1961 Jaguar E Type Series 1 3.8 Roadster Flat Floor

The earliest E Type production models are, inevitably perhaps, the most desired being widely described as the “flat floor” models. This refers to the cars built before Jaguar added recessed footwells to better accommodate taller drivers. Whilst there is some minor variation in opinion, the flat floor cars are widely agreed to reside in the chassis number range of 850001 to 850943 (for right hand drive OTS models.) Whilst this car is a "flat floor" it has had a recessed footwell on the drivers side added.

This fine example’s chassis number of 850112 confirms it to be an original flat floor car as well as a right hand drive, UK specified OTS model with a manufacture date of September 1961. The car originally, and unusually, featured a Carmen Red livery and red upholstery. The car made its way to dealers Rossleigh Ltd of Newcastle Upon Tyne who, in turn, supplied the car to its first keeper. A number of subsequent owners came and went before an extended period of family ownership commenced in 1992.

The previous keeper acquired the E Type in July 1992 from a local specialist dealer. By this point the Jaguar had been fully restored and carried a £31,000 price tag. The red interior had also been retrimmed in more conventional black leather. Between 1992 and 2006 the Jaguar was regularly MoT’d but hardly used with 1993’s MoT documenting a shade under 71,500 miles. With today’s indicated total standing at just 72,234 it is clear that this E Type has enjoyed an extended period of virtual hibernation. Between 2006 and 2019 the E Type was taken off the road and stored. In 2019 the car’s ownership passed to the previous keeper’s wife when he passed away. In 2022 the Jaguar was offered for auction straight from storage and was acquired by the current trade seller at that point. 

Given the Jaguar’s lack of use in recent years over £13,000 has since been spent with Moss Jaguar fully recommissioning this remarkable E Type ready for use, though all original parts have been retained in boxes.

As our vendor happily tells us "In short it’s a E Type that you can really use, and go on long comfortable runs with. The touring upgrades make a huge difference to the drive quality, ride quality and general experience, and so she will cruise happily on the motorway at 70 mph at only 2700 rpm."

The Series 1 E Types perhaps showcase Sayer’s craft in its purist form. As an aerodynamicist who honed his craft on Bristol aircraft during World War II, of course he included Perspex faired in headlamps and of course the E Type was safe and stable right up to its 150mph top speed. What’s more, there’s not a spoiler or diffuser in sight. What is in sight, however, is the bright and vibrant Carmen Red livery which is thought to date from the early 1990’s restoration and still looks amazing.

The combination of the sheen of the bright and lustrous paintwork, the shiny chrome bumpers, overriders, door furniture and grill meld to give this car road presence and head-turning period appeal by the absolute bucket-load. A particular highlight are the twin chromed silencers and tailpipes which follow the lines of the tapered tail to exit just below the rear numberplate. The cross-spoked wire wheels are also chrome finished and appear to be in excellent condition all round with no significant areas of imperfection noted. The Jaguar inscribed twin eared spinners, likewise. The 15-inch wheels are shod with a matching set of retro looking radial type tyres in a period-correct 185/80 configuration.

The E Type is fitted with a black fabric hood in keeping with its original factory specification. This hood looks much newer than that, however, appearing free from imperfections with even the big acetate rear window remaining clear and free from obscuring fold lines.
 

The Jaguar’s cabin, now finished in black, features the correct Series I slim profile, arched back bucket seats which bring to mind those of World War II bombers and, perhaps, influenced by Sayer’s experience at Bristol. Likewise the toggle switchgear mounted on the machine turned centre alloy panel. These are accompanied by four auxiliary Smiths white on black gauges. These augment the large speedometer and tachometer which are situated dead ahead of the lucky driver. A wooden rimmed, alloy spoked steering wheel is also present complete with the signature chequered flag boss. 

Those compact bucket seats are dressed in supple black leather with generously padded extremities aiding both comfort and lateral support. The black carpets are edge bound for durability and the seat backs fold forward to provide access to a black vinyl trimmed luggage shelf. The door cards are finished in matching black leather and feature horizontally arranged, chromed trim strips and door furniture. The high and wide inner sill panels are trimmed in leather to match the rest of the interior. 

The hood lining is courtesy of a beige flocked fabric and appears admirably clean and free from marks or stains. Sturdy and original looking chromed fittings are present to securely fasten the hood’s leading edge against the windscreen frame. The surprisingly commodious boot is fitted with a beige carpet mat, and a spare wire wheel and tyre is housed beneath the floor panel. A bagged jack and accompanying tools are also present as are numerous spare parts.
 

The E Type would initially inherit the 3.8-litre Jaguar XK engine which had previously seen service in the XK150. The straight six DOHC unit was fitted with a triple SU carburettor set up with Jaguar originally quoting power at 265 bhp gross and 240 Ib-ft of torque. This car has 1962 stamp on the block, so it was changed 63 years ago, but the seller believes the top is original. 

A four speed manual transmission feeds power to the rear wheels. In 1961 this combination delivered almost unimaginable levels of performance with a top speed approaching 150mph and a 0-60mph time of around 7 seconds. The mechanical condition of this E Type is underscored by the fact that it was driven for over two hours to our Oxfordshire HQ. It is also reported to boast upgraded brakes, cooling system, speed sensitive power steering, ignition system, alternator as well as clutch and slave cylinder upgrade, new brakes and tyres. All for added usability and comfort for those longer distance runs.

Lifting the curvy clam-shell bonnet reveals that iconic XK engine. As engines go, it’s not a bad looker, either. Access is peerless, thanks to the wings and bonnet being a single entity. Plenty of polished alloy is in evidence together with the aforementioned row of triple SU carburettors mounted to the offside. The inner panels of the car and underside of the bonnet look as you would expect with no areas of concern noted or reported. All expected data plates appear present and correct. The underside of the car looks very impressive indeed with everything here looking very clean, well painted, deformation and leak free.

There is a small but instructive archive of paperwork accompanying this Series I E Type. Foremost amongst these is the current V5 registration document in the name of the owner. This confirms the car’s Historic Vehicle status and its associated MoT exemption and VED zero rating in the UK. Despite this the Jaguar holds an advisory free MoT which is valid until April 2026. A number of earlier MoT hard copies are also present.

A vehicle information sheet provided by Jaguar Cars in 1992 is here providing an extract of the factory build records. Other highlights include the original buff logbook, some original sales invoices from the early 1990’s and a 2001 copy of the E Type Register directory.
 

The Series I E Type was built in significantly higher numbers than the subsequent two series but is also generally the most sought after. It is especially the early cars and their flat floors that connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike admire and desire more than any others.

This example obviously ticks that box but then doubles down thanks to its superb condition inside and out and recent, professional recommissioning. If you are lucky enough to become the next owner of this Series I, flat floor OTS we are confident that it will be a purchase that satisfies both head and heart in equal measure.

We are happy to offer this car with a BUY IT NOW price of £80,000 which includes the buyers premium.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.