Lot 119: 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Litre Roadster

The first E Type Jaguar with disc brakes and independent suspension all round was announced in 1961 as a replacement for the XK150. This early E Type 3.8 roadster in gunmetal with red interior was built 29 July at the Browns Lane, Coventry works in 1963 and has been owned by the present keeper for the past fourteen years.During 1998/9, the convertible was the subject of a said to be comprehensive body, mechanical and interior restoration, the monocoque bodyshell having been totally stripped down and jig-rebuilt with the floors, both inner and outer sill structures, as well as the bonnet and the door skins renewed. A full photographic record of this rebuild comes with the car.Mechanically, we are told, everything that needed to be was overhauled, including the engine, which now can be run on unleaded fuel, while the suspension and the brakes were rebuilt with components renewed as necessary. The original, though often criticised Moss gearbox, has been replaced with a later Jaguar all-synchromesh transmission and the car is now shod with new 6 ins wide, competition-spec, chrome wire wheels. All the brightwork has been replated, too, so that the current condition of the car, which has reportedly been subjected to minimal use since restoration, is rated by the owner as being truly pristine.Supporting the history are the contents of the documents file, which also contains a Heritage Certificate recording the original manufacturing details and a V5 registration document confirming the 1580 PF registration currently on the car and a full years MoT. An inspection during viewing will only confirm for yourself that this clearly well restored open E Type 3.8 really is in exceptional condition.