Jaguar E-Type Roadster 3.8 Series 1 - 1962
Bonhams : the Zoute Sale
Estimated : € 140.000 - 180.000
Sold for € 155.250
Zoute Grand Prix 2018
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2018
Conceived and developed as an open sports car, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in Coupé form. The car caused a sensation - spontaneous applause breaking out at the unveiling - with its instantly classic lines and a 150mph top speed. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the Le Mans-winning D-Type sports-racer, a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. Its engine aside, only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable four-speed Moss gearbox it retained.
With a claimed 265bhp available, E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. Taller drivers though, could find the interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor modifications) early in 1962. Today, the E-Types graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time. Indeed, even Enzo Ferrari felt obliged to concede that the E-type was 'the most beautiful car ever made'.
Representing the Jaguar E-Type in its earliest, purest, and most sought-after form, this 3.8-litre 'Series 1' was imported by Jaguar's French distributor, Paris-based Ets F Delecroix on 30th August 1962. On 19th September 1962 the car was delivered to its first owner, who would keep it for seven years. It was then purchased by a Mr Carillon of Givros, France.
On 28th June 1985, the E-Type was bought by Mr Michel Hassoun, who kept the car in the South of France. Ownership was transferred to Madame Aline Hassoun on 27th July 1993. The current owner purchased the car on 5th November 2015 at which time the odometer reading was around 60,000 kilometres.
In France until 2015 and since then in Belgium, this fully matching numbers E-Type has always been kept in original condition, and even retains its original radio and electric antenna. In maintaining the car, the current owner has prioritised mechanical reliability, as he wanted to drive it without having to worry. Carried out by Retro Cars, a Belgian Jaguar specialist, refurbishment has included a complete engine overhaul in the course of which high-compression (9.0:1) pistons were fitted; the crankshaft, flywheel, and other rotating components dynamically balanced; the carburettors completely overhauled; 123 electronic ignition fitted; new ignition system and alternator fitted; and an aluminium radiator and Kenlowe electric cooling fan installed. Other works included overhauling the Moss gearbox and fitting a new clutch; overhauling the differential with new bearings; new brake discs front and rear; new brake master cylinder and new pistons front and rear: overhauling the steering rack; and fitting six new gas shock absorbers, adjustable for compression and rebound damping. Other noteworthy features include all new hoses; a stainless steel exhaust system; complete new electrical wiring loom and fuse box; a new convertible hood; and re-upholstered seats. Apart from the seats, the interior remains original.
Invoices totalling more than €50,000 on file together with a photographic record of the mechanical rebuild showing that high quality parts were used exclusively. This exceptional E-Type also comes complete with tool kit, jack, instruction manual, JDHT Certificate, Belgian Carte Grise, and a 12-page Rapport d'Expertise from the Bureau d'Expertises en Automobile, Doucy.
Jaguar E-Type Roadster 3.8 Series 1 - 1962
Bonhams : the Zoute Sale
Estimated : € 140.000 - 180.000
Sold for € 155.250
Zoute Grand Prix 2018
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2018
Conceived and developed as an open sports car, the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the Geneva Salon in March 1961 in Coupé form. The car caused a sensation - spontaneous applause breaking out at the unveiling - with its instantly classic lines and a 150mph top speed. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the Le Mans-winning D-Type sports-racer, a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. Its engine aside, only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable four-speed Moss gearbox it retained.
With a claimed 265bhp available, E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. Taller drivers though, could find the interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor modifications) early in 1962. Today, the E-Types graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time. Indeed, even Enzo Ferrari felt obliged to concede that the E-type was 'the most beautiful car ever made'.
Representing the Jaguar E-Type in its earliest, purest, and most sought-after form, this 3.8-litre 'Series 1' was imported by Jaguar's French distributor, Paris-based Ets F Delecroix on 30th August 1962. On 19th September 1962 the car was delivered to its first owner, who would keep it for seven years. It was then purchased by a Mr Carillon of Givros, France.
On 28th June 1985, the E-Type was bought by Mr Michel Hassoun, who kept the car in the South of France. Ownership was transferred to Madame Aline Hassoun on 27th July 1993. The current owner purchased the car on 5th November 2015 at which time the odometer reading was around 60,000 kilometres.
In France until 2015 and since then in Belgium, this fully matching numbers E-Type has always been kept in original condition, and even retains its original radio and electric antenna. In maintaining the car, the current owner has prioritised mechanical reliability, as he wanted to drive it without having to worry. Carried out by Retro Cars, a Belgian Jaguar specialist, refurbishment has included a complete engine overhaul in the course of which high-compression (9.0:1) pistons were fitted; the crankshaft, flywheel, and other rotating components dynamically balanced; the carburettors completely overhauled; 123 electronic ignition fitted; new ignition system and alternator fitted; and an aluminium radiator and Kenlowe electric cooling fan installed. Other works included overhauling the Moss gearbox and fitting a new clutch; overhauling the differential with new bearings; new brake discs front and rear; new brake master cylinder and new pistons front and rear: overhauling the steering rack; and fitting six new gas shock absorbers, adjustable for compression and rebound damping. Other noteworthy features include all new hoses; a stainless steel exhaust system; complete new electrical wiring loom and fuse box; a new convertible hood; and re-upholstered seats. Apart from the seats, the interior remains original.
Invoices totalling more than €50,000 on file together with a photographic record of the mechanical rebuild showing that high quality parts were used exclusively. This exceptional E-Type also comes complete with tool kit, jack, instruction manual, JDHT Certificate, Belgian Carte Grise, and a 12-page Rapport d'Expertise from the Bureau d'Expertises en Automobile, Doucy.