Vehicle Description
Jaguar's replacement for the aging XK150 debuted to stunned
audiences at the 1961 Geneva Auto Salon. Like the XK120 of 1948,
Sir William Lyons again relied on his proven strategy of balancing
affordability with exotic looks and race-proven technology. He and
his chief aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer worked together to design
the new car using lessons learned with the revolutionary,
multi-time Le Mans-winning D-Type. The new E-Type mimicked the
D-Type with its semi-monocoque tub utilizing bolt-on front
subframes to support the engine and independent front suspension.
The car also featured the ingenious modular independent rear
suspension with inboard brakes pioneered on the Mk10 saloon. The
E-Type's impressive spec sheet included four-wheel disc brakes,
torsion bar front suspension, and a 3.8 liter version of the proven
XK twin-cam inline six pumping out a startling 265 horsepower that
could push the XKE to nearly 150 mph - the kind of performance
expected from a car costing twice as much. While the E-Type could
been a hit based solely on its impressive mechanical spec, it was
the gorgeous body that stole the headlines. Available as a Coupe or
Open Two Seater (Jaguar parlance for a roadster), the curvaceous
E-Type was a smashing success from day one. It is said that
co-designer Malcolm Sayer had little interest in designing a car
based purely on aesthetics; instead, he was far more interested in
applying his aerodynamics experience from the D-Type toward a
design that allowed the form to follow function. Ironically, the
E-Type turned out to be somewhat aerodynamically inefficient, yet
is among the most important aesthetic designs of the 20th century.
Thankfully, Jaguar gave it the performance to back up the looks and
a well-driven E-type could easily hang with a contemporary Ferrari
or Aston Martin, yet it cost a fraction of the price of those
exotic machines. This stunning 1962 Jaguar E-Type "Flat Floor" OTS
is one of the finest examples we've had the pleasure to offer. A
highly desirable early production car, it was first dispatched from
Coventry on November 22nd 1961, bound for Jaguar North America. The
car was titled as a 1962 upon its sale to its first owner, listed
on the Heritage Certificate as J.L. Rein of Santa Monica,
California. Beginning in 2002, it was treated to a full,
concours-quality restoration by the Jaguar specialists at Classic
Showcase of Oceanside, California. Exquisitely presented in
stunning colors and specification, this strikingly beautiful car
has scored numerous 99 and 100-point finishes in JCNA concours
competition, won Best in Show at the 2016 International Jaguar
Festival, scored a class win at the 2015 Arizona Concours, was
shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2015 and won its
class at the 2016 Streets of Carmel show. As expected of a
world-class restoration, the body is impeccably prepared, straight,
and correctly aligned. As this is a late 1961 production model, it
is fitted with the correct inside bonnet locks in combination with
the early-style weld-in louvers. The color is resplendent, and the
quality of the paintwork is truly outstanding. Under bonnet and
underbody surfaces are equally impressive, with the finish work
done to better-than-new standards. Chrome bumpers and body fittings
are excellent and the car rides on a set of sparkling chrome wire
wheels with correct knockoffs and period correct Dunlop SP radial
tires. No detail has been left untouched and the presentation is
gorgeous. The 3.8 liter XK engine is of course correctly finished
to the minutest detail. The matching-numbers engine is topped with
the original cylinder head. This is one of the last cars to feature
the pumpkin orange-paint on the head, which was only used on
engines built prior to November of 1961. Every aspect of the engine
bay has been scrutinized and found to be absolutely correct
according to JCNA standards. Showing only 400 miles since the
restoration was completed, it remains in impeccable cosmetic and
mechanical order. The same level of care has been applied to the
interior, which is beautifully restored in tan leather, carpet, and
Hardura. The quality is stunning, and with limited mileage since
being completed, it remains in beautifully fresh condition. Details
include an original radio blank plate, correct early-style shift
knob and the signature alloy instrument panel and console inserts.
The Fawn soft top is taut and in excellent order, and is covered by
a matching fawn canvas top boot when covered. Additional items
include a correct original tool kit and jack, hinged front plate
bracket, hammer, owner's manual, maintenance chart and even the
original California black plates. Since the restoration was
completed, this car has been part of a significant collection of
Jaguar sports cars, where it has been methodically maintained and
brought to the highest level of detail. It remains in truly
outstanding mechanical and cosmetic condition, and is ready for
enjoyment on the road or on the lawns of the world's finest
concours events.