*One of the very last examples of the extremely desirable
1st series external bonnet lock E-types
* Delivered new to Belgium
*Matching numbers
*Continuous Belgian history from new, long term private ownership

'Here we have one of the quietest and most flexible cars on the market, capable of whispering along in top gear at 10mph or leaping into its 150mph stride on the brief depression of a pedal. A practical touring car, this, with its wide doors and capacious luggage space, yet it has a sheer beauty of line which easily beats the Italians at their own particular game.'

There have been few better summaries of the Jaguar E-Type's manifest virtues than John Bolster's, penned for Autosport shortly after the car's debut in 1961. Introduced in 3.8-litre form, the E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type: a monocoque tub forming the main structure, while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. An optimistic 265bhp was claimed, but whatever the installed horsepower, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 500lb (227kg) 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. Taller drivers though, could find the interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor, modifications) early in 1962. 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 February 1962 which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable.

This left-hand drive 'flat floor' roadster was sold new by the Belgian Motor Company in Brussels on 30th August 1961 to its first owner, Mr Ado Blaton, father-in-law of Le Mans-winning racing driver Jacky Ickx. The Blaton family has always been dedicated motoring enthusiasts and connoisseurs of great cars. This is definitely one of them. The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms matching chassis and engine numbers and states that the original colour scheme was Opalescent Silver Grey with red interior and black hood.

'875353' is one of the very few of these early E-Types delivered new in Belgium and is believed never to have left the country. It is also one of the very last examples built with the original external bonnet latch. Currently in the hands of its fourth owner, the car has enjoyed long term private ownership and comes with full Belgian history.

After it belonged to Ado Blaton the car passed into the ownership of Mr Willy Swaelens, who was the secretary of the Belgian Jaguar Drivers' Club. Called up for service in the army in 1976 he decided to sell the car, which passed to the next enthusiastic owner who kept it in West Flanders for another 35 years.

Mechanically updated at the beginning of the 1980s by Garage Leon Crop in Brussels, this E-Type participated in the 'Rally Coupe des Alpes' in 1988 where on a 'Course de Côte' special stage it set the fastest time, beating the E-Type of many-times French Rally Champion and Tour de France winner, Bernard Consten. Mr Christian Piette, a personal friend of the then owner who has known this car since the 1970s, has confirmed this to Bonhams.

After some 35 years with its third custodian, the car changed hands again, passing to the current (fourth) Belgian owner in March 2011. By this time the E-Type was clearly in need of renovation, and an extensive restoration was duly undertaken in 2012. Works carried out include a full body restoration; repaint in Gunmetal Grey; complete interior re-trim; and a full overhaul of the engine and mechanicals. The rebuild consumed over 1,000 man-hours. Upgrades include improved brakes, electronic ignition and a more attractive Burgundy soft-top that matches the interior better than the black original. More recently, in June 2015, the engine was serviced by L'Atelier des Coteaux at a cost of €8,400.

The current owner has much enjoyed his E-Type's consummate touring capabilities, driving it to the South of France and on many other trips. In total, some 10,000 pleasurable kilometres have been covered since the restoration. The car is offered with Belgian registration papers, restoration photographs, the aforementioned Jaguar Heritage Certificate and its original Philips radio, which has now been restored. With its full Belgian history from new, wonderful restored condition and stunning colour scheme, '875353' has to be one of the very best of these desirable 'flat floor' E-Types currently available.