Simply unforgettable, the Jaguar E-Type honored its maker’s brilliant racing heritage and revolutionized the sports car concept in one stroke at its 1961 Geneva debut. While almost relentless development kept the E-Type competitive on track and maintained its relevance through three distinct series, the first-generation 3.8-litre examples occupy a particularly special place in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts.

This 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe, chassis 888582, is surely one of the most compelling and exceptionally original examples ever to come to market. An original left-hand-drive example, it was built on April 29, 1963, finished in the rare color scheme of Opalescent Maroon over black leather. Purchased new by Donald F. Gregg of Portland, Oregon, via British Motor Car Distributors Inc., the E-Type was retained and preserved by him until 2014. Throughout his five decades of ownership, the E-Type was properly garaged when not in use, and according to documents chronicling the tire replacement in September 1969 at 28,961 recorded miles, Mr. Gregg only drove the Jaguar approximately 5,000 additional miles during his ownership.

The second owner, John Phillips, acquired the E-Type directly from Mr. Gregg in 2014, and wonderful photographs on file commemorate the occasion. Following a major mechanical service and careful detailing, with original parts cleaned, serviced, and preserved wherever possible, Mr. Phillips showed the E-Type at a JCNA Concours in 2015, scoring 99.85 points, with the only deductions made on the aging manifold porcelain. The third owner, Herve Lebasse, purchased the vehicle from Mr. Phillips in June 2017 at 33,938 miles, and elected to fully rebuild the engine, in addition to servicing the heating and cooling systems, and installing new wire-spoke wheels and period-correct tires, while retaining the original wheels and the tires purchased by Mr. Gregg in 1969 for exhibition. During Mr. Lebasse’s ownership, this wonderfully preserved E-Type was inspected by noted Jaguar restorer Dave Fergusson, who found the car exceptionally and irreplaceably original and correct throughout. The consignor reports that, even today, the 34,000-mile E-Type retains its factory-original Opalescent Maroon paint and leather upholstery, and that the chassis, body, and engine numbers all match the factory production records.

In addition to a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, this E-Type is accompanied by its original owner’s manual with storage pouch, maintenance booklet, jack, tool kit, and grease gun. Still wearing its original Oregon license plates and BMCD dealer frame, the E-Type’s many fascinating items include the original lighter tag, key chain, and Michelin tire warranty booklet, plus 1960s rally placards, JCNA judging sheets, and Oregon registration paperwork from the original owner, extensive history and service records, plus over 350 photos – all contained in a custom shadow display box for posterity.