open-air motoring.”
This impressive Jaguar E-Type is also supported by an impressive price tag, at $267,500, although that is well within reason for such a spectacular example of the 60-year-old motoring legend.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
