The launch of the Jaguar E-Type at the Geneva Motor Show in May 1961 is legendary. Factory driver Norman Dewis delivered a brand-new coupe 610 miles overnight from London to Switzerland for the opening. The car was a sensation, so another was shipped over for display, as Dewis gave non-stop rides to the press.

The E-Type’s technology was cutting edge. The car had four-wheel independent suspension, steering was rack-and-pinion, and brakes were four-wheel Dunlop discs. The body had a central tub, with boxed sills and cross braces. In front, a tube sub-frame bolted to the firewall carried the engine and located the front suspension. The bonnet tipped forward for unparalleled engine access. Powered by the 265–brake horsepower, three-carburetor engine from the 3.8-Litre XK 150 S, the E-Type was good for 150 mph, due in part to the superior aerodynamics, which also made the cars quiet at speed.

The 1962 E-Type Roadster on offer is certainly one of the finest available. It was sold new through Jaguar Cars New York on June 25, 1962, to an H. Cadwell and was finished in Cream with a black interior and matching top. It was later acquired by the current consignor, believed to be just the fourth owner, in 1982, and he has owned the car for an incredible 33 years! A Jaguar Club of North America judge for 45 years, he has been heavily involved with restoring Jaguars. In the course of restoring his own cars throughout his career, the consignor has won four JCNA National 1st Awards for a 1938 SS 100, 1952 XK 120, 1960 Mk IX, and 1992 XJS, as well as two JCNA National 2nd place prizes for his 1934 SS and 1960 XK 150 S.

At 79,751 original miles, the E-Type on offer received a bare-metal rotisserie restoration and has been prepared as a National 1st Award challenger. It has covered barely 10 miles since the fully documented restoration, when every part was meticulously disassembled and either rebuilt or replaced. The drivetrain was rebuilt, along with the brakes, suspension, and all the electrics, including wiring harness, gauges, relays, motors, and a sophisticated and undetectable generator/alternator.

The car is finished in glistening black paint, with laser-straight fenders and doors and precise panel fit. The crimson leather interior has matching red carpet, under-laid with insulated Koolmat insulation throughout, and all rubber seals are new. A period-correct Blaupunkt AM/FM stereo is fitted, and the car is crowned with a black soft top, boot, and factory black hardtop. The chrome wire wheels are new, as are the redline tires. Also included is a set of red leather fitted luggage for weekend getaways.

The consignor impresses that this car is correct to the smallest details that would be noticed by expert judges. These include all the factory stickers for the air cleaner, brake booster, and other accessories. The car is accompanied by a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, owner’s manual, factory toolkit and grease gun, jack with storage bag, knockoff hammer, and an extensive file of receipts and documentation.

However much pleasure the next owner will derive from driving this superb roadster, their first destination is certain to be the rolling green lawns of exclusive concours d’elegance, at which this car will be applauded.