1961 JAGUAR E-TYPE

Offered here is a superb, early Series 1 E-Type Roadster that appears to have been restored to an excellent standard, with careful attention to detail throughout. Our vendor informs us that it retains its original 3.8-litre engine block, matching the details recorded on its Jaguar Heritage Certificate. This is further supported by historical online records, which also suggest that the car was recorded as matching-numbers when it was repatriated to the UK.

Manufactured in October 1961, this E-Type left the Jaguar plant at Browns Lane and was shipped to the United States, where it was supplied new through Jaguar's New York distributors. Following its return to the UK around 2015, it was correctly registered before undergoing a comprehensive restoration by E-Type UK. As part of this work, it was converted to right-hand drive and beautifully refinished in its original colours of Opalescent Gunmetal Grey with a red leather interior and black hood.

As an early, first-year example, this E-Type benefits from some particularly desirable details, including its distinctive flat floor, enclosed headlamps, dashboard toggle switches and early-style bucket seats, all of which contribute to the unmistakable character of these first-generation cars.

The restoration appears to have been a comprehensive, ground-up undertaking, encompassing the mechanical components, electrical systems, running gear, bodywork and interior. The invoices contained within the history file outline the considerable investment and many hours of work required to achieve the excellent result we are pleased to offer here at the NEC Classic Motor Show.

During our photography and filming session, the venerable Jaguar fired up on the button and performed well, shifting smoothly through the gears, with the rebuilt 3.8-litre engine sounding lively and pulling strongly as the speed increased. The braking system also performed well and, overall, the car's behaviour appeared consistent with a vehicle that has covered approximately 600 miles since its comprehensive restoration.

Further invoices within the history file show that the car has been inspected and serviced relatively recently by a classic Jaguar specialist.

Today, the cost of undertaking a restoration of this nature would likely exceed our upper estimate, even before factoring in the challenge of sourcing a suitable matching-numbers donor car and the considerable time that can pass between commissioning such a project and its eventual completion. This iconic early Jaguar E-Type appears to be very much on the button and is ready to be enjoyed instantly.