To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$175,000 - $210,000
- An early production example with flat floors
- Finished in lovely Cream over red leather interior
- Marque expert restoration
- Matching-numbers chassis, engine, and body
- Best in Class at the 2018 Amelia Island Concours
d'Elegance
According to its Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, chassis 885065
was completed on 3 October 1961, the 65th Series I fixed-head coupe
built. Soon after, the E-Type was dispatched from Coventry on 12
October 1961. Three months later it was sold to its first owner,
A.S. Flagg of Los Angeles, California, on 15 December via Jaguar
Cars of New York. Most notably, this example is an early flat-floor
fixed-head coupe and is one of 51 transitional flat-floor coupes
built by Jaguar immediately after ceasing production of the outside
catch bonnet. Furthermore, the car is one of only 40 produced with
hand-built boot and door latches.
The Jaguar exchanged hands in the early 1970s to its previous
owner, an enthusiast in Atlanta, Georgia, and remained in his
possession until 2011. A year later the current owner acquired the
E-Type and commissioned a full nut-and-bolt restoration by marque
experts. According to the consignor, the engine was rebuilt by a
master Jaguar technician whose skills were founded at the Jaguar
factory in the 1960s. Of note, the original tinted glass was
preserved and reinstalled, along with the rare and correct square
back seats which were sourced from the UK. However, while the body,
chassis, and engine remained original to the car, the owner notes
the front subframe was replaced and sourced from the UK as well as
the correct Moss gearbox.
Three years and $220,000 later, the car completed restoration in
late 2015. Without question, the Jaguar presents beautifully today.
The owner successfully campaigned it at national and local concours
events of various levels. The car was rewarded with the Lion Award
at the Concours of Americas at St. John's and Best in Class at the
2017 Hilton Head Motoring Festival. Most notably, the car also won
Best in Class for Jaguar E-Types at the prestigious Amelia Island
Concours d'Elegance in March 2018.
Accompanying the car is a complete tool roll, bottlenose jack, and
knock-off hammer. Finished in the lovely color combination of Cream
over red leather, one would be hard-pressed to find a more complete
example, considering its current state of condition, accessories,
and documentation. This outstanding E-Type is an absolute must for
any Jaguar enthusiast.
Please note that contrary to the printed catalogue, this example
did not feature welded bonnet louvers.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.
