1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Coupe
Chassis no. 886871
Engine no. R7550-9
3,781cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
265bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Low mileage, exquisitely restored Series 1 E-Type with exciting history
*Toured over the continent by the first owner after factory delivery
*Matching numbers example in factory correct appearance
*Participant in the 50th Anniversary run from Coventry to Geneva
*Accompanied by extensive history file and Heritage Trust Certificate
THE JAGUAR E-TYPE
When introduced at the 1961 Geneva Salon, Jaguar's E-Type stirred passions with its extremely sleek and timeless design backed by staggering performance. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor.
Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-liter, triple-carbureted, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance furthered the standards set by the preceding XK models: firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.
Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward subframe. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight.
Often called the most beautiful production car of all time, the E-Type remains an automotive icon of design, engineering and speed.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Completed in September of 1962, this sensational left-hand-drive Series 1 E-Type Coupe was finished then just like it appears today, with the exterior painted in Opalescent Silver Blue, neatly complemented by a dark blue interior trimmed with light blue piping. The new E-Type had been ordered by Jaguar Cars of New York, but as noted on the car's Heritage Trust Certificate, it was slated for Personal Export Delivery at the factory. Fitted with UK registration number '3246 WK', it was dispatched from the works to the first owner, Mr. Stanley Coolidge, on September 28, 1962.
Mr. Coolidge, a resident of North Hollywood, California, USA, would set out for quite a journey in his new Jaguar on that September day in 1962. Starting out from the Cumberland Hotel in London, he embarked on a continental tour of northern and southern Europe, ending up in Portugal where the car received its first service. From there Mr. Coolidge would ship the Jaguar back to his home in California.
It remains unclear for exactly how long Mr. Coolidge kept the car, but it is believed to have remained in California for many years. In 2005, the E-Type was discovered in a San Joaquin County, California barn by well-known enthusiast Dick McClure, who subsequently purchased it. Although in need of a restoration, the old Jaguar showed less than 17,000 miles on the odometer, and was largely original and complete, still with the old factory installed UK plates present. In fact, it's believed that the car had never been registered for road use in the US up to this point in time. McClure was initially intending to restore the car for himself, but instead sold it to his old Mille Miglia companion Charles Cross.
Mr. Cross soon embarked on a restoration to bring the car back to its factory delivered appearance. A group of Berkeley-area specialists were appointed for the job. Alan George did the paintwork, Jim Groom the mechanicals, and retired Jaguar factory technician, Richard Mason, came over to help with final assembly. Upon completion, the stunning Jaguar was shown at the 2007 edition of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and was the following year displayed under Jaguar North America's banner at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In 2010, Jaguar World featured the E-Type in an extensive article, describing the car's exciting history.
As noted on the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, the E-Type took part in the 50th Anniversary run from Coventry to Geneva in March 2011. Before the rally, it was prepared in Jaguar's factory workshops there at Browns Lane where it was built half a century earlier.
Today, this exceptional early E-Type Coupe presents beautifully in and out, shows less than 24,000 miles on the odometer, and has recently been serviced at Symbolic Motorcars. The car's extensive history file includes its Heritage Trust Certificate, a booklet and binder documenting the car with pre-restoration photos, restoration photos and the magazine article. An early iteration of the most pure and attractive E-Type Series 1 Coupe such as this will always receive attention, deservedly, and this car's exciting history and early UK registration set it apart from the rest.
Without reserve