1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre 'Flat Floor' Roadster

• The 295th left-hand drive 'Flat Floor' roadster
• Delivered new to the USA
• Outside bonnet locks
• Professionally restored in the USA 2003-2004
• Present ownership since 2020

Introduced in 1961, the E-Type caused a sensation when it first appeared, with instantly classic lines and a top speed of 150mph. An optimistic 265bhp was claimed, but whatever the installed horsepower the E-Type's performance did not disappoint: firstly, because it weighed considerably less than the preceding XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the racing D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.

 Taller drivers, though, could find the interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells early in 1962. By this time, other more minor modifications had been made, such as deleting the external bonnet locks (which this car has) and adopting pressed-in bonnet louvres instead of the earlier welded-in type. But of all the versions of Jaguar's long-lived and much-loved sports car, it is the very early 'Flat Floor' 3.8-litre cars built prior to January 1962 which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable.

The 295th left-hand drive 'Flat Floor' roadster made, this rare early E-Type was completed on 17th August 1961 and distributed by Jaguars Cars, New York, USA. The original colour scheme was Carmen Red paintwork with a black leather interior. Little else is known of the car's early history in the United States.

On 14th October 2003, the E-Type was purchased from Jaguar specialists Lippincott's Garage of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania by Mr Jeffrey G Breneiser (purchase receipt on file). Mr Breneiser immediately commissioned Lippincott (still in business as Jaguar specialists) to undertake a restoration, which was completed in April 2004. The works included fitting an uprated radiator and the all-synchromesh gearbox from a 4.2-litre Series 1. Restoration costs totalled $64,000 and all related invoices are available.

Mr Breneiser owned the car until 30th December 2009, at which point he sold it to Wilfried Neuhaus-Gallade in Germany. In February 2020 Mr Gallade offered the E-Type for sale at a Paris auction where it was purchased by the current owner and brought to the UK. The car comes with a current V5C document; copies of German registration papers and TüV sheets; a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate; and the aforementioned invoices. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a sought-after outside bonnet lock 'Flat Floor' E-Type in beautiful condition.