Lot 238: Jaguar E-Type 3.8L Roadster

On its 1961 Geneva Show debut the E-Type caused a sensation, with all the promise of its looks confirmed 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 by independent road test results that not only recorded a 150mph top speed, but also 0-60mph 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 roadster form, the steel monocoque chassis sported all-independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, mounted inboard at the back. First registered in 1964, this particular E-Type is finished in red with a tan interior, and comes complete with a matching hardtop. An excellent chance to own a good example of this iconic Jaguar design.