The E-Type was introduced as a rear-wheel drive grand tourer in two-seater coupé form (FHC or Fixed Head Coupé) and as a two-seater convertible "roadster" (OTS or Open Two Seater). A "2+2" four-seater version of the coupé, with a lengthened wheelbase, was released in 1966.
Later model updates of the E-Type were officially designated "Series 2" and "Series 3", and over time the earlier cars have come to be referred to as "Series 1." As with other partly hand made cars of the time, changes were incremental and ongoing, which has led to confusion over exactly what a Series 1 car is. This is of more than academic interest, as Series 1 E-Types—and particularly Series 1 roadsters—often have values in excess of Series 2 and 3 models.
The Series 1 cars essentially fall into two categories: Those made between 1961 and 1964, which had 3.8-litre engines and (on all but the very last cars) partial synchromesh transmissions; and those made between 1965 and 1967, which increased engine size and torque by around 10% to 4.2 litres, and also provided new reclining seats, an alternator in place of the dynamo, an electrical system switched to negative earth, a more reliable brake servo, and other modern amenities. Styling was unchanged.
As a result, the 4.2-litre Type 1 generally became the most valuable form of the car. However, as of the end of 2014, the most expensive regular production Jaguar E-Types sold at auction included a 4.2-litre Series 1 roadster, with matching numbers, original paint and interior, under 80,000 original miles, and a history of being in the original buyer's family for 45 years, for $467,000 in 2013, and a 3.8-litre 1961 "flat floor" Series 1, for $528,000 in 2014.Special run racing lightweights go for far more still. For example, a 1963 E-type Lightweight Competition advertised as very original and with much patina (wearing the "factory installed interior and bodywork showing the patina of decades of use," although it was re-painted and has a non-matching numbers - albeit factory provided - engine), one of just twelve that were built, sold for $7,370,000 at the 2017 Scottsdale, Arizona auctions.
Being a British-made car of the 1960s, there are some rather rare sub-types of Series 1 E-Types, particularly at the beginning and end of the Series 1 production. For example, the first 500 Series 1 cars had flat floors and external bonnet latches.At the close of the Series 1 production run, there were a small number of cars produced that are identical in every respect to other Series 1 units (including triple SU carbs, button actuated starter, toggle switches, etc.), except that the headlight covers were removed for better illumination. It is not known exactly how many of these Series 1 cars (sometimes referred to as for convenience sake as "Series 1.25," but per Jaguar, Series 1) were produced, but given that 1,508 Series 1 roadsters were produced worldwide for 1967, combined with the fact that these examples were made in just the last several months of Series 1 production, means that these, like the flat floor examples that began the Series 1 production run, are the lowest volume Series 1 variant, save of course for the special lightweights.
This Car
Delivered new to Australia in 1962, repatriated back to the UK in recent years and sent to one of the top three UK restorers to be restored and upgraded to an out sanding specifaction.
Repainted in it's original Opalescent Dark Blue with a Blue Mohair hood covering and Red Leather trim.
Following Up Grades
Alloy bonnet
Reinforce Sills
Gas bonnet strut
Fast road engine
5 speed gear box
High output alloy water pump
123 distributor
High torque starter
Spin on oil filter conversion (takes genuine Jaguar XJ filter)
4.2 early pedal box to accommodate servo’d brakes with a V12 servo
Billet Alloy front callipers (4 pot)
3:07 differential
Adjustable shocks with adjustable platforms on rear
Adjustable torsion bar reaction plate
Uprated front roll bar
Polly bushed suspension
316 marine grade top quality exhaust
Stainless Wheels
Alloy header tank
Alloy radiator with electric kenlow fan
Silicone water hose set
Uprated heater matrix and fan
Cockpit sound insulation
Wing mirrors
Alternator upgrade 70amp
Top spec audio including:
-Sat Nav
-Blue tooth
-hands free
-USB
-Electric antenna
Quad speaker sound system
