To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$240,000 - $280,000
- Highly desirable flat-floor, welded-louver Series 1
- Original matching-numbers drivetrain
- California car for many years
- Photo-documented concours restoration by marque
specialists
- Over $250,000 in itemized receipts
- Includes Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate
Turning the automotive industry on its head upon its introduction
in 1961, Jaguar's E-Type was nothing short of the most spectacular
car the world had seen in the post-war era. As so often told, Enzo
Ferrari declared the E-type "the most beautiful car in the world."
Jaguar proved yet again that it was one of the world's top
manufacturers of sports cars. What was perhaps more impressive was
the E-Type's performance. It boasted a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds
and a top speed of 150 mph.
This stunning E-Type is a highly desirable first-series roadster
finished elegantly in its original color scheme of Opalescent
Gunmetal Grey with a red leather interior and black top. One of the
most sought-after and collectable E-Type variants is an early
Series 1 flat-floor car with the welded-louver bonnet (as opposed
to later cars with louvers stamped directly into the bonnet). This
E-Type is understood to have been originally delivered in
California and was reportedly in the ownership of the famous
Alioto's restaurant family, known for their iconic Fisherman's
Wharf seafood restaurant in San Francisco. Subsequently, it was
owned by Mrs. Alvie Dodd of San Rafael, California, as evidenced by
a copy of a 1979 title accompanying the car.
Recently, this E-Type was the recipient of a comprehensive
restoration to show specifications. The exceptional body and
paintwork were completed by David Ferguson of Images Auto Body in
Campbell, California, a leading West Coast Jaguar specialist shop.
The body was brought down to bare metal, while the chassis was
media blasted. The remainder of the restoration was completed by
Richard Jenkins, a noted Atlanta-area Jaguar specialist and
longtime Jaguar master technician. The original engine, gearbox,
and rear axle were overhauled and appear in "as-new" condition. The
original crankshaft remains in the car at standard factory
specifications. The braking system and wiring were completely
refurbished, while period tires from Longstone in the UK were
fitted. Interior trim is from BAS Heritage of Palm Springs,
California. The original color scheme was retained and appears
today as it did when it left Jaguar in December 1961. A tool kit,
jack, and handbooks, as well as a Jaguar Heritage Trust
certificate, accompany the car. As testament to the quality of the
work performed, the restored E-Type received a medal at the 2019
Atlanta Concours d'Elegance.
Checking off all the boxes for collectability, authenticity, and
quality, this early Series 1 E-Type roadster with early welded
louvers and flat floors presents an exciting opportunity to acquire
one of the very best examples of Jaguar's most iconic sports car.To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.