1962 Jaguar E Type S1 3.8 Roadster - LHD

Mark & Model: Jaguar E Type S1 3.8 Roadster - LHD

Year: 1962

Registration plate: Jersey registered

Chassis Number: 878580

Engine Number: R-8754-9

Engine Capacity: 3.8 litre

Transmission: 4-speed Manual

Mileage:

Body style: 2-door Convertible

Interior color: Beige leather

Exterior color: Opalescent Dark Green

Seating capacity: 2

Wheels and Tyres: Chrome wire wheels

Overall Comments

A very desirable and collectible classic Jaguar sports car – fewer than 8,000 Series 1, 3.8 litre Roadsters were built. This car has fantastic classic looks whilst being very usable. There is a Jaguar Heritage Certificate to confirm the E Type’s origin; a small amount of US service etc. invoice history and full detail of the restoration works carried out between 2014 and 2016. The car is currently Jersey registered and, whilst not included in the asking price, the 4-digit registration number is available for purchase separately. If required, we can assist with international shipping and importation processes.

History

On its introduction in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type was swiftly recognized as an outstanding design, boasting both stylish looks and excellent engineering. It has since been acclaimed as an icon of the motoring world and remains one of the most widely recognized and highly regarded classic cars on the planet.

The first cars, which subsequently became known as Series 1 vehicles, were available as either a 2-seat Fixed Head

Coupé

or an Open 2-seater (‘Roadster’) model, powered by the 6-cylinder, 3.8 litre XK engine from the outgoing Jaguar XK150. In 1964 the engine size was increased to 4.2 litres and in 1966 a longer-wheelbase 2+2 Coupé model was introduced, together with an automatic transmission option.

The Series 2 models were released in 1968, largely in response to vehicle legislation in the USA, requiring a number of safety-related changes which altered the appearance of the car. Revised bumpers, grille and lighting arrangements mostly, but the update also included power steering and air conditioning options. The Series 3 models appeared in 1971 introducing further, more radical alterations and a new V12 powerplant.

The early Series 1 Roadster model offered here was built in November 1962 and as such, has the useful recessed footwells added earlier that year but retains the aluminium dashboard and transmission tunnel of the very first models. Destined for the export market, the left hand drive car was shipped to Jaguar Cars, New York and found its first owner in California in early 1963. Seemingly, it changed hands quite soon afterwards, a new owner taking over in November 1963 (we have a photo of the appropriate ‘pink slip’). The car remained in the same hands for several decades, until sold via a California dealer and repatriated to the UK in 2014.

The new Jersey-based owner embarked on a full professional vehicle recommission/renovation at considerable cost between June 2014 and February 2016, to produce the stunning looking E Type now pictured. The car has been very well cared for subsequently with limited use – less than a further 5,000 miles have been added.

Body

Sundry metal/body repairs having been completed, a repaint in the original Opalescent Dark Green colour was undertaken which is splendidly offset by the original specification French Grey folding roof. Re-chroming work was completed where required and the traditional sporting looks complimented by a set of chrome wire wheels. Out of sight, the underside of the Jaguar is solid and very clean. The engine bay is equally tidy and clean.

Mechanical

As part of the restoration work completed, all aspects of the power-train received attention: • a full engine rebuild (including replacement cylinder head) • gearbox rebuild • rear axle rebuild • carburettor restoration • stainless steel sports exhaust manifold • electronic distributor Mild suspension upgrades were completed with Koni shocks fitted at the front and most recently (2025) a full stainless steel exhaust system has been added. The E Type runs and drives faultlessly.

Interior

As with the bodywork, the interior has received attention to all elements to ensure a first-class finish. The beige leather trim, carpeting (including the boot) and roof lining all remain in excellent condition. The dash is complete, fully functional and a modernized period Motorola unit with Bluetooth functionality has been added.

Asking Price

£ 135,000