To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17
August 2019.
Estimate:
$260,000 - $300,000
- Highly desirable early flat-floor example
- Matching-numbers engine; original left-hand-drive example
- Finished in its original color combination of Pearl Grey over
Dark Blue
- Restored to concours condition by Swiss marque expert
- Accompanied by JDHT certificate
Unlike anything that had come before it, the E-Type was an instant
hit upon its debut at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. With shapely
curves almost devoid of ornamentation, it was sleek, smooth, and
sexy�and promised 150 mph. In place of a grille was a simple oval
air inlet bisected by the thin chrome bar. Bumpers were similarly
slight. Headlights were covered in Plexiglas nacelles, an
aircraft-inspired touch still much-loved by purists. Change came
early to the E-Type, and by the late 1960s, safety and emissions
regulations had had their way, compromising appearance and
performance. For this reason, it is the early Series 1 cars, of
which this is an excellent example, that are most highly
prized.
The 78th left-hand-drive fixed-head coupe built, chassis number
885078 was dispatched on 20 October 1961 to Jaguar Cars New York.
While the first owner was not recorded and the early history
remains unknown, by 2004 this early-production E-Type found its way
to Michigan. Photos from this time show the E-Type, now painted
red, in need of restoration. Nevertheless, an online advertisement
caught the attention of the current owner, who had the perfect
restorer in mind�marque expert Josef Palotas, owner of M�hlental
Garage in Switzerland. Never one to turn down a project, Mr.
Palotas ascertained immediately that all the correct parts
remained, including its matching engine and gearbox, and each body
panel was stamped with the correct body number.
Seven years later, the E-Type had undergone a complete nut-and-bolt
restoration and was nearly unrecognizable. Now in concours
condition, chassis 885078 shone in its original colors of Pearl
Grey over a Dark Blue interior�one of just two cars ever finished
in this combination. Mr. Palotas had done extensive research to
ensure that the E-Type was period-correct, as these early
flat-floor models differ from the more common later-production
models. Small details such as the smaller rear deck lid and smaller
gas-cap door ensure that chassis 885078 underwent the most
authentic restoration.
Now prepared for any concours on the international stage as well as
Jaguar club affairs, this is an outstanding example of the iconic
E-Type in its purest form.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.