Beschreibung:

1962 JAGUAR E-TYPE 3.8 SERIES 1 ROADSTER Chassis No. 876739 Engine No. 4000-9 Opalescent silver blue with dark blue leather interior Engine: six cylinder, double overhead camshaft, triple carburetors, 3,781cc, 265bhp at 5,500rpm; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: front, independent, torsion bar, anti-roll bar, rear, independent with lower wishbones, radius arms, coil springs; Brakes: discs all round. Left hand drive. Everything Jaguar had learned about sports cars during its legendary five victories at Le Mans in the 1950s went into the E-Type. Introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 1961, there was little doubt that this beautifully finished and equipped two-seater was one of the fastest cars that could be purchased, and there was the reassurance that all the performance was now matched by sophisticated brakes, handling, and outstanding cornering power. It was an immediate and lasting success and is now regarded as one of the most important designs of a brilliant era. This stunning car is believed to have always resided in California and has just completed a meticulous restoration. It has covered around 100 miles of test driving and is ready for use on the road or concours field. The body was completely disassembled and stripped to bare metal. It was then bolted to a rotary holding fixture where all flaws were corrected prior to a complete repaint (using four different coats) to a factory correct opalescent silver blue. The chassis parts were also plated or powder coated, duplicating the original finishes. Oil finished powder coating was used to eliminate the too-shiny look and create a lasting finish. Meanwhile the underbody and engine compartment can be cleaned to show-quality standards if desired. The attention to authentic detail is apparent throughout. An upgrade to Koni shock absorbers, Vredestein 185xR15 tires (correct for slightly later Jaguars and improved handling) and a modern radio are the only deviations from original equipment. The engine overhaul included new pistons, rings, main and rod bearings. The crankshaft was reground, new exhaust valves fitted, head valves ground, head overhauled, resurfaced and bead blasted. New timing chains were installed, the cam covers polished and the engine balanced. The gearbox was overhauled with new bearings and seals as were the rear suspension and differential. A complete new clutch assembly and balanced flywheel were installed. Hydraulic brake calipers are new or re-sleeved. Even the fuel tank was removed, epoxy coated inside and painted outside. The seat frames and top bows were sandblasted, etch primed and painted the correct color. New foam cushions were fitted and the whole interior was upholstered with dark blue hides of Hardura and moquette as originally specified. External re-chroming was done to show-quality standards and fitted on the best rubber parts that could be found. A full set of tools large and small and an owner's manual accompany this lot. This fully documented restoration was undertaken by Mike Wilson's Restorations whose work has often won top JCNA awards. It also has been much appreciated at Pebble Beach by achieving record prices at previous Christie's auctions. The restorer's art of combining mechanical excellence with meticulous authentic cosmetics creates a 1962 E-type that is better than new. WITHOUT RESERVE