Vehicle Description
1961 Jaguar XKE Series 1 - 3.8L Roadster
• VIN 875331
• Engine No. R1464-9
• Completed on August 15, 1961
• One of only 385 Outside Bonnet Latch Roadsters produced
Early outside bonnet latch E-Type Roadster which scored 100-points
at the Jaguar Owners Club Concours finished in a stunning original
color combination of Opalescent Dark Blue over Light Blue
upholstery. At the beginning of the first series, XKEs featured
outside bonnet latches, welded louvers, and flat floors. The
paintwork is in pristine condition with perfect gaps and panel fit.
The upholstery is in remarkable condition and features light blue
Connelly leather upholstery and a dark blue canvas convertible top,
as it had when it left the factory. The chrome 15? knockoff wire
wheels are mounted with Avon radial CR-6 ZZ 205 70 VR15 tires.
In recent years, the supply of highly original early E-Types for
restoration has dwindled, so the discovery of an original
low-mileage example was notable. Fortunately, it ended up in the
care of an experienced Jaguar restoration facility, Classic
Showcase, a marque specialist in Oceanside, California who
preserved as much of the car's originality as possible. In 2014,
they performed a comprehensive restoration to the highest level
possible at no expense spared. Included in the restoration process,
the vehicle has been completely dissembled, and the body was
stripped to bare metal and placed on a rotisserie. It was then
primed, sealed, and painted in its original color. All the
mechanical and electrical were gone through and restored, or
replaced, as necessary. The transmission, clutch, and hydraulic
systems were fully restored or replaced, and the car has received
all-new rubber, grommets, and seals. In addition, the brightwork
has been fitted, and triple-plated to show quality. A completely
new interior was fitted and installed using the correct English
materials. The Roadster's parts and components have been restored
in the proper colors and finishes as well, and NOS parts were used
wherever possible.
Accolades
• Scored 100 points at the Jaguar Owners Club of Los Angeles
Concours d'Elegance 2014
• 1st in Class at the San Marino Classic Concours 2014
• 1st in Class at the Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance 2015
Shown for the first time at the Jaguar Owners Club of Los Angeles
annual Concours d'Elegance in 2014, this XKE scored 100-points
proving its very high overall quality. A few weeks later, "Blue
Diamond" won 1st in Class while at the San Marino Concour. Under
the previous owner, an additional $23,000 was spent to further
enhance this already spectacular E-Type after it was acquired in
2014. Improvements included the acquisition of the correct jack,
tools, and show-quality manuals. Additionally, this E-Type was
fitted with a Radiomobile radio and antenna, new-old-stock Jaguar
seat belts, and year-of-manufacture license plates. Additional
detailing included expert color sanding and polishing, as well as
an engine service. These efforts were rewarded with a 1st in Class
win at the 2015 Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance. On October 8,
2021, over $10,000 was spent with the help of Vintage Auto Service
in Oakland, California where they performed the following:
installed a 4.2 transmission on a modified bell housing, changed
the engine oil and filter, and detailed the engine and wheels.
Mechanically powered by the matching 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder
engine paired to an upgraded 4-speed (Series I - 4.2) manual
transmission (The original transmission is also included in the
sale) and four-wheel disc braking system. Complete with two keys,
Jaguar overseas distributor and dealer handbook, owner's manual,
and manufacturer's warranty card. An excellent opportunity to
acquire one of the rarest early left-hand-drive E-types finished in
a very desirable color combination and would make a fabulous
acquisition for any Jaguar enthusiast looking for further display
or private enjoyment.
History
The Series 1 was introduced, initially for export only, in March
1961. The domestic market launch came four months later in July
1961. The cars at this time used the triple SU carbureted 3.8 liter
6-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. The first 300 cars
built had flat floors and external hood (bonnet) latches. These
cars are rare and more valuable. The outside bonnet latch is the
most sought-after of all the Series I E types. Only 500 external
bonnet latch cars were made, of those, 385 were left-hand drive
roadsters, 20 left-hand drive coupes, 91 right-hand drive
roadsters, and 4 right-hand drive coupes. After that, the floors
were dished to provide more legroom and the twin hood latches were
moved inside the car. The 3.8-liter engine was increased to 4.2
liters in October 1964.
