The 1961 Jaguar E-type 3.8 Litre Series I Fixed Head Coupe is a
genuine "Flat Floor" early production model, presented in the
stunning color combination of Opalescent Silver Blue over a grey
leather interior. Per the accompanying Jaguar-Daimler Heritage
Trust Certificate, chassis no. 885237 was completed at the Coventry
works in November 1961. Originally finished in Cream over Black
leather, the Flat Floor Coupe was dispatched just before Christmas
1961 to Jaguar Cars of New York. While the car's early history
remains unknown, it is believed to have undergone a level of
restoration sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s, as evidenced
by the absence of its original welded-louver bonnet, which, per
archival photographs, appears to have been removed prior to the
current ownership.
James C. (the late spouse of our consignor) found the car at a 1986
auction in Oklahoma. The project began almost immediately and
accompanied James and his family during a move to Northwest
Arkansas in 1992. James was a lifelong European sports car owner
and restorer, as well as a long-time member of the British Iron of
Northwest Arkansas car club. Family photos show the Jaguar sharing
his workshop garage with everything from early MGBs to a
Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster.
A labor of love for more than a decade, the rotisserie-level, full
nut-and-bolt restoration was photo-documented and showcases a
meticulous level of planning and execution. It's clear the goal was
not simply to restore the car, but to enhance its drivability. In
the late owner's words:
"TERRY'S JAGUAR rebuilt, blueprinted and balanced the 3.8 [Litre
Engine] and fitted a 4.2 all-synchro gearbox with aluminum
flywheel. A [Jaguar] shop (now gone) in Tulsa rebuilt the rear. A
retired body man from Cassville, Missouri took care of the paint &
body. The painted shell & mechanics came back to my home shop where
assembly took place."
The car was completed in 1999, just in time for the new millennium.
Service invoices dating back to 2014 accompany the car today,
documenting a mere 1,600 miles accrued during the past decade.
Sadly, the long-term owner and restorer passed away from illness in
March 2024. A few months later, James' family entrusted IT'S ALIVE!
with the car's recommissioning and marketing, asking our team of
in-house specialists to ensure this beloved E-Type was in
road-ready condition and find its next caretaker.
Despite being a 25-year-old restoration, this E-Type presents
beautifully. The Opalescent Silver Blue exterior still dazzles,
while minor imperfections in the paint and bright work are
noticeable only upon close inspection. The retrimmed grey leather
interior remains supple and inviting. The period AM/FM CD player
shows its age but serves as a subtle nod to the era in which the
restoration was completed.
Under the bonnet, the numbers-matching 3.8-liter DOHC inline-six
has been thoroughly sorted. It's fitted with cockpit-adjustable
MALLORY/MSD electronic ignition and cooled by a GRIFFIN aluminum
radiator with electric fan. The triple SU carburetors sport chrome
K&N air cleaners for improved breathing, while a modern GM
alternator keeps the charging system reliable and consistent.
Shifting is performed through a standard-ratio, fully synchronized
4.2-era gearbox for ease of driving, while the matching-numbers
"Moss Box" 4-speed has been removed and still accompanies the car
today. Torque is transferred through a rebuilt IRS assembly to
6-inch, 72-spoke DAYTON stainless steel wire wheels, wearing
PIRELLI P4000 tires with date codes from 2003 and 2004. Braking is
still assisted by factory components, though performance is
improved with WILWOOD calipers and braided stainless-steel flex
lines throughout.
While the car is not a concours-correct restoration of an early
Flat Floor Coupe, it was never meant to be. Instead, it is a
thoughtfully upgraded, lovingly maintained driver's
E-Type-exhibiting a level of execution that comes from decades of
firsthand experience building and driving classic sports cars. What
might make a purist look away would cause the true aficionado to
lean in closer.
Car No. 885237 is an exceptionally well-sorted example with
tasteful modifications that improve real-world usability without
compromising the spirit of the original. It presents a rare
opportunity for the discerning collector or enthusiast to acquire a
historically significant Jaguar that is both beautiful to behold
and exhilarating to drive. In fact, it is one of the best-driving
E-Types we have ever encountered at IT'S ALIVE!
We are honored to represent this stunning, fully sorted Series I
3.8L Fixed Head Coupe-offered after nearly 40 years of singular
ownership-to the most discerning driver or collector who
appreciates the pure design of the Jaguar E-Type and the mechanical
engineering that made this model a tour de force on both road and
track. If you are the next caretaker of this classic, give us a
call at 314-710-6600 or email
[email protected] today!
