Lot 624: 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster

If proof were needed that the Jaguar E-Type remains a supremely capable Grand Routier, then one need look no further than this Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster, which completed a marathon Continental tour in 2003 that commenced by traversing Northern Europe before taking in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Italy, returning to the UK through Southern France via Bordeaux (certificate available). This demanding route, which involved a number of high-speeds tests, was completed trouble-free and without any incidents; the E-Type’s sterling performance being a credit to its makers. Further emphasising its transcontinental credentials, the car will have been driven to the sale from Bern, Switzerland. Its accompanying Jaguar/Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate (dated November 2002) reveals that left-hand drive chassis number ‘875677’ (engine number ‘R1944-9’) was despatched new to Jaguar Cars, New York, USA on 17th October 1961 and first owned by one R J Silberimuy of San Diego, California. UK duties have been paid on this car, which has covered 76,000 miles from new and fewer than 8,000 since undergoing a ‘body off’ total rebuild to a high standard, carried out by a Jaguar specialist circa 4-5 years ago and costing around US$50,000. The car is finished in black with red leather interior, its original colour combination, and has the desirable chromed wire wheels. It comes complete with new Eagle mohair soft-top, black-finished factory hardtop and car cover. The vendor advises us that the engine has recently been converted to accept lead-free fuel (using stainless-steel valves) while an up-rated charging system, aluminium radiator and harmonised crankshaft damper are other noteworthy features. The car is accompanied by a history file containing rebuild photographs and invoices (also containing the original chassis plate, placed therein for safekeeping) and is offered with road fund licence/MoT to November 2007 and Swansea V5 document.