1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Coupé
Registration no. 5101VC
Chassis no. 886967

Introduced in 3.8-litre form at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type: a monocoque tub forming the main structure, while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. An optimistic 265bhp was claimed, but whatever the installed horsepower, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 500lb (227kg) less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.
Today, the E-Type's graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time. Indeed, even Enzo Ferrari felt obliged to concede that the E-type was 'the most beautiful car ever made'.
Delivered new to Jaguar of Eastern Canada in Montreal, chassis number '886967' was imported from Vancouver, Canada and registered in the UK in 2018 with all duties paid. All four Canadian owners are known (see list on file) and the car has covered a genuine circa 106,500 miles from new. The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate records the original colour scheme as Opalescent Silver Blue with Maroon interior trim, and the first owner as one R E Udd.
In 2003 a comprehensive 'last nut and bolt' restoration was commenced by the last owner (a professional engineer) and finally completed in 2009. The car was restored to standard specification apart from two safety-related upgrades: four-pot Girling front brakes (early E-Types are well known for inadequate braking performance) and standard seats converted to 'high backs'. A multi-bladed radiator fan has been added for improved cooling (another weak point) and, for convenience, a glove box has been fitted between the seats (as per later 3.8s and 4.2s). A new 'dotted aluminium' trim-panel for the transmission tunnel is included in the sale should the purchaser prefer the original look. The original valve radio is included, but not fitted, and the car could easily be returned to 'factory' specification if desired. Conversion to right-hand drive would be relatively straightforward and inexpensive.
The current lady owner purchased the car at Bonhams' Goodwood sale in April 2019 (Lot 54) as a companion to the 'flat floor' E-Type Roadster in this sale. The odometer reading at that time was circa 5,600 kilometres and is now 7,673 kilometres, which is believed to be the distance travelled since the restoration. Since acquisition a new clutch has been fitted, the brakes refurbished and several other adjustments made to bring the car to perfect working condition. These works were carried out by Bob Houghton at a cost of circa £10,000. This beautiful early E-Type coupé is offered with restoration photographs, a UK V5C Registration Certificate, and the aforementioned JHT Certificate. (The original front brake callipers are included in the sale.)