1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster

The Jaguar E-Type sports car made its debut at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show where the company proved to the world once again that they could build an incredible performance car with equally impressive appearance. Even Enzo Ferrari agreed, remarking that it was the best-looking car ever made.

The Jaguar E-Type was intended as the next generation replacement to Jaguar's Xk120-150 series of sports cars. The E-Type employed many lessons learned over the years, including those in the heat of competition with the D-Type sports racer. Power was from Jaguar's 3.8-liter, straight six-cylinder engine which was first used in the XK150S the year before. The engine was rated at 265 horsepower and gave the E-Type a top speed of 150 mph. The E-Type was equipped with modern independent rear suspension giving the car precise handling, grip, and comfort.

This Jaguar E-Type is an early production example that was built on September 6th of 1961 and was sold new to R.E. Semnis, of Memphis, Tennessee, on October 30th of 1961. The car remained in Mr. Semnis care for the next 28 years. In 1989, it was sold to C. Messiner, of West Palm Beach, Florida.

The car was given a restoration sometime in the 1990s or 2000s. It is finished in black with a red leather interior. The car has covered a mere 2,700 miles since the restoration work was completed.

Powering this E-Type Series 1 is a dual overhead cam inline six-cylinder engine with triple SU carburetors and offering 265 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014