Jaguar E-Type 1963 Series 1 3.8 Roadster

This is quite simply one of the best original examples we've seen.

Built late in 1963 this Jaguar E-Type is an original California 'black plate' car, having been delivered when new to a lady in the affluent area of Atherton. Pampered, used sparingly and always garaged to protect it from being bleached by the sun, the E-Type was acquired by its second Californian owner in 1971. Appreciating its outstanding condition and low mileage, the second owner continued to keep the E-Type in the same fashion: used often but not excessively, well maintained and always garaged.

The third and most recent owner, a self confessed E-Type addict and long-time friend and client of Eagle, acquired the car in 2018 and upon importing it to the UK was astounded at just how great this example was. Having bought it effectively blind, he expected that its quoted originality would have been exaggerated or embellished. In fact this car retains its all original trim, original paint, matching numbers engine & gearbox, original factory-scribed chalk markings in the boot and on the original soft top cover, factory hard top, books, tools and jack. It really is an exceptional example.

While this car unquestionably would fall into the highly coveted 'preservation' class at concours d'elegance, it should not be confused with the usually neglected museum pieces that are hardly ever driven. Once serviced, tuned and with the carburettors rebuilt, the third owner has since covered over 1,600 miles in the car without issue and our road testing confirms that it drives beautifully.

Today the odometer reads just 47,728 miles, which is supported by the history file & condition of the car, and we are confident that this is the mileage from new.

Inclusive of this sale would be our comprehensive Eagle 6-year service and there would of course be the opportunity to incorporate some of our reliability upgrades if desired, although this example could be enjoyed just as it is and in time for the 60th Anniversary of the E-Type in 2021.