The 1961 Geneva Motor Show marked a landmark moment in automotive history, as Jaguar proved that it still had some of the best designers in the industry and could indeed improve upon the breathtaking XK120 and its successors with a completely new car. The E-Type instantly stole the hearts of everyone at the show, and it was no surprise to Jaguar’s dealers that they could hardly keep them in stock. This, coupled with a new independent rear suspension, a top speed of 150 mph, and other improvements from lessons learned from the D-Type in racing, made the E-Type just as wonderful to drive as it was to look at.

The E-Type was introduced in 1965 and was originally offered with Jaguar’s venerable 3.8-liter straight-six and 4.2-liter powerplant, which was carried through from the XK150 S. Even though the 4.2-liter engine offered the same amount of horsepower as the 3.8, its torque was increased, allowing for better tractability in every-day driving. Other minor changes were also introduced at the same time, including a fully synchronized gearbox, a new brake booster, and adjustable seatbacks. The exterior remained unchanged, however. The updated E-Type was indeed the car that Enzo Ferrari had called “the most beautiful car ever made.”

The car shown here is probably one of the best original, unrestored Series 1 E-Types remaining. It is still finished in its original paint, including the paint on the hardtop, and its original black interior. The car remains in what the owner describes as “preservation condition,” with only a few minor, age-related scars of patina but no accident damage, and it has never been apart. The mileage is an amazingly low 23,086.

Included with the sale of the car is an extensive book of original documentation, which features the invoice to its original owners, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Nelson, from British Motor Car Distributors of Portland, Oregon, which is dated August 30, 1966. The invoice notes, mistakenly, its original color as White, when it was actually Pale Primrose, as white was not an color option at the time. The invoice also states that the car had a black interior, black hardtop, an AM radio, chrome wire wheels, and tinted glass, all of which are still happily present on the car. Also included on file is a map of Europe, showing where the Nelsons drove this car on their honeymoon before returning it to Oregon. The head and block numbers are matching, proving that the car is still equipped with its original engine, gearbox, and body, as well as all of its original paintwork. All books and tools are, of course, included. A Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate has been applied for to accompany the history binder in time for the sale.

For the owner who desires not a 100-point concours queen but a wonderfully preserved original and unrestored E-Type with factory workers’ fingerprints still on it, this is an unbeatable opportunity to acquire one of the best.