1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster

Car number 246 represents the first generation of the 3.8-liter powered, open two seater, Jaguar XKE roadster family. It boasts a 265 horsepower dual overhead cam engine outfitted with a 160 mile-per-hour high speed rear end. Simply revolutionary for its day when introduced in Geneva, Switzerland in March, 1961. Three carburetors ensure racing performance torque and flexibility. Independent rear suspension gives excellent road-holding and ride which set the standard for sports car comfort.

This car was purchased in February of 1963 by Leonard B. Iffla, and served as the 'daily driver' for over 25 years. It was manufactured on July 18, 1961, and dispatched to San Francisco, CA via New York to its first owner on July 26, 1961, where it resided until November, 2001. It is believed that the original engine yielded a stagger 300,000+ miles of service. This particular rare model features the 'outside bonnet latch' hood mechanism, 'flat bottom floors,' and 'welded louvers.'

During the XKE 14-year production reign, only 500 total bonnet latch cars were produced. Of those, 385 were left-hand drive roadsters, 20 left hand drive coupes, 91 right hand drive roadsters, and 4 right-hand drive coupes. This particular early model encountered only two design modifications being the introduction of a detachable hard top mounting assembly and plastic license plate holder. All original housings and engine numbers match on this vehicle.