Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 877396
Engine No. R 5813-9
Transmission No. EB 4950 JS
Body No. R 3980
"Suddenly there was a great stir and this magnificent, fabulously
low and long sports car arrived. I was absolutely enthralled by
it..."
-Stewart Bladon, for sixty years the road test writer for The
Autocar, vividly remembers his first encounter with the Jaguar
E-Type at the 1961 Geneva Auto Show.
The E-Type was simply the vanguard of performance automotive
engineering - designed with true four-wheel independent suspension,
rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, and
monocoque construction - yet one developed to be produced in large
numbers. The E-Type's heritage with the all-conquering D-Type
racing machines is evident, both engineered by William Heynes and
shaped by Malcolm Sayer. Under the tilting hood resides Jaguar's
famous 3.8-liter DOHC six, fulfilling Jaguar founder Sir William
Lyons' wish for a "glamourous" engine compartment. Improved seating
and a larger footwell in 1962 only enhanced the E-Type's enjoyment.
It's no surprise Jaguar was at capacity by 1962 and struggling to
meet demand.
The journey of this second-year E-Type Open Two Seater, chassis
number 877396, began at Jaguar Cars New York. Finished in the
popular Cream over black interior scheme, it was delivered to H.
Caldwell on 25 June 1962. It is believed there were two more owners
before it was acquired around 1983 by its caretaker for the next 33
years, a Jaguar Club of North America judge of 45 years who was
noted for his restoration craft. Other Jaguars he owned and
restored have earned four JCNA National 1st and two JCNA National
2nd Awards. At 79,751 original miles chassis number 877396 was
given a rotisserie restoration to the same standards, now finished
in Black over Crimson leather. As one would expect, the restoration
was performed down to the smallest details which a Jaguar expert
would acknowledge and appreciate. Koolmat insulation was laid under
the matching red carpeting, and a period-correct Blaupunkt AM/FM
stereo was installed. A matching black soft top, boot, and factory
hardtop complete the presentation of the roadster.
This E-Type is accompanied by its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
certificate, along with a toolkit with grease gun, jack with
storage bag, and a spare tire. Matching Crimson fitted leather
luggage is included. With its purity of form and scintillating
function, this wonderfully restored early E-Type is as enthralling
as ever.
