Vehicle Description
Jaguar stunned audiences at the 1961 Geneva Auto Salon with the
introduction of their long-awaited replacement for the XK150 sports
car. Like the XK120 of 1948, Jaguar boss Sir William Lyons again
employed a strategy of packaging exotic looks and race-proven
technology at a surprisingly affordable price point. He and his
chief aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer worked together on the new
E-Type's design 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 twin-cam inline-six
pumping out 265 horsepower. With a top speed of nearly 150 mph, the
E-Type could easily hang cars costing twice as much. While the
E-Type could have 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 aerodynamically
inefficient, yet it is considered one of the greatest aesthetic
designs of the late 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. It was
originally delivered in the highly attractive colors of Opalescent
Bronze over a beige interior and Fawn hood. 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 period-correct colors and specification,
this strikingly beautiful car earned multiple 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, won its class at the 2015 Streets of Carmel show,
and participated in the Pebble Beach Tour. 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 block 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, and this car was completed
later in the month. Every aspect of the engine bay has been
scrutinized and found to be absolutely correct according to JCNA
standards. With low miles since its world-class restoration, it
remains in impeccable cosmetic and mechanical order. The same level
of care has been applied to the interior, which is beautifully
restored with gorgeous cinnamon leather, matching Wilton carpet,
and correct Hardura vinyl. The quality is stunning, and the limited
mileage and attentive care since the restoration keep the cockpit
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-colored soft top is
taut and in excellent order, and features a matching canvas top
boot. 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.
Following the restoration, this car joined a significant collection
of Jaguar sports cars, where it was 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 most
prestigious concours events. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6668-1962-jaguar-xke-roadster/