Lot 113: 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster

On its 1961 Geneva Show debut the E-Type caused a sensation, with all the promise of its looks confirmed by independent road test results that not only recorded a 150mph top speed, but also 0-60mph and 0-l00mph in 6.9 and 16.2 seconds respectively; fast indeed, and the match of any exotic thoroughbred then available, combined with superb road-holding and remarkable docility.One of the greatest post-war sports cars, Jaguar's E-Type made immediate headlines on its launch in March 1961. Here was a sleek and beautiful 150mph car with a competition pedigree that could be bought for just over £2,000, almost half the cost of an Aston Martin or Ferrari. A direct descendant of the XK120 and competition C and D-Type models that so dominated fifties sports car racing, the E-Type shared its 265bhp 3.8 litre twin-cam straight-six engine with the XK150 'S', mated to a Moss four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios. Beneath the William Lyons/Malcolm Sayer-styled body, available in either closed or the more desirable roadster form, the steel monocoque chassis sported all-independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, mounted inboard at the back.Manufactured in 1961 this Series 1 E Type is in fine condition and is supplied with a rare matching hard top for winter driving. The car is finished in blue with a black interior and topped with a dark blue hood, all of which are in good order. The car is supplied with a file of bills with a significant amount of work being carried out in 2001, including a complete light overhaul which consisted of new door and bumper rubbers, chrome trim, new ignition coil, restoration of headlights and the repainting of the bonnet with a bill in the region of £6,000. Other work carried out included new interior leather and stainless steel chair frames totaling over £2,000, a new period HMV/Radiomobile radio and under chassis aerial totaling over £500. The car is supplied with a V5 document and is one of the most popular, effective and attractive sports cars ever built.