After Jaguar’s utter dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans throughout the 1950s, engineers set about developing a production version of their champion racecars. The new car would borrow heavily from the venerated D-Type—Le Mans winner from 1955–57—including the its 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 lightened the car but also lowered its center of gravity for excellent cornering.

The rear suspension was fully independent, using jointed axles as upper links and tubular lower links, with twin coil springs and shocks on each side. Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes were standard, with the aft rotors being mounted inboard, astride the rear differential. Power came from the race proven Jaguar XK engine displacing 3.8 liters and fed by a trio of SU carburetors.

The jaw-dropping body by decorated aerospace engineer Malcom Sayer featured a stunningly long bonnet, covered headlights, and svelte rear haunches. In short, the car’s looks matched its superlative performance, capable of 0–60 mph in under 7 seconds a 150-mph top speed.

The E-Type stole the show upon its reveal at the 1961 Geneva Auto Salon. To this day, it is one of only a handful of automobiles whose significance has been recognized with a permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

This 1963 example of Jaguar’s automotive masterpiece is being offered for the first time in over five decades. Said to have been the recipient of a full restoration in the late 1990s, it is presented in its factory-correct shade of Carmen Red over black leather upholstery with a black fabric soft-top.

Correct high-back bucket seats are trimmed in black leather from the G.W. Bartlett Company and stitched to exacting original standards with the same materials as used in 1963. A certificate of authenticity from G.W. Bartlett accompanies the sale. The machined aluminum dash holds a wonderful shine and houses the desirable Series 1 toggle switches and Motorola push-button radio, while the three-spoke wood steering wheel completes the well-appointed interior. Jaguar’s brilliant 72-spoke chromed wire wheels are wrapped in wide whitewall tires, just like the 1961 Geneva show car.

The care and attention lavished on this beloved and desirable Series 1 E-Type—replete with Jaguar Heritage Trust production record trace certificate—are clearly evident, and it will surely impress generations to come, just as it has over the previous five decades.