Jaguar’s E-Type debuted to universal applause at the March 1961 Geneva Motor Show, but further development continued, and for the 1965 model, the gearbox was given full synchros and the seat backs were made adjustable. A new brake booster was also adopted, and the engine was enlarged to 4.2 liters, resulting in greater torque, which made for better tractability in everyday driving.

The car retained its pure form, with no external changes being made, but it was now more comfortable and responsive on the road. Road & Track enthused that it was “possible to drive at 15 mph in fourth gear without jerking or back-lashing,” all the while achieving up to 21 miles per gallon. But for many, its greatest asset was that it looked the part and that still nothing else looked like it. Whether labeled E-Type or XK-E, as it was sold in the United States, it made a statement about its owner and conferred “coolness” to all who rode in it.

Not long afterwards, the onslaught of safety and emissions regulations began having their way with the E-Type, resulting in the alteration of both its appearance and its performance. For this reason, these Series 1 cars, built from 1961 into 1967, are most highly prized.

The beautiful Series 1 Roadster offered here was one of Orin Smith’s favorite automobiles to drive in his collection. Finished in the classic color combination of British Racing Green with a biscuit interior, and with chrome wire wheels, it is the epitome of the modern British sports roadster of the ’60s. Further, it retains the correct chassis number stamping on the frame, and the stampings on both the block and head both match. Appropriate to an automobile that Mr. Smith loved and enjoyed driving with enthusiasm, the interior shows light wear, while the paint remains in thoroughly excellent shape throughout, with light marring visible only on the upper edge of the deck lid. The dashboard contains a Becker Europa radio and clear, fine original gauges, with the odometer noted at 58,082 miles, a figure believed original.

Offered with a reproduction owner’s handbook and a collection of invoices from Mr. Smith’s ownership, this E-Type is ready for enthusiastic use, just as it has seen on the roads of Vero Beach for the past several years.