William Lyons had a keen eye for style and distinguished taste, but he was not a trained engineer. While he had personally drafted designs for all previous Jaguar models, recognizing the significance of the E-Type, he enlisted the expertise of Malcolm Sayer, a brilliant mathematician and aerodynamicist who had formal training as an engineer, along with a passion for automobiles. Under the direction of Lyons, Sayer shaped the body of the XKE and created what many consider the most beautiful automotive design ever.

Taking what it had learned on the track with the D-Type and applying it to its new model, Jaguar’s new E-Type featured a monocoque passenger compartment and tail section, a tube-framed engine bay, and a tilting bonnet. With its well-appointed interior, civilized 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and three carburetors, a compliant suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, the E-Type was an ideal two-place sports car. The XKE has looks to die for, with sweeping lines and an aggressive, yet undeniable sensual stance. This model is a perfect example of how motor racing can improve the breed of a car – for without Jaguar racing the C-Type and the D-Type, there surely would have been no E-Type. And what a pity that would have been to the development of the grand touring car.

This is a stunning, limited ownership 1961 Jaguar XKE Series I 3.8 open two-seater with its correct drivetrain. It also happens to be an early example with flat floors and welded bonnet louvers. It bears all the special nuances associated with the first year Jaguar built their E-Type. It had undergone a comprehensive restoration to a show/driver level and, in a recent Jaguar concours, this beauty achieved a score of 97 points out of 100. It includes the recent JCNA score sheets.

It was recently given a full service, and it has been always extremely well-cared-for and stored in a climate controlled environment. This Jag is dressed in Carmen Red with a red leather interior, sports a biscuit canvas top, and comes with the original radio blanking plate. It also includes photos of the restoration and the car in bare metal, plus the owner’s manual as well. During the restoration process, it was completely disassembled, the body was fitted and painted, and then wet sanded and buffed. It benefitted from new parts being installed, and the good serviceable parts being restored. All brightwork has been refurbished as needed; all mechanical, fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems were gone through, the rear end was rebuilt and calibrated, the instruments were rebuilt, and the electrical system was gone through. With gorgeous chrome wire wheels and knock-offs, this exciting machine also displays the desirable covered headlights and fine detailing throughout. This represents very early iconic E-Type Roadster that comes complete with a letter from Coventry regarding its build information and verifying its mechanical integrity.

Just in time for this year’s show season, you can own a car that is ready to be shown, admired and readily able to compete. Or, you can just take it out on those coastal roads you have had your eye on. The Series I E-Types are great investment grade cars as a whole, and an early flat floor with welded louvers is especially collectible and rare.