After Jaguar’s utter dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans throughout the 1950s, the engineers at Coventry were tasked with developing a production version of their champion racecars. The new model would borrow heavily from the venerated D-Type, winner of Le Mans a stunning three consecutive times, 1955–1957.

The engineers would also keep the D-Type’s monocoque construction. Revolutionary in its day, the aeronautically inspired design consisted of a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension, and steering assembly, bolted directly to the body tub. This new design not only significantly lightened the car, but also lowered its center of gravity for excellent cornering. The rear suspension was now fully independent, using jointed axles as upper links and tubular lower links, with twin coil springs and shocks on each side.

Manufactured 7 September 1961 and dispatched to a distributor in Frankfurt, Germany on 27 September 1961, this car was reportedly sold new to an Air Force Serviceman stationed in Europe at the time of purchase. As an early-production car, it features flat floor pans, welded bonnet louvers, and high-back seats with an aluminum dash and console. It left the factory finished in Cream with a black soft-top over a black interior.

As confirmed by a copy of its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate and photos of stampings, the car retains its numbers-matching 3.8-liter engine and cylinder head. Circa 2006, the Jaguar received a comprehensive restoration which brought the body down to bare metal for refinishing. Today, it sports a classic British Racing Green paint finish over a traditional tan leather interior, a beautiful combination that is, to many, the quintessential E-Type livery. Nearly two decades after completion of the restoration, this Jaguar continues to present in splendid condition with lustrous brightwork.

A stunning Series 1 E-Type is a hallmark of any serious collection and this early, two-seat roadster, with numbers-matching engine and cylinder head and striking livery, is among the most stunning of its kind to cross the auction block in recent memory.