Beschreibung:

3,781cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine 3 SU Carburetors 265bhp at 5,500rpm 4-Speed Manual Transmission 4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Disc Brakes *Beautifully preserved Series I E-Type *Less than 23,000 miles covered from new *Stunning color combination of black over red leather *Well-kept example in running order *Offered with Heritage Certificate THE JAGUAR E-TYPE In 1958, Jaguar technical director William Heynes and designer Malcolm Sayer convinced their boss, Sir William Lyons, that a new production sports model was needed. Thus was born the E-Type, one of Jaguar's longest-running and most revered models. Actually, the E-Type already existed as a concept. Developed from the racing D-Type in 1956, it had been put aside when Lyons abruptly canceled the competition program. Dusting off the prototype, an aluminum-bodied roadster with 3.4-liter XK engine and independent front and rear suspension, Heynes and Sayer reengineered it for steel, and a 3.8-liter engine as used in the Mk IX saloon. The engine and transmission aside, the production E-Type was all new. It combined a multi-tube front chassis with a monocoque center section. Front suspension was similar to the XK 150's wishbones and torsion bars, but the rear was revolutionary. Comprising transverse lower links and fixed-length driveshafts, its wheels were suspended on coil spring-shock absorber units, two to a side. The differential was mounted to a hefty steel crossmember and hosted inboard disk brakes. Anti-roll bars were installed front and rear. At 2,520 pounds, it was 500 pounds lighter than the XK 150 and more powerful to boot. The 3.8-liter twin cam engine was fed through three SU side draft carbs and developed 265bhp. A top speed of 150mph was easily achieved with the standard 3.31 to 1 gearing, and some speculated that optional taller gears would be good for more. In its day, the E-Type was bested only by Ferraris and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Its debut came at the March 1961 Geneva Motor Show, to universal applause and plaudits from the pundits. From the start there were two models, a soft top with roll-up windows, called "roadster," and a fixed-head coupe. At $5,595 for the roadster and $300 more for the coupe it was more than twice the price of an MGA but also twice the car. On the other hand, its sticker was barely half that of a 300SL. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED Offered here is an incredibly well-preserved, time capsule Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Roadster. Presented in a rarely seen color combination from new, this car was completed in black over red leather interior. Well kept under long term ownership, the red leather interior has stood the test of time and proudly wears nearly 60 years of patina, as does the exterior paint which is mostly original to the car, making the car a great candidate for preservation class. All chrome and interior accessories show very little wear or oxidation, consistent with claims of secure storage its entire life. Having covered fewer than 23,000 miles from new, this E-Type is numbers matching, as confirmed in the Jaguar heritage certificate, but also seen on the date plate with matching chassis and engine numbers. Mechanically, the car is in very original condition, being maintained in running order. Under the bonnet you'll also see signs of 60 years of meticulous maintenance, giving this car personality that can't be seen in a restored example. In the rear of the car, the tan carpeting is a lovely contrast to the black body and the car retains a spare tire. This open two-seater roadster, being an early first-generation E Type with covered headlights and dainty tail lights, is considered by many to be the definitive example of the model. In order to keep torsional rigidity in the roadster, design elements needed to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Details like this can be seen in areas like the boot lid, which is a gently curved panel with edges turned over a cruciform pressing, which leave the car with a plea