1963 Jaguar E-type Series 1 3.8 litre Roadster

Chassis No. 850653

Engine No. R7202-9

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 caused a sensation when it appeared in 1961. Directly inspired by the racing D-Type and sporting instantly classic lines it achieved an optimistic 265bhp and a top speed of 150mph from the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor 'S' unit first offered as an option on the XK150.

Released to the public as a rear-wheel drive grand-tourer in two-seater fixed head coupé form and the OTS (open two-seater), the E-Type's performance was more than satisfactory being at around 500lb (227kg). With D-type experience gained by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer Jaguar’s racing and passenger car efforts came the lighter celebrated Series 1 E-Type Jaguar changing the sportscar world forever.

The Series 1 was initially produced for export and the domestic market launch came four months later in July 1961. The cars at this time used the triple SU carburetted 3.8 litre six-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S, originally with a flat floor, but eventually footwells were added to provide more leg room. Most distinguishable to the Series 1 model are the glass-covered headlights, the small mouth opening at the front, indicator and tail-lights above bumpers and exhaust tips under the rear number plate and the external twin bonnet latch, but by August these had been superceded by internally-positioned bonnet locks. The Series 1 bears a simple Jaguar badge and was fitted with a Moss four-speed gearbox which lacked synchromesh on first gear, known as the Moss Box.

A limited number of only 942 RHD 1961-64 Series 1 3.8 Roadsters were produced.

This fine manual RHD 1963 Series 1 was distributed by Henlys Limited of London and the original dealer was Chipstead Motors, Notting Hill. Its first registration plate was 1 KKR. The date of manufacture was 4th February 1963. The car holds a Production Record Trace Certificate number 29846.

Presented in Old English White the car underwent a full restoration before being purchased by the current owner in 2005. The car has been fitted with aluminium radiator, aluminium header tank and aluminium overflow tank all supplied by Spiteri. It has been meticulously maintained and has done less than 3000 miles during this time. A full synchromesh 4 speed gear box has been fitted.

This vehicle will be sold unregistered.